Career path following Life path
There’s more to finding your dream job than simply figuring out what you love and doing it. Career development or career change requires a long-term view, patience and commitment. Unfortunately, many people fail in a particular career path because they gave up too soon. Also, the starting point for many individuals is what kind of job I would love to have, rather than asking themselves and have a clear answer to what kind of life they want to have. Then, afterward, tailor the job they need that would fit their life.
Accordingly, I suggest a short list of questions to start the process of exploring your career path that includes:
- Ask yourself what kind of life you want to have.
- Figure out the work that can fulfill such life and consider all factors that are important to you.
- Make a list of what you love is only a starting point and may not yield an obvious career choice.
- Then ask yourself, why do I love what I love? What are the underlying characteristics is what allows you to identify potential paths.
Many clients come to my practice and say I would like to do X or to do Y without knowing and understanding what it takes to get to that point. I always recommend starting by knowing who you are and where you are. This is why our starting point is self-knowledge. So it makes sense to begin with a personal SWOT analysis. SWOT is an assessment tool that originally was created for organizational analysis, but many now applies it to individuals, while turning the lens on ourselves. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, current Opportunities, and a determination of what situations in our life are bringing out the worst in us, both professionally and personally (Threats).
Successful career path starts by defining who you and knowing where you want to be. Then, the SWOT analysis can show you if your goals are realistic and within that what it takes for you to achieve your goals. Then one need to realize the cost involved in committing to one path. For example, do you need to gain education or go back to school?, do you need to scarify your current income?, and what about relocation, or family etc. Suddenly, many questions appear to be relevant. But ultimately, all these questions needed to be considered and while understanding the consequences of each decision. When making the decision and realizing the change you want to make, then figure out the track you would take from your present position to where you want to be and create a gradual path that would lead you to your destiny.
Please visit author, Moshe Ratson at his Google+ Profile:+Moshe Ratson
