I have several people in my life going through some career-related angst right now, so I thought I would write a post just for them.
Here goes…
Career decisions are always hard decisions. Sorry, kids, but that’s life!
Seriously, that’s how I feel like I’ve been coming across lately when in conversation with these people who I love dearly. So here’s my chance to elaborate on my glibness.
Career decisions are hard decisions and they involve some level of risk. I think this is one of the reasons why I love career counseling. I love that adrenaline.
Again, I know I’m coming across as being sarcastic, but there is a ton of risk involved in most career-related decisions. Do you quit this job and take this job? If so, will you like it better? No one knows the answer to this. Do you choose to go to college and major in something you love? If so, will you then find a job that leaves you happy and satisfied? Sorry, can’t give you an answer to that, either. You just have to do it and wait 4 or 5 years to find out.
This isn’t easy, folks. Our careers or jobs are major parts of our lives. In terms of time, we tend to spend the majority of our time in our jobs. So that means you probably want to at least half-way like the work you do and the people you work with. Work also gives us high-level things in our lives. Work creates meaning. It gives us structure. Our work also tends to create a big part of our identity. Think about it – if you have to tell a person who you are – often that description involves your work or title. If you don’t include that information, people will often ask.
So if you are struggling with any sort of career decision – or you simply have an interest in this type of thing – I do have some resource for you. I created a little e-book to use in a career planning course I teach and I’m going to share it with you.
Go here if you need a more structured approach to career decisions. This is a good place to walk you through making a decision.
And if you’re struggle with a career issue that really has you stuck, check out this information. I won’t give you an answer, but I do think I’ll give you some context for understanding things.