Many of us workers today walk blindfolded down the winding path of our career path. We work, because let’s face it, we have to, but a large percentage of the population of 20-40 hour employees who have steady jobs are extremely unhappy with the careers they currently have. This is a factor for a number of reasons and believe it or not, the main reasons stem simply from the fact that people sometimes don’t really know what it is they want to do for a living. It doesn’t even matter if you have a college degree. Thousands of adults have degrees in fields in which they are absolutely not interested. It is still argued that doing what you love and getting paid for it is still, for some Americans, an American dream.
So how do you find sleep? How do you ignore the voice in your mind that draws you into your current job as a receptionist every day because you “have” to leave and start listening to the voice in your heart that really wants to open that daycare? You may like your job as a receptionist, but want to contribute to the care of school-age children. Or you may not have a clue what you want to do and the only thing you are sure of is that it is not what you are doing right now.
What some of us need to realize is that choosing the career path that’s right for us is the first step to true success. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. People who are in fields that suit them are said to be happier and healthier in life. Do you know someone who is stressed because they are not happy at work? Men and women who choose careers that make their personality seem like they are trying harder to be number one in their fields and have the potential to earn a living financially. They are more willing to put in those extra hours because they enjoy what they do! They enjoy making a difference.
Now let’s look at some of the factors associated with starting your personal career.
• Your personality
No two personalities are the same. There are many tests in the world of the Internet that help you narrow down the types of jobs you can excel at and enjoy, based on your personality. Many universities give these tests to help students choose their careers. If you’re in college and you’re not sure about your career path, ask your counselor. Some employers conduct these tests before hiring to ensure a proper fit with the company. There are also some books with great advice and/or some self-analytic tests you can do at home. Some of my favourites; Discover What You’re Best At, by Linda Gale, Zen and the Art of Making a Living, by Laurence G. Boldt, and Career Solutions For Creative People, by Dr. Ronda Ormont.
• Motivation
You want to work for yourself. She wants to quit her full-time job and work part-time so she can go back to school and get the accounting degree she’s always wanted. You know you need a business plan, a better resume, or need to move to a bigger city to submit those movie scripts you finished years ago. Why not? Lack of motivation or perhaps fear of the unknown. There is nothing to be ashamed of when you feel this way. These two obstacles are almost expected when starting a new career. Sometimes having friends and family tell you that you can do it isn’t enough. I recommend these self-help books to motivate you not only in your career choice, but also in life; The Practical Dreamers Handbook, by Paul & Sarah Edwards, and Life Without Limits, by Lucinda Bassett.
• Go ahead
It is possible that you already have the title and the financing to be able to apply to that new job or to start your venture. If so, great! Now you have to move on. You must be able to compete with others in your field without fear or hesitation. The best way to do this is to be prepared. Have a great business plan written or refresh that resume you haven’t updated in a few years. Whatever it takes to feel prepared, do it! That way, as you walk down your newly found path, you can feel more confident in each and every step you take. Michael Farr’s Seven Steps to Getting a Job Fast is great for helping you prepare for those interviews, and Nova Development’s Business Plan Writer Deluxe is an efficient software choice when writing your business plan.
If the average adult works 40 hours a week for 40 years, they will have worked 76,800 hours. That’s a lot of hours away from his family and friends. Wouldn’t it be a little better if those hours were spent doing your dream job? The first real step to take is to believe that you can do it!