Whether you\u2019re trying to decide where to look for your first job or pondering a possible career change, here\u2019s what you should consider when thinking through this important decision:<\/p>\n
What are your natural talents?<\/strong> What\u2019s your work style?<\/strong> Where do you like to work?<\/strong> Do you enjoy social interaction?<\/strong> How important to you is work-life balance?<\/strong> Are you looking to give back?<\/strong> Are you comfortable in the public eye?<\/strong> Do you deal well with stress?<\/strong> How much money do you want to make?<\/strong> If choosing a career feels like too much pressure, here\u2019s another option: Pick a path that feels right today by making the best decision you can, and know that you can change your mind in the future. In today\u2019s workplace, choosing a career doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you have to stick with that line of work for your entire life. Make a smart decision, and plan to re-evaluate down the line based on your long-term objectives.<\/p>\n Recognize that you\u2019ll change as time rolls on. Your needs for money, freedom, balance, and recognition will change with you. But for now, think through each of these ideas, and you\u2019ll be well on your way to choosing a career that\u2019s best for you. Source: usnews.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Whether you\u2019re trying to decide where to look for your first job or pondering a possible career change, here\u2019s what you should consider when thinking through this important decision: What…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-be-positive","category-youth"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nWe all have natural talents, certain tasks that come easy to us. When we use our natural talents, time moves fast and we tend to receive compliments for our abilities. Knowing where your natural talents lie is key to choosing the right career. Of course we\u2019re capable of doing other things, but those other tasks usually feel more like work. What do you always enjoy doing, and how can those skills be applied to a job?<\/p>\n
\nEach of us has a preferred work style, even if we don\u2019t realize it. That style can sometime conflict with a career choice. For example, a flexible work environment might allow you to deliver projects on various dates, while a structured environment would require specific deadlines and strict guidelines. What works better for you? In which environment do you tend to thrive?<\/p>\n
\nWhat\u2019s your preferred work location? Your preference could vary from a small regional office to corporate headquarters to a home office, an airport hotel or a beach suite. How often do like to work away from home? Do you mind traveling for your job? If living out of a suitcase makes you cringe and you need a consistency in your workplace, avoid careers that require a lot of moving around.<\/p>\n
\nDo you like working with others or as part of a team? Are you motivated by the needs of others and your ability to provide a solution? This is critical because some people shy away from that connection and would rather deliver value behind the scenes\u2014without the complications of interacting with colleagues and clients. Know your social needs so you can choose a career that matches them.<\/p>\n
\nDo you value a short commute and a home-cooked meal every night? Do you live for weekends out at the soccer field watching your kids play? If you need those creature comforts on a regular basis, pick a career that will give you the time to enjoy them. Look for jobs with regular hours and little to no requirements to work overtime or on weekends.<\/p>\n
\nSome careers have a component of giving back, where the beneficiary of your hard work is not a corporation\u2019s bottom line but rather a sick child, an endangered species or the planet\u2019s air quality. If it\u2019s important to know that your hard work makes a difference in the world, this could be a significant driver in your career choice.<\/p>\n
\nCertain careers encourage or even require employees to have a public persona. You may become known in your local community. If you\u2019re a spokesperson, that recognition could extend to a nation level. Or if you serve as your company\u2019s representative at trade shows or special events, you may become known in that niche community. How does this strike you\u2014as an opportunity or an obligation? If you thrive on recognition and the chance to build a personal brand while promoting your company\u2019s work, look for careers that allow you to stand out front.<\/p>\n
\nSome of us thrive on big deadlines, or being on the hook for important projects. We like being the glue that holds everything together. In this role, people trust you and expect that you\u2019ll suck it up and deal well with the pressure. Of course, we all have different stress thresholds. If you thrive under the gun, you may do well in a high-stress career. But if stress makes you want to run the other way, look for jobs that are more laid-back.<\/p>\n
\nAs you look forward in life, what are your expectations for money? You might be single now, but maybe you hope to become your future family\u2019s breadwinner. Or maybe you\u2019re part of a successful two-income family and need to decide whether you\u2019re comfortable living on less or compromising on other career aspects, like work-life balance, to earn a better income. If money is the reward you seek, there are careers to match.<\/p>\n