Aug 25
2008Our contemporary ideas about working are numbered. The idea of getting trained, staying with one company, and retiring with a gold watch is slowly become antiquated. Today, career choice is no longer as clear as it used to be. The changing world and economy will greatly influence the decisions that we will make.
The idea of one’s career choice has completely changed from the landscape of fifty years ago. There are a much greater number of influences to be considered- your career environment, flexible schedules, and the need to challenge yourself in your chosen career- and these have caused a shift from the common idea of the nine to five job to something more evolved. Companies are constantly changing, and they need employees who can shift gears as quickly as they can change their entire business structure.
In today’s fluid, ever-changing economy, studies indicate that it is no longer unusual to change jobs every few years. Workers must be prepared to change both position and field of employment as required. This fluidity can be challenging at times, as the concept of “stable employment” disappears, and limited time in any one position makes it more difficult to reach career salary goals.
None of this should make you afraid of making the wrong decision or of the change brought about by navigating between different positions and companies. At the least, this constantly changing world makes it easier for you to make yourself happy at work. Flexibility can be a benefit, freeing you from a bad boss or an inefficient company, as long as you are confident enough to guide your career choice yourself.
A good place to begin is to make a list of the things you excel at, what fields interest you, and what kinds of work environments you enjoy. Consider those factors before your degrees, job experience, or qualifications. Whether you’re qualified to be a schoolteacher is quite different than whether you’d actually like to be one. Make your career choice carefully by thinking about how a given job will want you to work. How will they require you to solve problems? Will they create independent work or cooperative efforts? The number of possible jobs for you will instantly expand, and allow the possibility of considering a jump to an entirely new job field if it’s what makes you happy.
Consider the option of career counseling if you are feeling caught in your situation, or perhaps overwhelmed by the possibilities. A professional who is constantly tapped in to the job market and the opportunities that are available to you will be a great aid in making the appropriate career choice, no matter how long it takes to make it.
Today, career choice is no longer as clear as it used to be. The changing world and economy will greatly influence the decisions that we will make. This fluidity can be challenging at times, as the concept of “stable employment” disappears, and limited time in any one position makes it more difficult to reach career salary goals. Finding a job is frustrating with so many choices out there; career counseling is a great way to narrow down endless job possibilities. A career counselor is able to watch the job market for you, and help you to make the best choices.
