How to Choose the Right Career

5 Things to Consider when Choosing a Career

1. What are you interested in?

Consider the things that you enjoy doing and that attract your attention easily. Ask yourself, "what would I be doing if I did not have to work?  Consider your hobbies. The answer to this question will give you insight into what your options are. For example,

• if you would love to live by the beach and meet people from all over the world, you might want to work in the hotel management and tourism business. 
• If you want to travel the world, you could teach English in other countries, or become a professional photographer and work with different companies around the world. 
• If you have a passion for makeup, you could become a makeup artist and work at a salon or independently, and even start your own brand of make-up products. 
• If you love to exercise and eat healthy, you could help others by becoming a personal trainer or wellness coach.

2. What are your skills?

Basically, what are you really good at? If you are not sure, ask other people like family and friends. Gather information from people that are close to you and that are supportive. You know the people that really care about you, so ask them because they will give you an honest opinion and you know you can trust them. You will be surprise by the potential other people see in you.

3. What is your current situation?

Consider the situation you are in. For example, does your financial situation allow you to go back to school? If you are considering going back to school because you want to improve your financial situation, you can consider going to a certificate or a technical degree, before going into a longer career. Certificates and technical degrees can provide you with the skills you need to improve your situation at your current job and be promoted, or even apply for jobs that pay more. Also consider your schedule and other obligations, do you have the time to go back to school? if you are a single parent, working two jobs, consider options that offer online classes, maybe evening or weekend classes, and short-term programs like the ones mentioned before.

4. What are your options with easy access?

Consider the options you have in your community. Before looking into going to a college or university that is out of town, consider your local options. Do you have a community college close by? Explore the degrees and certificates they offer. Community colleges are great! The offer tons of options for associate degrees, technical degrees, certificates, and continuing education programs. They are cheaper than the 4-year colleges, they offer scholarships and financial aid, classes are small, and the classes are filled with students of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

After you explore the options you have in your community, if you still don't find what you are looking for and you can afford relocating, then start exploring the options in other cities and states.

5. What is your future job stability?

I recommend you to use the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which covers hundreds of occupations and you can learn about what they do, how to become one, work environment, pay, employment projections, and more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers resources for students and jobseekers, where you can explore different careers and find jobs.

Do you have more suggestions? Feel free to share them! Leave us a comment below ;)