Choose and succeed in a career that’s right for you

Many of us working people today walk blindfolded on the ever-winding path of our career path. We work, let’s face it, we have to, but a large percentage of the population of 20- to 40-hour employees who have stable jobs is extremely unhappy with the careers they currently have. This is a factor for a number of reasons and, believe it or not, the main reason simply stems from the fact that people sometimes don’t really know what it is they want to do for a living. It doesn’t even matter if you have a college degree. Thousands of adults have degrees in fields for which they absolutely do not head for the hills. The fact is still argued that doing what you love and getting paid for it is still an American dream for some Americans.

So how do you find the dream? How do you ignore the voice in your mind that draws you to your current job as a receptionist every day because you “have” to go and begin to hear the voice in your heart that you really want to open that daycare? You may like your job as a receptionist, but you may want to contribute to the care of school-age children. Or you may not have a clue what you want to do and all you are sure of is that it is not what you are doing right now.

What some of us have to realize is that choosing the career that is right for us is the first step towards true success. When you love what you are doing, it doesn’t feel like work. People in fields that suit them are said to be happier and healthier in life. Know someone who is stressed out because they are unhappy at work? Men and women who choose careers that fit their personality seem to live the hardest to be number one in their fields and have the potential to earn a living financially. They are more willing to put in those extra hours because they enjoy what they do! They enjoy making a difference.

Now let’s take a look at some of the factors associated with starting your personal career.

• Your personality

No two personalities are the same. There are many tests in the internet world that help you narrow down the types of jobs you can excel at and enjoy based on, based on your personality. Many colleges give these tests to help students choose their majors. If you are in college and unsure of your career path, ask your counselor. Some employers conduct these tests prior to hiring to ensure a proper fit with the company. There are also some books with great tips and / or some self-tests that you can take at home. Some of my favorites; Find out what you’re best at, by Linda Gale, Zen and the Art of Earning a Living, by Laurence G. Boldt, and Career Solutions for Creative People, by Dr. Ronda Ormont.

• Motivation

You want to work for yourself. You want to quit your full-time job and work part-time so you can go back to school and get that accounting degree you’ve always wanted. You know you need a business plan, a better resume, or you need to move to a bigger city to submit those movie scripts you finished years ago. Because you do not do it? Lack of motivation or perhaps fear of the unknown. There is nothing to be ashamed of feeling this way. These two obstacles are almost expected when starting a new professional career. Sometimes having friends and family tell you that you can do it is not enough. I recommend these self-help books to motivate you not only in your career choice, but in life as well; The Practical Dreamers Handbook by Paul and Sarah Edwards and Life Without Limits by Lucinda Bassett.

• Go ahead

You may already have the degree and funding to be able to apply for that new job or start your entrepreneurship. If so, great! Now you have to move on. You need to be able to compete with others in your field without fear or hesitation. The best way to do this is to be prepared. Have a great written business plan or renew a resume that you haven’t updated in a few years. Whatever you need to feel prepared, do it! That way, as you walk your newfound path, you can feel more confident in each and every step you take. Seven Steps to a Quick Job by Michael Farr is great for helping you prepare for those interviews, and Nova Development’s Business Plan Writer Deluxe is an efficient software option when writing your business plan.

If the average adult works 40 hours a week for 40 years, he will have worked 76,800 hours. That is many hours away from your family and friends. Wouldn’t it be a little better if you spent those hours doing your dream job? The first real step to take is to believe that you can do it.