Stability, Purpose, Passion – What is the right way to choose a career?
The moment you enter high school, the questions start rolling in: ‘Beta, aage kya karna hai?’ and the imaginary clock starts ticking. Should I go for entrance exams (but Mom, I like video games)? Or should I start my own startup? Wait, is there a third option? The reality is, most of us truly don’t know how to answer the ‘career question’.
Choosing the right career path can feel overwhelming, but how do I even find my passion when I haven’t figured out my go-to ramen yet? Don’t worry, in this blog, I’ll share 5 practical tips to kickstart your career hunt.
Before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight: your passion doesn’t have to be your job, but it’s awesome when they align.
STEP 1: Self- Reflection
What were you interested in as a child? How did you love to spend your time? What did you want to be when you grew up?
Declutter your mind of all the ‘sensible’ and ‘right’ options that you’ve been told to pursue, and let’s explore what you truly want to do.
STEP 2: Value, Passion, Purpose — The trifecta of Fulfillment
Ask Questions. Sit with a notepad and think thoroughly.
Passion-based questions:
Is there a specific way you like to spend your time?
Do you find mental work or physical work easier?
Which of your skills are you most confident of?
Value-based questions:
What is most important in your life?
Where is something you do that makes you feel happy and fulfilled?
What change would you like to be a part of? (For example, Environmental change)
Purpose-based questions:
What does success mean to you?
Which of your strengths do you honour the most?
What do you enjoy learning about?
STEP 3: Discover Your Core Drivers
Maybe you want a high-paying career with perks like a company apartment, or perhaps you prioritize work-life balance with more leaves and flexibility. Either way, knowing your motivations helps you navigate trade-offs and find a career that aligns with what matters most to you.
Consider these key factors:
1. Compensation (salary, benefits)
2. Independence (autonomy)
3. Balance (work-life harmony)
4. Flexibility (schedule, adaptability)
5. Growth opportunities (career advancement)
STEP 4: Researching Potential Career Paths
So you’ve done the soul-searching and figured out your priorities. What’s Next? Facing the job market.
One Google Search Goes a Long Way: Read through job descriptions and articles about different careers. If a specific task or role piques your interest, research that position and related jobs.
Align your passion with market demand: Explore how your interests can lead to a viable career. For instance, if you’re a connoisseur of art, you can work in a museum, gallery, or cultural institution.
Connect with mentors: Turn to a mentor in your area of interest for guidance. It could be your professor or your age-gap online friendship.
Talk to a career coach: If nothing works, you can always speak to professionals who will assess your personality, consider your interests, qualifications and guide you towards a suitable career path.
STEP 5: Explore and experiment
Make connections on sites like LinkedIn and reach out to professionals to learn about the daily responsibilities and work environment.
Intern or job shadow: It gives you an upper hand when applying for entry-level positions if you have work experience to show.
Freelance or part-time gigs: Gain experience without full time commitment.
Personal projects and hobbies: Start personal projects that might help you in the long run like blogging, taking coding classes, learning new languages, or simply reading.
Hands-on experience can provide clarity that research alone can’t.
CTRL+Z TAKEAWAY: Just Do It
Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis! It’s easy to overthink career choices. Take the leap and try something that sparks interest. You don’t need all the answers – just start and adjust as needed.
Your job doesn’t define your life. Plenty of people hate their bosses and are still kicking it at the clubs every weekend. So take a deep breath, make a decision, and remember – you can always change careers.
About the Author
I’m Laxmi, a content writer who turns caffeine into words and ideas into stories. If creativity had a speed limit, I’d be breaking it daily. Juggling words, dodging writer’s block, and occasionally questioning my life choices—one sentence at a time. Always typing, always snacking, never not thinking!
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About the Author
A young writer that writes about things that matter most- identity, family, adulting, digital life (or the lack of it). Sometimes, I also indulge in making memes and writing poetry; the two spectrums of creativity. I also love music and engaging in different fandoms. Always been the girl with ‘too many’ opinions and will always be one.