Making the wrong choice when choosing a career affects performance and job satisfaction negatively. Additionally, a person working in an environment they don’t like is more likely to be stressed, when compared to a person working in an environment they love. Sadly, every year, many people end up making wrong career choices. While it is possible to change your career later in life, choosing the wrong career is a mistake that will cost you time and money to fix. When making a career decision, evaluate the following:
Check the Work Details
Before you choose a certain career, know what the job entails. What kind of people will you be meeting every day? What tasks will you be required to perform? Are there work shifts? How long will you work each day? Will you be working as an individual or in groups? What skills are essential for this job? Will you be required to travel? What challenges come with this job? What’s the work environment like? Checking the specific details about a certain career will help in determining whether you can comfortably handle the job. It will be hard to work a job with night shifts if you value evening time with your family. Also, it can be difficult to work in a hospital setup if you fear needles.
Interests
Your interests can point you to the right direction when choosing a career. For instance, if you love kids, you can consider a career as a kindergarten teacher. When you choose a career based on your areas of interest, you are likely to enjoy your job more. However, note that for some careers you can’t make a decision based on interests only. Someone who loves children but doesn’t like hospitals would not make a good children’s nurse. Similarly, a person who loves children but is not patient may not make a good kindergarten teacher. Therefore, in addition to your interests, you will have to evaluate your skills and the work environment before making a decision.
Career Opportunities
How is the career’s demand? Are there opportunities for growth? What kind of companies are hiring in that field? Are there opportunities for self-employment? Evaluate the career opportunities before you sign up for a course. Knowing the job market ensures that you are equipped for job hunting. It will keep you from getting stranded after graduation.
You should evaluate your options both at the entry level of your career as well as when you are considering advanced degrees. Career advancements need to be well thought of, especially when moving to independent employment. This is because the scope of your job and opportunities will change as you advance your career. Know what options are available for you before making a decision. As a nurse, for instance, you could check opportunities available for Family Nurse Practitioners and independent family care providers before signing up for any master’s in online nursing programs in Florida.
Work Life Balance
It is possible to have a good work-life balance in most careers. However, work-life balance preferences differ based on individual circumstances and this is why a job that is suitable for one person may not be suitable for another. For instance, a single girl fresh out of college can comfortably work full time whereas a mum of three may prefer part time or work from home opportunities. The mum will need more time away from work to take care of herself and her kids, whereas the girl may only require time to rest and catch up with friends. Therefore, when choosing a career, check the work demands and go for one that allows you to balance work and life based on your individual circumstances.
Earnings
The pay check shouldn’t be the key motivation for choosing a career, but it should be among the factors you evaluate when making a decision. Some people make the mistake of choosing a career due to a high pay only to end up feeling miserable when they realize that they can’t handle the job. To avoid making such a mistake, check all the above factors before making a decision. However, note that it is perfectly okay to avoid a career path whose pay is not enough to meet your financial needs.
If you are still not sure you have made the right decision after checking these five factors, look for volunteer opportunities to learn more about the career. Where it is impossible to get an opportunity to volunteer, talk to some people who are in that career path.
