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There are several variables that influence how satisfied you will be in a particular career.
Highlighted here are 4 most important factors that need to be considered before embarking upon a career choice.
- VALUES – What needs do you want your career to meet? What needs must it meet? Thus, how important is power, security, service to others, socializing, interest, creativity, adventure, opportunities for advancement? Do you want to work with your hands or your mind? Do you want to work alone or with others? Do you want to have the authority to influence and persuade others? Do you like routine work or prefer a variety of tasks? Do you need flexibility in your work schedule or are you okay with regular hours? Try to identify your most important and least important values. How can they be met by the career(s) you are currently considering?
- INTERESTS – What do you like to do? What are your hobbies? What do you like to read about, or talk about with others? Do you like machines, tools, science, theories, data, self-expression, art appreciation, people, human welfare, business, politics, leadership, organization, data, finance?
- PERSONALITY – What words describe you? Do you prefer to spend time with others or by yourself? Do you prefer making decisions after gathering information and facts, or do you prefer to rely on your own internal processes and evaluations? Do you like to fix things, teach, create, organize, persuade, or investigate?
- SKILLS – What are you great at? Good at? Okay at? Not so good at? How is your physical coordination, math, writing, analysis, creativity, listening, understanding, verbal ability, ability to motivate and direct others, record keeping, and attention to detail?
Sometimes it is difficult to determine/clarify these areas of information. You may benefit from talking with a career counselor who can provide you with various self-report inventories that help you identify, organize, and evaluate your values, interests, personality, and skills.
You can also gain support and advice from friends and family members who know you well and who are open to you taking a “curious”, exploratory approach to your career decision-making.