Choosing a career, at any stage in life, has its challenges.
Perhaps youve got a fancy new bachelors degree (congratulations!)
and have no idea where to begin.
Whatever your starting point, making a decision of this magnitude can be intimidating.
But remember: There are ways to ease the pressure.
Start by asking yourself this basic question: What do I like?
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At this point, dont consider salary needs, lifestyle accommodations or any other factors.
(Well get to those later.)
For now, just think about what you wouldnt mind doing for a long time.
Do you like being in nature?
Do you enjoy more creative- or analytics-based tasks?
As you answer these questions, allow yourself time to figure it out.
Youre not going to find out what you want to do as a career right away.
Youll have to work a bunch of jobs, perhaps, to find out what career suits you.
Career tests are great for identifying your strengths.
Just because you like health sciences doesnt mean youd enjoy being a nutritionist.
But, you could be perfectly suited for something else in the health field.
If youre still in college, take advantage of the free services that your universitys career development office offers.
But what if youre jumping back into the workforce?
If community organizations arent available, you’ve got the option to find free coaching online.
A great example is Goodwill Industries Internationals free career navigation platform,GoodProspects.
What are your values?
Ideally, a career should sustain, progress and enhance your life for years to come.
In other words, the objective is growth not necessarily wealth.
If thats money, theres nothing wrong with that.
Its important to be realistic, she says, so finding something that aligns with your lifestyle is key.
Consider whether your current lifestyle can support your career choice.
What are your short- and long-term goals?
Step 3: Research Potential Career Paths
Thoroughly reading job descriptions is crucial.
As you research, pay attention to whats piquing your interests.
Do this until you have a few career options that really fit your needs, wants and goals.
This is where you start networking.
Nothing substitutes for actually hearing from the people themselves who are working in that area.
Before you know it, youll be ready to apply for jobs.
That includes preparing yourresumeandcover letter.
TheBureau of Labor Statistics.
offers useful information on thousands of professions.
Farrah Daniel is a former editorial assistant at The Penny Hoarder.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
