Find out how to pick a path that combines your talents with your passions
Ever feel daunted by all the career options out there? With so many forking roads, how do you pick the right one? Choosing a career is a massive step. After all, your decision will influence your financial success, self-esteem, security, professional development and, in many ways, your happiness. No pressure, then.
What’s more, there’s a lot to consider when deciding on an occupation, including your:
- Personal interests
- Character traits.
- Qualifications.
- Skills.
- Financial goals.
- Job market trends.
However, don’t let this overwhelm you, as choosing a career is also exciting and empowering. Ultimately, it’s a chance to put yourself on the path to self-actualisation and a more meaningful, satisfying life.
So whether you’re exploring options for the first time or considering a career change, here are five tips for making the best decision for you.
Find out where your skills and interests intersect
Ideally, you’ll want to spend your life doing what you like and also what you’re good at. The sweet spot is finding a role where those two things overlap.
Choosing a career that combines your passions with your talents helps you to stay engaged and avoid burnout. When your skills align with your interests, you're more likely to stick with your career long term. If you’re genuinely interested in the work you do, you'll also be more open to learning new things (essential in today’s fast-evolving job market). This will help you adapt to changes in your field or industry, as well as build momentum in your role.
So how do you find this ideal combination? Here’s a technique to try.
Do a deep-dive into your talents and passions
Step 1: Start by drawing two columns on a piece of paper.
Step 2: In the left-hand column, list your interests. This can include everything you enjoy, such as hobbies, passions and leisure activities.
Step 3: Beside each interest, make a list of possible career options. Here’s an example:
- Interest — Maths.
- Careers — Maths teacher, data analyst, accountant, mechanical engineer, etc.
Doing this with each of your interests will give you plenty of career options to explore. At this stage, no idea should be discarded.
Step 4: Now, in the right-hand column, list all your skills, including ones you’ve acquired from training, education or jobs. Make sure to also include general abilities such as communication, writing, organising etc. Some of your skills might overlap with your interests and that’s fine.
Step 5: Again, make a list of careers to match each skill. Here’s an example:
- Skill — Spoken communication.
- Careers — Teacher, trainer, radio presenter, counsellor, etc.
Step 6: Pay attention to any patterns or passions. Do some careers show up in both columns? Or appear more than once? Or do some jobs jump out at you more than others?
Also, bear this in mind — if a career appeals to you and you don’t have the skills, that’s no reason to discount it. For instance, you could upskill by gaining more training and qualifications.
Even if you still feel uncertain about your career path, upskilling will make you more competitive in the job market. It can open doors for new opportunities and promotions, especially in industries where change and innovation happen rapidly.
Get to know yourself better with a career test
Ever thought about taking a career test? There are plenty available online so it’s worth trying out a few. Career tests are tools to help you identify your strengths, interests, values and personality traits. These are then matched to potential career paths that align with your unique characteristics (who knows, it might turn out that you’re destined to be an astronaut after all).
Taking these tests can be beneficial at various stages of your career hunt, as they can offer clarity on roles you might not even have considered. Taking a career test is an ideal step when you’re feeling stuck or unsure, as it can help you make more informed decisions. So why not try one out and explore new possibilities?
That said, it’s crucial to remember that these tests shouldn’t be the sole decider for your career choice. Instead, they should be used as a starting point for self-reflection and exploration. In the end, only you can know what’s truly right for you.
Swot up on the job market
The job market isn't static. Industries rise and fall, new roles emerge and demand shifts constantly. This is where job market research comes in, as it can help you find out which industries are growing or in decline. You can also identify which skills are in demand, what salaries to expect, and more.
Being aware of the changing job market and its potential impact on your dream role means you can stay ahead of the game. Understanding specific terminology within a field can also help you figure out if certain roles are right for you. For instance, if you’re interested in starting a marketing career, you’ll want to know the difference between an SEO specialist and a PPC copywriter. This way, you can make more informed decisions.
So, what’s the best way to do job market research? Start by exploring job boards, LinkedIn, industry-specific websites and company websites. Also, attending industry events and job fairs is a terrific way to learn about different roles, plus you’ll be brushing up on your networking skills. By reaching out to people working in your field of interest, you can create lasting connections.
Get the inside scoop on salaries
Let’s talk money. When choosing a career, it’s crucial to consider the long-term earning potential of different jobs, as this will affect your financial stability and life goals. However, when thinking about a job’s earning potential, make sure to look at more than just starting salaries. You need to know how much your income might grow (or not) as you move up the pay ladder.
Understanding typical UK salaries will help you to make informed decisions about your career path, retirement savings and paying off debt. It will also help you figure out how early you can achieve personal milestones like buying a home or starting a family.
Additionally, understanding earning potential can help you to find a balance between job satisfaction and financial success. A job that aligns with your salary goals can reduce stress and offer security, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your life.
Turn to your inner circle
Sometimes, the best career advice comes from those closest to you. After all, your loved ones know the real you, they understand what makes you tick — and what trips you up. They can shine a light on your strengths and weaknesses, giving you valuable insights.
What’s more, your family and friends might have their own interesting careers that you could consider. By speaking to them about their roles, you’ll get the lowdown on pros and cons, salaries and working conditions.
You could also draw upon your inner circle for more practical support, like the chance to experience an industry from the inside. For instance, you could ask a family member to arrange job shadowing or interning at their workplace. Got an aunt who’s a graphic designer or a cousin who’s a landscape gardener? Shadowing them is the best way to find out if you’d like to follow in their footsteps.
Remember, choosing a career isn’t a one-time decision — it’s a process that can change and evolve. That’s why it’s important to be patient with yourself and keep an open mind throughout the journey. In the end, aim to find a path that balances job satisfaction with a chance to excel.
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