Many of us find ourselves in a situation where we reach a crossroads in terms of our careers. Perhaps you’re comfortable where you are, but you wonder if there’s something better out there, or maybe you want to try a different job.
Maybe you’re thinking about a dramatic change, or you’ve decided that it’s time to try to follow your dreams. If you’re unsure which route to take, here are some tips to help you plan your next move.
Job satisfaction
One of the main reasons why people consider a change of careers is a lack of job satisfaction. Are you bored with your job? Do you find that it has no impact on your mood? Do you wish you could get more out of the working day? If your job isn’t rewarding, or you take no enjoyment out of it, this is a clear sign that it’s worth considering other opportunities.
The average person spends around 36 hours per week at work and this is why it’s so important to find a role that enriches you and makes you feel good. Everyone has bad days and times when they wish they didn’t have to go to work, but if you enjoy your job most of the time and it makes you feel great, this can have an incredible impact on your mental health and well-being.
Interests
Many of us try activities and pick up hobbies based on our interests, but what if you could find a job that allowed you to indulge your interests while earning money? If you’re looking for a new job, or you’ve recently finished college or school, it’s an excellent idea to use your interests to help you find a job. There doesn’t always have to be a literal connection.
If you love to paint, for example, you might not want to become a professional artist, but you could consider related jobs like working in a studio or a gallery, teaching art, or pursuing a career as a designer or an illustrator. If you love spending time in the great outdoors and you’re an active person, you could think about roles such as running tours and group activities, working as a ranger or becoming a coach or instructor.
Personality
The reason why human beings are so fascinating is that everyone is unique. When choosing a career path, it’s beneficial to think about your personality and what kind of job would suit you best. You can take personality and career tests online by visiting websites like Career Assessment Site to find out more about your character traits. Some personality types fit certain roles or industries better than others.
Caring individuals are often a very good fit for sectors such as healthcare, charity work and education, for example. Analysts often make excellent accountants, lawyers and engineers. Creative extroverts thrive in roles such as stage performers and actors while introverts with creative talents may prefer to pursue paths like writing.
Objectives
If you find yourself at a junction, and you don’t know which way to go, it’s helpful to consider your objectives and goals. Often, we have to make decisions at different stages of our lives and there are lots of variables that can influence us. Earning money may be a priority for some people while others might be desperate to find a new job that makes them happier.
Some people may be searching for a role that gives them more flexibility and freedom while others may be focused on getting a job that will enable them to climb the ladder quickly.
Set personal goals and make decisions based on your targets and objectives. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to commit to a job for life if you’re not passionate about it. If you need to accept an offer for financial reasons, you can always explore other opportunities down the line. It is becoming increasingly common to swap jobs. In 2021, a quarter of US employees changed jobs.
Balance
Work-life balance has become increasingly important for employees and it is now rated one of the top requirements for job-seekers. If you are thinking about leaving your job because the hours are too long or work is taking over your life, it’s wise to focus your search on opportunities that will give you a better work-life balance. This may involve searching for jobs closer to home, considering remote work or finding an employer that offers more flexibility, for example.
Are you at a career crossroads?
If you’re stuck at a junction, and you don’t know which route to take, it’s important to think about what you want to do, what matters most to you and how you can enhance your life moving forward.
Consider your interests and your personality type, outline your goals and objectives and look for openings that will enrich you.
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