We all want a job we enjoy and not dread going to each day. Are you just starting out and are not sure what you want to do? Or do you currently have a job, but long to be doing something else? To obtain your ideal career, you may want to consider a few things.
What do you like to do?
Interest in your job is important to your success. What are your hobbies and interests? Do you have the skills to get a job in this field? Think about why you would want this particular career. In addition, if you are planning on a career change, consider the pros and cons of such a move.
What motivates you?
Most people do not feel driven in their careers. What drives you and how can you apply it to your current job. By identifying these other factors, you can enrich your career. In addition, if you are not currently in your ideal job, these drives may help you make that leap to one that is.
What skills do you have?
Identify needed training/skills that would help you get your ideal job. A major part of job happiness comes from utilizing natural talents in your job. Read up on the latest information pertaining to what you want to do. A wealth of knowledge is at your disposal at the library. Education is a major key to getting an ideal job.
Are you settling?
Did you take your current job because it was the best of what was available at the time? Keep your eyes on your goals and strive for your ideal job, while working at the one that is paying the bills. Your happiness depends on it.
What are your obstacles?
Create a list of what is keeping you from obtaining your ideal job. Then brainstorm and come up with ways to overcome these obstacles. You may find your ideal job is not as difficult to obtain as you thought.
Do you have role models?
Has someone inspired you to strive for certain career? Study role models, living or dead, to help you obtain the ideal job. Knowing about their successes and failures will help you when planning your own career path.
Do you have help?
Network and enlist the help of others. Work on your social skills and always be on the lookout for possible connections within your ideal career field. For those already employed, check your benefit information. Your employer may help you with getting educated by paying for some or all of your training.
Are you thinking long-term?
Develop a long-term perspective. Imagine where you would like to be five years down the road, and strive for that dream.
Whatever you do, do not get discouraged. Life is a learning process. We learn from our mistakes as well as our successes. Do not regret what you have done. Look to the future and stick with your plan to get the career you really want.
I think that is the biggest that stops people form achieving their goals is the challenge. People like the easy route.
“Are You Settling” should be the number one question everyone asks themselves in my opinion. WAY too many people are in the career field they’re in because forgot to realize that the sky’s the limit. They may enjoy what they do, but it’s not they’re dream job.
I always envied the few kids I knew in high school who knew exactly what they wanted and how they would get it. I’m 52 and went to a unique type of high school that was year-around in the junior and senior years; you worked 2 weeks then went to school 2 weeks. We all had to keep a B average, and it was no-nonsense. Many went on to college but this was back in the day when it wasn’t necessary to get a well-paid job or if you landed a job at GM, you could be trained in management. I was a secretary in labor relations at GM when I was 16 and could have moved up the management ladder there when it became the fashion to put women in management. I didn’t do that but have always been able to pay my bills and live very comfortably with my secretarial/transcription skills on less than $35,000 a year. You tire of anything you do, let’s face it, who doesn’t? I did do 3 years of college but now look on that as a total waste of time. Long story short, I had my first house at 23, nothing fabulous but it was mine.
How much more interesting it would be to raise kids to save every dime and turn out a high school grad who could FIRST buy a small home any which way he/she could, do without the car and other toys and THEN go back to school and actually enjoy the learning. I say this is still possible in this country, look at all the fine old homes in our towns that go to pot with neglect. How cool if young folks could forego the “idiot” years and have something by the time they’re in their early 20s instead of waiting till then to get started.