Question of the Day

The Advice Column

Today’s Question: How do I choose a career?

Choosing a career is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. We think we just have one shot at it, we either end up where we want to be or our life comes crashing down. This is far from the truth though, as human beings we can never choose just one thing, we must branch out and explore different fields. Let me help you get a clearer picture.

• You need to first identify the things you are good at and the skills you see yourself developing in the future. You also need to understand the kind of work environment you seek.

• The next step is to explore your options by research. Try to find jobs that require your skill set, and give you satisfactory pay as well as other benefits you may need. Also, look into the educational qualifications you require to fit in the role.

• The next step is to gain experience. You can do this by building your portfolio, joining internships, and doing volunteer work. The goal here isn’t to make money yet but rather to know if you truly like this field of work. Sometimes our expectations of a particular career don’t meet reality and this step is important to get that reality check.

• You also need to think about factors like work-life balance, job stability, and potential for growth. These need to be your long-term expectations from your career. Otherwise, you will end up feeling like you made the wrong decision.

• Try talking to people already pursuing the career you intend to choose. This will allow you to understand the path and the sacrifices it demands. You can reach out to them on Instagram or Linkedin or even write them an email. This step will actually let you decide if you are ready to start a career in this field.

Always remember that it is better to switch careers if you find that things aren’t working out for you instead of trying to push yourself to be someone you are not. Good luck with your future career choice and may you succeed :)

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