If you’re currently in the process of switching careers, the task may seem daunting. After feeling so stuck in a line of work that doesn’t fulfill you, you’re beyond ready to move forward.
It won’t help if you dwell on why you didn’t select the right career path the first time. Instead, look to the future and be thankful you realized that you were going in the wrong direction.
Now it’ll be fun discovering where to go next. You’re about to go on a journey of discovery that’ll lead you to a job that fulfills you!
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1. Focus on Your Current Interests
An excellent place to start is by focusing on your current interests.
For example, if you love to paint, then being an art gallery curator or art lecturer could be a good fit for you. Or, if you’re passionate about design work, then consider becoming a graphic designer.
Think about all your interests — not only the main ones. There may be some hobbies that you’ve dabbled in but haven’t dedicated enough time to. Spend time doing these hobbies to see if they’re worth exploring further for a career.
Don’t take anything off the table before considering what makes you happy and gets you excited.
2. Figure Out Who You Are
You’re never going to completely figure out who you are, as we are always learning and growing. But there are ways to discover more about yourself. What you find out can point you in the right direction for your career.
Various tools provide guidance. The more you learn about yourself, the better. A few tools to look into are The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test and Enneagram.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test helps people discern what their personality type is.
It’s based on psychological types described by C. G. Jung. Katharine Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test to help people learn about their personality types.
Using the test will be an excellent way for you to ask yourself the tough questions. The results will ensure you figure out what type of career is a good fit for you.
There are 16 personality outcomes. Depending on what personality type you have, it’ll shed some light. It can provide insight into how you would fit in specific organizations.
Enneagram
Enneagram is another test that helps you learn more about your personality. Taking the test reveals what your strengths and weaknesses are.
Based on your type of personality, there are different levels of development. These levels reveal healthy, average, and unhealthy levels. Depending on the level you experience, you can work to improve yourself.
Again, understanding more about yourself is vital. You’ll have a better idea of what type of work will fulfill you.
3. Get Your Feet Wet in Different Industries
You don’t want to commit yourself to a new career path right away. After all, you’re still discovering which direction to go.
That’s why you should get your feet wet by trying different career avenues. To get your feet wet, volunteer, intern, or take an online course to learn about new industries.
Once you figure out whether a particular line of work is for you or not, move on to dabble in another field. If you’re still unsure, consult with your mentor and take more time to mull things over.
4. Find a Mentor Who Pushes You
Another way to figure out what type of career to select is by finding a mentor. This person can be someone who is in your life already or another person.
Here are a few ideas in regards to what type of person you could select as a mentor:
- A fitness instructor who has a lot of energy and eagerness to learn.
- A close coworker who has advised you on specific projects and listened to you in times of need.
- A friend or family member who believes in you and makes a good confidant and sounding board.
- A professional who can provide insight into the industry you want to learn more about.
Select a mentor who will push you to grow and decide on a career that’ll fulfill you.
They should be enthusiastic and eager to encourage you to meet your goals.
Having someone who is an expert in their field is also helpful. A professional can teach you about their career. If you’re interested in the same industry, you’ll learn all about it through your mentor.
5. Don’t Allow Money to Get in the Way
Sure, it’d be nice to make a lot of money in your new career. If you’re in debt or want to buy a house soon, making a decent income is likely on your mind.
Yet, as you search for your niche, don’t make having a high-paying salary your sole priority.
Sometimes doing something you’re passionate about means taking a pay cut. The career you choose will likely allow you to grow. You may have to take an entry position for now, but you’ll have a lucrative career in the end.
So, even if you get paid less initially, it doesn’t mean you can’t make more money in the future.
Taking a pay cut will be worth it because you’ll be a lot happier in the long run.
Conclusion
As you go through a journey of self-discovery, realize that it won’t be in vain. It may take a while to figure out which path to take. Even so, while searching for your dream career, you’ll learn plenty along the way.
Learn more about yourself, listen to a mentor, and follow the other advice I mentioned in this article. Soon enough, you’ll discover an ideal career that makes you happy and fulfilled.
[Author bio]
Amber Smith is the Leasing Manager at Catalyst Houston. With over seven years of experience at luxury apartment communities, this Houston native has true pride in her city and understands why Catalyst is the perfect place to call home.
