One of the most daunting processes when changing a career path is deciding what it is that you actually want to do. Some people have a straight line of sight towards what they want to do and just simply wish they had the time, skills or resources. Others know they are completely unhappy doing what they are doing but don’t know what else they could possibly do. With a strategy in hand and a few key thoughts to consider, making the right career choice can be made easy.
Getting a Career Choice Strategy
Many jobs require at a minimum a daily plan of what you are going to do. Others are entirely centered around creating a business plan or strategy for future development. Creating a career choice strategy is very similar and should be the first place to start when considering a career change. Making the right choice when it comes to switching up your career begins with figuring out what it is you don’t like about your current work, or what it is about another position that draws you toward it. Actually sitting down and taking a look at job attributes may help to narrow the selection pool. Consider dividing up major career groups similar to the following job attribute list:
- Careers that involve helping people: nursing, education, medical positions, childcare, counseling, legal assistance, social work
- Careers that involve science and technology: engineering, architecture, information technology, computer related positions
- Creative careers: freelance writing, graphic arts, floral design
- Careers that are hands-on: contracting, plumbing, landscaping, automotive mechanics
- Home business careers: real estate sales, catering, consulting
While this is in no way a complete list, it should give you an idea of what career types fall into categories you prefer. Many people have a wide range of jobs they think they would like but can’t really get a handle on what it is they like about the job. Making the right career change choice really should be an opportunity to evaluate what you like and dislike about your current position and then look at alternatives that may be better options. Sorting out these thoughts and preferences are the absolute keys towards heading down the right career path.
Getting Help Making the Right Choice
If you realize you are entirely flustered about your career decision and would like assistance, there are many resources available. The internet offers many sites that can provide a career interest survey. The survey typically involves answering questions that will help connect your personal interests with a career choice. Career counselors are also typically available through local community colleges, the unemployment office and temporary placement agencies.
Making the right choice can be frustrating if you don’t know where to start. Creating a strategy or plan for selecting your new career choice can help to ensure you have evaluated the many available career options. Additionally, if you are overwhelmed, there are multiple resources available to assist you with making the right choice for a new career.