how do ye go about choosing a career?

Question

hows it going, im in my early twenties and i am still up in the air about what i want to do with my life, ive tried college & work. just want to get my act together and get going with things. how has everyone settled on the career they have. "our greatest fear should not b that our lives will someday end but that they may never begin"

Answer 1

Go to your Department of labor and request career counseling.

Try these out.

http://www.careervoyages.gov/
http://www.learnmoreindiana.org/careers/inventories/Interest-Checklist.xml
http://www.typefocus.com/s_complimentary.html
http://www.iccweb.com/careerfocus/index.asp
http://career.missouri.edu/students/explore/thecareerinterestsgame.php

http://www.careerjournal.com/
http://www.rileyguide.com/

Answer 2

I would recommend you get the book "Do What You Are" by Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger.

Do you remember those tests you took in High school that told you what your career should be? Well this is kind of like that, but much better. The high school tests based your career path on 3 things; your goals, values and interests. But, the problem is that those 3 things change over time. Think about your goals, values and interests now compared to what they were 5-6 years ago.

The above referenced book basis your career path on your personality as that your personality is always the same. There are 16 personality types and the book helps you define which career you'd be most happy in. First, the book gives you a very simple quiz to help you to determine your personality type. Then the book goes into detail about each of the 16 types and then lists career fields that feed your personality.

What you must remember is that the lists for each type are by no means exhaustive. What the authors stress is that any personality type can find fulfilling work in any field - you just have to find the niche in that field that will make you happy.

For example, I'm an ESTP (Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving). My personality type is the most risk taking personality type there is. They said I would never be happy at a desk job with routine, that I need variety and an element of risk to be happy. You know what? They're right. I get bored with routine very quickly. That's why I like what I do - derivatives & foreign exchange trading. They are high risk investments and I love the business field.

Find the career that will feed your personality. If you're happy, then you'll be successful at what you do.

The book is only about $13 at Amazon.com, so check it out. Remember, the book doesn't tell you what you should do, it's a guide that will help you to hopefully discover what career path will fulfill your personality traits and make you happy.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Hi, Well I am in my fifties and still I am wondering what am I going to be when I grow up?

I have however got this far by living and experiencing as many things as I can. At times life has been hard because of it, but you learn from hardships also. Mostly I have had a ball.

I recommend that you do something rather than nothing. If what you have done so far has not been fulfilling then move on try something else - it will be a new experience. Another one that you will learn from.

Think about your aptitudes, these are the things you feel you can do or feel you could do and feel most comfortable with. e.g. you may have what feels like a natural aptitude for numbers or languages for example. Try to research jobs where those apply or at least are involved in the work.

Get in touch with LearnDirect, you can get advice from them over the telephone or from 'iag' = information advice and guidance I believe it ususally called 'NEXT STEP' these days and may be provided by your local authority or a connexions centre.

Whatever you do, do not procrastinate!

Answer 4

First, pick a job that you would do for free or pay someone to let you do. I know it sound's crazy, but if you're going to work for the rest of your life, do something you're crazy about.

Second - get the education to develop the skills you need to excell at whatever you do. You may have to bite the bullet and get a degree - or you may be able to skate by on your native ability.

I didn't get my degree until I was 40. But I was making 6 figures when I was 30. I just found a career that I loved, picked an industry that accepted folks without a degree, and started taking distance learning courses. I still love my job in HR, and now I have the education to know what I don't know. Scary, really...

Answer 5

Well, first of all, you should think about you interests, and what you are good at. Then begin thinking about careers that have to do with that. If you don't particually care, and just need a job to make some money, than, just try searching for a job in the newspaper, possibly something that you are capable of doing.

Good Luck!!!1

Answer 6

Excellent question - I'm in my mid-fourties and trying to answer the same question. Whatever you do don't do as I did and get yourself into a heap of debt and prevent yourself from having the freedom to pick and choose studies/work, because you have to get any old rubbish job just to pay the debts - DON'T BECOME A HAMISTER IN HIS WHEEL ! And definitley don't get married before you've got yourself sorted out financially neither!

As Robert De Niro says in the film Midnight Run "bad I know - good I don't know about"

Answer 7

a true carieer chooses one .
as in the Arts ,medicine , science it should be a call a vocation ..anything else
is just a mean to survive
true wealth is the result of well spend time
time is the only precious fact in human life
so how you invest it will determine how successfull you will be .
if people would select jobs where they have a real interests in and a strong passion for , life would improve .. for everyone

Answer 8

Don't know you but you sound sensitive, wise and poetic. I guess something in the arts would suit you. Something you feel for and love or travel for a while , working if necessary, then come back with your eyes wide open and refreshed to give whatever rocks your boat a chance and GOOD LUCK - HAVE FUN - YOUR YOUNG AND ANY MISTAKES CAN BE FORGOTTEN

Answer 9

whats your passion ? is is sport ,music ,clothes ? What are your hobbies are you sociable , Try and incorporate your hobbies into your profession eg if you love sport you could try for a career in Sports promotion for a college or be a sales rep for sporting equippment or manage a leisure centre ? If you do something you love you will excel @ it and then rise to the top!

Answer 10

feel just the same but with a military career and degree behind me still cannot find work; enjoy the moment