If you’ve been considering switching careers to find more fulfilling work, you’re not alone. The Great Resignation means there’s never been a more opportune time to seek a new career path. Maybe you want something stable, like a teaching gig, or perhaps you’re trying to think of a career totally outside of the box, like a professional poker player or fisherman.
Maybe you don’t know where to start to find the career that’s best for you. If that’s the case, it’s time for some soul-searching. Here are eight questions that will help you find your dream job.
1. Where do you want to live?
Location can play a critical role in shaping your career, so understanding what environment you thrive in can be a jumping-off point to deciding your career trajectory. For example, if you feel at peace in water, you may want to consider a water-based job and live on the coast.
2. What are your financial goals?
We all know that working is a means to create a life, survive in society, and reach financial goals. If you know that you want to have a large family or pay off debt, you may wish to pursue a high-paying career.
3. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Perhaps the most crucial personality factor when deciding upon a new career is whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. Some professions are tailored towards being an introvert, whereas others cater to extrovert personalities.
For example, people-focused opportunities like customer relations or in home care provider jobs are an excellent career choice for extroverts. There are many benefits to becoming a caregiver, including having a flexible schedule and making a real difference in people’s lives. Those who work in client-facing positions can have a front-row seat to their impact on people’s livelihoods. On the other hand, introverted people might prefer a job that requires less face-to-face interaction, such as writing or library work.
4. Do you want to travel?
If you thrive on exploring new surroundings, perhaps you should consider positions that allow you to explore the world, like becoming a freelance writer. With today’s plethora of remote work opportunities, there’s no shortage of jobs that will allow you to travel while you work.
5. What is your work style?
Some people feel most at peace behind a desk from nine to five. Other people love thrills and excitement. Learning which kind of person you are can help narrow down your work style. For example, if you’re someone who likes adrenaline, you might thrive in high-flying careers like piloting.
6. What is the current job market?
If you’re not driven by passion, a significant factor that you should consider is how easy it will be to obtain a job in your desired field.
While writing poetry may be fulfilling, there aren’t many poetry jobs out there. Alternatively, if you’re interested in a career in health care, nursing is a great career to choose from due to the nursing shortage.
7. Are you willing to go back to school?
Let’s face the facts: school isn’t for everyone. While the vast majority of positions require degrees, some do not. Being an air traffic controller is one such path that pays well but does not require a degree or certificate.
8. Is this something you will love?
Studies show that we spend about one-third of our lives at work. Before you pursue a career, you must do some serious self-reflection to understand if this is a position that will bring you joy.
Before you go
Choosing your path in life can be overwhelming. Once you learn more about yourself and how you will be happy, you are well on your way to finding your dream career.
