Are you wondering about your best career move? Whether you’re just graduating, returning to work, or considering a second career evaluating your options is a wise decision.
Here are a few practical tips to help you in your decision-making process.
Take Time to Investigate
Take time to look closely at your interests and explore your genuine passions. Perhaps you have always loved a field of interest as a child. Talk to your friends and family to see if there were some clues in your early childhood explorations.
As a child, you may have loved doing science experiments, creating art, or building things. These early investigations can hold clues that lead you to a career path which captivates your heart.
Give yourself time to explore, experiment, and do a bit of trial-and-error investigating.
Don’t feel pressured to have an immediate answer. If friends, family, and colleagues are hounding you to make a choice—take a pause.
Take Online Courses
One of the great things today is that there are many degree programs online. You can explore different courses, and even get a degree online. It’s a great way to give yourself the freedom to try out different courses and see what appeals to your interests.
In addition to a vast array of options, online learning is usually much more affordable and flexible. You’ll have time to travel, work, and play while gaining your new degree.
Take Stock of Your Finances
While education is always a good idea, it can be costly. That’s why it is critical to take stock of your finances. Do you have good credit? Do you have poor credit? Either way, you have options that can help you pursue your career goals.
If you have excellent credit, evaluate loans that are designed for people with perfect credit. If you have bad credit, check out your options.
Wherever you are living, you can do a quick Internet search. Just type in your query such as, “Where can I get an emergency loan with bad credit?” You will get a selection of reputable services in your area. To pick the best loan provider for your situation, check out testimonials, track records, and service reviews.
Take On Extra Work
Naturally, getting a loan or putting expenses on credit is part of a short-term strategy. In the long run, you may want to take on extra work. It makes sense is to look for work in the field you’re exploring.
Check out ways to build practical skills, earn money, and meet leaders in your field.
- Do freelance work on a contract basis
- Intern or do pay work for a summer or busy season
- Sign up to be on the ‘on-call roster’
- Shadow a lead performer to fill in as needed
If you are pursuing work in a professional setting, look for short-term gigs to get started. While your goal is long-term work, you will gain valuable skills and position yourself to be a top choice if a permanent position opens up.
Take Time to Interview
Looking to explore a career in a certain field? One of the best steps is to interview professionals in that career. If you want to be a lawyer, interview lawyers who are working in different aspects of law. If you’re dreaming of a nursing career, talk to various nursing professionals.
Most professionals are happy to encourage people to get into their profession. An informational interview is something that you can do virtually or in person. Take the initiative and talk with people who you admire. You’ll get a feeling for the day-to-day demands of the job, and the rewards of the career.
Take Time to Reflect
Making a career choice is not something that usually happens in an instant. It may take days, weeks, or months to find the best choice. As you are planning to do this for a good portion of your life, make the time and space for yourself.
You may enjoy walking in nature, taking time away from your desk, or writing in a journal. Find ways that work for you to relieve stress and restore a sense of calm to your career decision.