A guest blog by graduate, Lily Harris
Your career should be more than just something that pays the bills at the end of the month. It should give you a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction. It should allow you to both use and develop your skills and give you a sense of confidence to make you want to get out of bed in the morning and start your day.
Finding that ideal career can take time and effort, of course. But it’s important to put in the work and avoid settling for something that leaves you feeling uninspired.
Here are four steps to help you find your perfect career match and get on the right path.
Step #1: What are your strengths?
Understanding your strengths will allow you to become more reflective and self-aware. This ultimately will help you to find a career to thrive in. Although, this can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to blowing your own trumpet. You’ll need to be objective, take your time and ask others for their input, where appropriate.
Start by asking yourself the following questions:
● What did I enjoy at school or excel in secularly?
● What do other people compliment me on?
● What did I enjoy most about my previous job?
● When do I feel that I’m in a ‘flow state’?
Also consider asking friends and family what they believe your strengths are and make a note of their answers, even if they’re not work-related. By bearing their comments in mind alongside your own observations, you can start to narrow down your choices.
For a more detailed, impartial assessment, consider taking a trustworthy psychometric assessment such as those offered by Arctic Shores to help you delve deeper into your strengths, aptitudes and your personality.
Step #2: What are you passionate about?
Next consider what you enjoy doing, both inside of work and in your leisure time. For example, do you adore updating your blog with your creative writing? Perhaps hours fly by when you’re fixing your friend’s computer, or when you’re supporting other people, or when you’re coaching sports.
By making your interests part of your focus, you’re more likely to find a career that helps build your confidence, keeps you motivated and allows you to perform at the top of your game.
If you’re struggling, think back to your childhood and remember what you used to enjoy. Which hobbies do you enjoy? What used to fascinate you? What did you want to be when you grew up?
You can also consider if there are any issues you’d like to help solve, any groups of people you’d like to help or even how you would like to be perceived by family and friends.
Step #3: Think about your ideal lifestyle
When you’re deciding on your perfect career, you’ll also need to consider the lifestyle that you want to live.
Are you looking for a high paced environment that keeps you stimulated and on your toes? Or perhaps you’d prefer a quieter or more rewarding work life. Would you be happy to spend hours commuting to work each day for a higher wage or would something closer to home be a better fit? How would you like your life to look in five years? Ten years?
By doing this, you’ll be more likely to find a career that you just can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning for!
Step #4: Look for your sweet spot
Using the information you’ve gathered, next consider how you could use the strengths and passions you’ve identified so far and actually get paid for it.
Perhaps you spend hours writing for pleasure, you’re an engineering geek and you have excellent time management skills, an eye for detail and you’re a fantastic communicator. If so, technical writing could be your ideal match. On the other hand, perhaps you adore supporting and motivating others and you have a solid background in psychology plus excellent tech skills. If so, it might be worth considering training as a life coach or therapist.
When you can find this ‘sweet spot’, you’re most likely to find a rewarding career that brings out your personal talents and barely feels like work.
Who could pay you for your skills and interests? Who could you serve? What career niche would meet your needs?
Summary
Finding a career that matches your skills is the key to unlocking a happy and rewarding work life. By considering your personal strengths, passions and lifestyle aspirations and identifying what people will pay you, you can find that ‘sweet spot’ and spend your career doing something you love.
Now you have read up on how to choose your ideal career based on your talents and passions you probably want to hear directly from an expert how you can boost your CV to land your dream job.
