Choosing the Career Path of Least Resistance
. Over the weekend I met up with some friends for drinks. In typical “old people” form, 75% of our conversation revolved around careers and success. What am I doing with my life? What should I do next? Have I made the right decisions? Am I on the right path? What am I doing wrong?
Whether you’re 13 or 30, the same stress and pressures apply. Maybe you don’t know whether or not to take the SATs because you don’t know if you want to even go to college. Or, you can’t decide whether or not to go to community college and transfer to a four year school after you’ve gotten a better handle on your direction. Or, like me… you’ve been working your tush off for about 10 years and are always stressing out, wondering whether or not your career moves are going to jet set you to being a business mogul.
By no means am I a professional career counselor or multimillionaire business woman. BUT, I went to college and changed majors a few times. Got a few degrees. Had a successful career in the music industry. Worked a few random jobs. Am completely self employed and run multiple businesses. AND… am under 30 (barely). So, here are some of my tips on choosing the “Career Path of Least Resistance”.
What is Success?
The first question you need to ask yourself is how you define “success”? Lots of money, a big house, travel, flexibility, a family, etc. Everyone’s ideas of success aren’t the same. Some people don’t mind working crazy hours to make crazy money. For me, flexibility is key. I had a normal 9-5 job that was predictable and had steady income. But I want to be able to work on my own terms, travel & have my own business. So, ask yourself where you want to be in 10 years. What’s your “vision of success”?
Think Beyond Money
I hate to break it to you, but money doesn’t buy happiness. But, you’re much more likely to make money doing something that you love. What do you want your life to look like? How do you want to spend your day? Do you want action and a fast paced environment? Do you want a corporate job with tons of growth potential? Do you want to work from home? Do you want to travel?
Research
There are literally a million career options. Somewhere out there is the perfect balance of what you love, what’s needed & what you’re good at. It’s crazy how many people didn’t think their dream job existed when they were kids. Hell, I wanted to be a “hair washer” when I was in Kindergarten. Never in a million years did I think that what I’m doing right now was an actual job. Do research! Hop on google and look at some career websites. Search Pinterest or your favorite blogs. Any time you find something that looks interesting, write it down! You’ll probably start seeing a pattern and can gain more insight on a specific direction.
Look Beyond Your Interests
So yes, it’s important to love what you do. But, sometimes picking a career based on your hobbies isn’t the best decision. You may be a great photographer, but lack the character or drive for a self directed career. I love doing arts and crafts, but not enough to have a 9-5 job dedicated to it. After working in the music industry for quite some time, I realized that a job in sales/marketing didn’t really let me “live out my calling”. But it was all a learning experience. Try to tap into your natural talents. It’s important that we choose a career path that accentuates our talents.
Don’t Stress on Decisions
Can’t decide? You’re 99.999% guaranteed to find multiple career choices that you’ll enjoy and be successful in. It’s so easy to start (and continue) second guessing your choices. I do it ALL THE TIME. What if I choose the wrong job? What if I pick the wrong major? What if I move to the wrong city for college? What if I take the wrong class? What if, what if what!?
Don’t worry about picking the wrong option. Just pick one (after doing some soul searching and research). But that’s the key: pick one. If it doesn’t work out, you can pick another! Trying is an important skill in itself and is better than doing nothing at all! The choices you make will twist and turn, taking you in new directions.
That’s the great thing… there’s no reason you can’t have multiple careers, go back to school or learn something new. Whatever choice you make will be the right one for right now!