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Choosing a
Assess Yourself
Before you go and make a career choice, you need to learn about yourself, your values, soft skills, and even aptitudes as well. This will help you to find out what type of personality you have, and it will also help you to make a decision that will go on to benefit the rest of your life. At the end of the day, there are so many self-assessment tools out there for you to choose from and when you use them, you will soon be able to gather all of the information you need about your traits. If you are young or in education then you may be able to work with a career counselor as they will not only be able to help you navigate the process but also get the support you need along the way.
Make a List of Occupations
Another thing that you can do is make a list of all the occupations that you have an interest in. Look for careers that appeal to you and also make sure that they align with the self-assessment you have done. This will help you to learn even more about yourself and you may even find that you end up making better decisions as a result. If you just have no idea how to start making a list, then there are so many job fairs that you can attend. If you know that you have a partial interest in joining a public service then you can always try and go to a boarding school for boys if you are in education. You can also enroll in a training course or two as this will give you a better idea of the options that are available to you.
Create a Shortlist
Now that you have more information about the potential career that you’d like to explore, you can then easily create a shortlist. When you do, you need to eliminate any careers that you don’t want to pursue anymore. Remove anything that has duties that don’t really appeal to you and also cross off anything that requires further education if you don’t want to go to university. You also need to eliminate anything that you don’t have the soft skills for as well.
“It is never too late to re-think your career, but if you are going to take the plunge and completely change what you are doing, you really need to be prepared. There are degrees of commitment to changing careers. Maybe you don’t want to switch from being a concert promoter to a Monk, but even if you just want a small change, you should do your homework.” – Change Your Career – Change Your Life
Do your Research
When you only have a couple of jobs left on your list, you then need to start doing some in-depth research. Try and meet up with a couple of people who work in the same career as what’s on your list and also ask them if they can give you any advice. When you do, you will be able to help yourself and you may even be able to ask them about what training you need to do. When you do, you can then explore each option even more.
Make your Choice
After doing all of your research, you can then put yourself in a position where you can make a choice. Make the effort to pick a career where you think that you will gain satisfaction, and also know that it is completely okay for you to change your mind, even after a period of time.
Identify your Goals
Your career will be much more satisfying if you are able to develop your own goals. Long-term goals will take around 5 years to complete and short-term goals will take a year or two. Let all of the research you have done be your guide. If you want an example of a short-term goal, then this could involve going on an apprenticeship course or even applying to
Write an Action Plan
Put together an action plan and know the steps you need to take. This will help you to navigate your new career and it will also help you to anticipate any barriers that might get in your way. Little things like this can really help you out and it can also help you to become much more confident in your decision. If you are still finding it difficult then don’t worry. Things will come to you eventually, and when they do, you’ll know deep down that you made the right decision.
Conclusion
Finding the right career path when you’re undecided isn’t a process that needs to be rushed or feared. By taking the time to evaluate your interests, seeking professional guidance, and being open to exploration, you lay the groundwork for a fulfilling professional journey. Remember, it’s not only about the destination but also the growth and insights you gain along the way. Embrace the process, trust your intuition, and allow yourself the space to find the path that resonates with you. Your future self will thank you.
