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We have discussed how our personalities,
skills, and interests factor into making the best
career choice for us. There are two more factors
we must consider in our career-making process. Those
are our values and our priorities.
By now, you should have a good idea
of what type of career you are interested
in. You have an understanding of your personality,
the things you are naturally skilled at, and the
areas you are most interested in. Yet, your career
choice cannot be made without considering your values
and priorities.
What are values? Values are the morals
by which you live your life, the things you believe
in. Are you a moral person? Do you believe in right
and wrong? Do you think that there are certain things
that a person should never do, such as lie, cheat,
or steal? Is it important to you that your career
upholds these values? You must be able to acknowledge
what your values are and then hold them up against
any career you are considering to be sure that particular
career will not contradict the values by which you
choose to live.
Do you have a strong interest in justice
and protecting the innocent? If so, then perhaps
a career in law enforcement might be a good career
choice for you. Other jobs in that field could lead
you to a career as a lawyer or a judge, for example.
Is it important to you that your
career helps people? A career in the health
industry might be just what you need. Do you love
to teach others or lead others? Look into careers
in education or business.
The other factor to consider is your
priorities. What are the most important things to
you? If spending time with your family is a priority
for you, then a career as a doctor or an airplane
pilot might cause you to be away from your family
too much. If travel is a priority in your life,
then choosing a career as an airplane pilot might
be ideal. Does it matter to you whether your career
makes a difference in the world or in the lives
of people? Look into a career in social work, or
perhaps you might be happy working for a nonprofit
organization that helps the poor. What about vacation
time? Flexibility of work hours? Opportunities for
promotion or continuing education? Is a high salary
a priority in your life? Be sure to research the
salaries for certain careers in various areas of
the US.
Now that you have considered all of
these factors and made a list of the careers you
think would be suitable for you, it’s time
to do some research. Find out what kind of education,
training, or certification you will need to do these
jobs. Look at what colleges or schools offer courses
and degrees in these fields. If you are already
in a career, find out what kind of training you
can do in the evenings or on weekends to help you
reach your career goals. Many colleges and universities
offer online courses as well. Be sure to research
the future outlook for these careers.
Is there a great need for people in this career
field or is it flooded with capable people? What
kind of availability is there for this career in
your area? Are you willing to relocate for a job?
Being in the right career is
like that round peg that fits nicely into that round
hole. You can be happy in your life work and have
a career, not just a job.
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