How to Decide on a Career
We all have to work, but we don't have to work at jobs we hate. With enough discipline, persistence and planning we can get the career we want and need.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper and pen
- Access to library or computer
- Myers-Briggs test and evaluation info
Instructions
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Make a list of ten things you want to do or experience before you die. Be honest and don't limit yourself.
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Make a list of your talents and abilities. In one column, list those skills that people will pay you for. In the other, list those items that you enjoy but won't earn you any money.
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Take a Myers Briggs test, to see what kind of personality you have. There are 16 basic personality types based on criteria such as introverted vs. extraverted, thinking vs. feeling, preferring stability vs. change, analytical vs. intuitive. Once you determine which personality type you are, go to an employment or other agency/source that has list of occupations as they relate to best fitting your Myers Briggs classification. Please keep in mind that not this is a guide, not an absolute. For instance, at top of list for 'INTJ' type is being an actor, being a stand up comic near the bottom, but...you can be a dramatically-oriented stand up comic. Similarly, researcher is a top profession for an 'INTJ', a typical veterinarian low on the list, but one can be an animal doc and be eccentric and research oriented.
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Look at your 'want to' lists, your 'can do' lists, and consider the Myers Briggs results. Compare them with stories you know about or info you can get about your chosen professions. Make realistic decisions which do not make you give up your life goals. "Give up your dreams, and you die" (Flashdance)
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Tips & Warnings
Careers are always what you make of them. Be flexible and realistic, and consider quality of life over monetary gain. No amount of money will make a miserable job handlable if you really hate it.
Go with your strengths, consider and compensate for your weaknesses.
NEVER give up on your Life Goals, or make them distant from your grasp by calling them 'dreams'.
Not everyone gets what they want---no one ever does.
Be prepared for failure, and don't be distracted by effortless success.
You will make enemies following your true Life Path, but in process, also meet the best of friends.
