Whether you are new to the working world or you are just ready to start over and try a new career, figuring out what career is right for you can be a challenge with so many options and so many reasons to make the right choice. For some people a big paycheck and insurance is the most important thing, while for others having a job they love with many freedoms beats a large paycheck.
Here are a few steps to help you make a determination of what career path you want to take. Once you’ve decided you still need to go to school, get training, and find that perfect job.
Decide What You Enjoy Doing
For many people finding the right career path is as simple as deciding what you love to do and turning it into a career, or melding it into a career choice that is already available to you. If you love studying data structures such as the top view of binary tree, you might enjoy a career in software development. Or, if you love teaching, you become a teacher.
For some people it isn’t as easy. You may need to look back on your childhood dreams, or look at your hobbies, and look at things that you are really good at doing already. Then you need to figure out how to make a career out of it, which you can do by some research, talking to friends, or talking to a career counselor.
How Much Time Do You Have To Devote To School?
If your career choice requires a college degree or certification, you also need to look at how much money you have to invest in this career path. Yes, you can get loans but those must be paid back. No matter what age you are college or trade school is an option, but you need to be able to afford it.
You also need time to go. If you work full time already and have to in order to survive going back to school might not work for you.
How Much Money Do You Want To Make (And Benefits)?
While it can seem appealing to go into business for yourself, and that does work for many people, you may need to consider some other things. If you become a freelance writer, say, it will be your job to keep track of your taxes each year, your employer won’t take them out for you. You also won’t get any work supplied benefits of any kind.
Furthermore, to make an informed decision about potential earnings and benefits, research salary expectations and benefits for various careers. For instance, if you’re interested in fields like healthcare or hospitality, look into resources such as “PA Caregiver Salary” or the “difference between primary vs. secondary caregiver” to understand job responsibilities and compensation. Staying informed about these details can help you balance your financial goals with your career aspirations.
If you want health insurance, a retirement plan, or other benefits you’ll want to look for a steady job working for an actual employer. If you have a family this is probably your best bet. You might make more money working for yourself, but the benefits of an employee position can sometimes outweigh that extra income.