How to Choose the Right Career

This post is mainly for anyone out there who is thinking of their career path, confused about the future, just graduated from high school or college and thinking what to do next or anyone who already has a job but thinking to reconsider their career options.

Some people know with full certainty what they want to do but most people are not sure and it is OK to be unsure. There are so many career options out there so take it slow, do lots of research, identify what you enjoy and just go for it. Do not overthink once you have decided and enjoy the ride!

Here are a few steps which I applied after my SPM (equivalent to O Levels) to decide what I wanted to study. As I studied, I reconsidered these steps again to identify the most suitable career for myself.
Each and every person is different, you cannot compare like to like. For me, even among my siblings we all have different interests but the differences add the colour and fun especially during a mealtime when we all share our latest life updates. So, whatever your interests are, be confident and be proud of what you enjoy doing. Before deciding on a career path, these are some questions to ask yourself to be more clear on the career that suits you best:

• What job nature do you prefer? A stable 9 to 5 office job, a flexible business or work-at-home, a job that is on-the-go, a job that involves travelling, a job that involves different things from time to time or a job that is repetitive and routine-based, a job environment with people or without people. 

• Which one do you enjoy most and can imagine yourself doing on a daily basis? Sciences, history, art, sports, math, language, management, finance, animals, books, beauty-related, lab experiments, communication, teaching, finance, law, environment, technology and computing, religion, motivating people, helping people, anything fun, music, art, medical-related and the list goes on. These are some of the main things and you can tick more than 1 box but the main thing is that this gives you an idea of what you like doing. This can be tricky but very crucial. Some things you can cross out immediate but some may need some thinking.

•  Where do you prefer working? For, some people, the location is very crucial. For some, this is negotiable. Depending on which suits you, apply to companies that suit your preference. If it is your first job, be more open and flexible with this if possible.

• What is the purpose of you working? Is it mainly gaining income or is it mainly enjoying what you do? Do not be surprised, some people do not mind doing something that they do not truly enjoy as long as they are paid well. Some people do not mind a low pay as long as they get to do what they enjoy. It is really variable depending on the person. Either way, there is nothing right or wrong. If your preference is the money, it will motivate you to work hard and perform well for the money. If it is the enjoyment factor, you will go to work every day feeling excited. If it is both, that is even more exciting! You get paid well to do something you truly enjoy.

Once you ask yourself these questions, you can narrow the scope of the job that suits you best. However, after narrowing your options, it can still be confusing. Here is the next step. Just apply for all, I repeat all the possible options that you can imagine yourself working in and let it be. Do your best during the application process, manage deadlines, give it your all then wait. I have this trust in fate that the universe (God) will work out the best for me. Once I do my part, I wait and see which applications comes back to me first. If I am happy with it, I accept that immediately. If I am not sure, I wait again and see which other ones respond to me next. Once I have several options, it is easier to decide and make a decision between the even narrower options I have. Company A or B. Location A or B. Simple and easy. Take what you get. Do not make it complicated. If you like it, continue. If you do not, it is not the end of the world. Go for something else. Be in charge of your own life. Do not let anyone or anything take charge of your life. Wait a second, how can 'anything' take charge of your life? Do not be surprised. There are some people who let their job, the limitations they have, location or other things (that are not people) like their income, etc take charge of their life and allow that to control their decisions in life. Undeniably some of these things matter. Location, the amount you earn, the nature of the job but it should not be the sole purpose you continue doing something you do not enjoy. Let it motivate you but if it takes control of you, pause and reflect. 

Every career, job or profession will have its advantages and drawbacks. There is no ideal job with no flaws. In order to find the best career for you, the key is to understand yourself and your likes and dislikes. This does not mean you should only do things you like. There will be something you dislike anywhere you go but if the likes are more than the dislikes, then stay. If the dislikes are more than the likes, consider leaving. There is always room for improvement and progress, no matter what age we are, first job or 10th job. Each stage of our lives offers something new to learn. Learn and learn and become a better version of ourselves.

There could be one person you look up to as a role model. Work your way up and learn from this person. During working life, there could be colleagues who are very competitive but stay grounded, driven and motivated. Your main aim is not to create competition or involve yourself in office politics. You are there to learn, benefit the company, earn an income and gain experience. Remember your goal and put aside any negativity. 

Always reflect on things you can improve from time to time and understand yourself well. It will really make a big difference, trust me.

For those yet to embrace working life, have a positive mindset and enjoy the journey. For those already starting their career, it is never too late to make changes. Happiness is key to a quality life. In the end, whatever you do, you should feel contented and happy. Happy Friday and have a great weekend.

XOXO

Take care everyone :)