Four Irrefutable Keys To Consider When Choosing A Career Path

In times past, our ancestors did not have the luxury of picking career paths, but rather fell into them. Though the career options in ancient times being limited as compared to now can be seen as one of the many reasons why, it is not the primary reason. It was mainly due to the beliefs, traditions, and level of contentment that existed in ancient times that careers were often inherited (from lineage), or assumed based on certain gifts perceived to have being possessed by the individual. However, times have changed. The living patterns, conditions, beliefs, and overall, what we as individuals want/expect out of life is substantially if not entirely different from what was in times past. Also, asides the aforementioned, there’s also an issue of increased unhappiness and unstable mental health conditions amongst the working population. It is therefore important to think deeply, carefully and put some key elements into consideration before picking career paths as it is not to be considered as only a means to an end but also a means to the future and a major determinant of one’s happiness.

These keys can be classified into lots of groups as they may be variations and disparities from person to person. They include elements like:

• Interest and passion
• Skills and qualifications
• Personality
• Preferences and lifestyle
• Job market and future prospects
• Earning potential
• Personal value etc.

However, we are going to be looking at the Four (4) key elements that should be of utmost consideration when picking a career path. They are:
1. Passion
2. Earning potential
3. Job market/Future prospects
4. Skills and qualifications

Personally, I love to organize them in that particular order as I feel this should be the order in which one’s line of thoughts should go when faced with the task of picking a career path; though it can be achieved even though no particular sequence is followed.

PASSION

The starting point for many individuals when picking a career path is their passion/interest. Individuals tend to lean more to what they are passionate about when picking career paths. Although your career path must not necessarily be a hundred percent in line with your passion, your passion can give you multiple ideas on the best direction and route to follow. Research proves that people with careers relevant to their passion tend to enjoy their jobs, do well in them, get a greater sense of value/accomplishment, and generally do well in them. Therefore, it is important to go for something you love.

EARNING POTENTIAL

Your passion is not enough! Though it is recommended that you choose a career around your passion, it has to be something capable of sustaining you. You must also put into the consideration the revenue which can be generated from toeing that part. If that is not done, with time frustration may set in and the job begins to look like a chore.

JOB MARKET/FUTURE PROSPECTS

Haven crossed the aforementioned bridges; you need to consider the market and future prospects of the chosen career path. We are in a fast-paced generation; one where many popular jobs have become obsolete and many will follow suit (due to the advent of technology). It is essential to pick career paths that will have ready markets for your skills once you are qualified and avenues in place to continue to stay relevant overtime.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Finally, are you willing to make the needed sacrifice to equip yourself with the needed knowledge and skills to function effectively and remain relevant in your chosen path? What skills you possess already and the length you are willing to go to improve will play a significant role in choosing your career path.

Therefore, one must carry out personal analysis and determine for a fact if they are willing, able, or have the capacity needed to venture into a particular field or not.
In summary, there are many of career options available. It is therefore pertinent to be daring and thoroughly evaluate our skills to ensure that we pick career paths where we’ll thrive, be on top of our game, and above all, be happy.