Choosing a New Career

Choosing a new career can be an exciting time in one’s life, but if can also be exceedingly scary as well. Venturing down a new career path can present many unknowns and new tests for which one may or may not be prepared. If you are considering how to choose a career or are choosing a new career path, here are a few tips to consider that might help you in the decision making process.

Background – Review your background when choosing a new career. You might find that you have experience that could fit well into an area in which you have not worked or are interested in gaining a foothold.

Personal interests – Working in a career in which you have little personal interest can quickly turn it into drudgery. Therefore, it is important when choosing a new career to look for areas that you feel would provide a lasting hold on your interests.

Ability to relocate – When choosing a new career, you can stand out among others if you have the ability to move freely. Being tied down to a certain location can sometimes be a turn off or inhibitor to certain career paths.

Salary vs. satisfaction – When deciding how to choose a new career you should evaluate how important the salary you make is compared to your job or career satisfaction. While money is certainly nice, being happy at work can make the biggest difference in how successful you are in your role.

Education rebuild – Sometimes when you are reviewing a possible career or job change it is also a good time to consider supplementing your education. Going back to school or taking extra courses in the field that interests you, can help you better decide if a certain career path is the right one for you.

Job outlook – Another important aspect of choosing a new career is looking at its job security and advancement opportunities. Choosing a career path that is declining in popularity may leave you looking for another career sooner than later.

Growth potential – Is there growth potential in the career or careers in which you are interested? Choosing a career in which you will be left stagnating in your position can quickly kill the willingness to succeed in your chosen area.

Feasibility – You must be honest with yourself when determining how to choose a new career. Is what you are interested in as a career something that is compatible with your lifestyle and abilities? While some of us would love to be an astronaut or professional sports player, it doesn’t mean we are cut out for the roll. We must be realistic when choosing a new career.

Social aspect – Being stuck in a solitary work environment might be just fine for some, but for others it can be a nightmare. Make sure that you are well informed about the work environment of a chosen career before you enter the field.

Travel – Are you willing to do a lot of traveling? Many careers require travel and if you are a homebody, don’t like leaving your family, or just don’t like to travel, you might not care for certain careers.