Do you love your job, or are you thinking about looking for a new employer or even changing career path altogether? Often, we fall into roles due to convenience or a need to put a roof over our heads, and we put off making changes. If you’re considering a different path, here are some essential factors that may influence the decisions you make.
Your priorities
Everybody is unique, and some people have totally different priorities to others when it comes to finding a job and earning a salary. Some employees want to earn as much as possible, some put job satisfaction first and others are looking for a healthy work-life balance. If you’re toying with the idea of changing jobs, think carefully about what you’re actually looking for, and try not to be swayed by other people or societal trends. There’s nothing wrong with earning less than your friends if a better balance or job satisfaction are more important to you. Focus on your priorities and what you want to get out of your working life. It’s very common to feel pressure from external sources, but it’s important to put your interests first.
Your personality
There are several factors that may influence the career decisions you make, including the subjects you excelled at in school and your interests and passions. Another important consideration is your personality type. Some people are better suited to certain roles than others due to their character and the type of person they are. If you’re unsure where to start, you can learn about yourself by taking the Enneagram test. If you’re creative, you like to express yourself and you’re more interested in ideas than facts, for example, you may be better suited to a career in acting, designing or writing than somebody who likes to analyze facts and figures. Understanding your personality traits will help you to get an idea of what will make you happy and find jobs that complement your strengths.
Your dreams
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be? For many of us, our dream job isn’t always a viable option, but it may be possible to get close. When you’re exploring career options, be open-minded, think about your passions and interests and look for ways to make your dreams more attainable. If you’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian, for example, but you didn’t get the grades, you don’t have to give up on the idea of working with animals. You could look into training as a veterinary nurse, you could search for reception or administration roles within vet practices or animal shelters, you could get involved in conservation projects, or you could volunteer in your spare time while earning money doing a different job. Have confidence in your abilities and focus on solutions, rather than obstacles.
Many of us have had time to think during the last couple of months. If staying at home has inspired you to consider a change of career or a new path, hopefully, this guide will encourage you to work towards your goals in the future.
