Exploring Careers
Choosing a career path is not always easy.
For most people there is not one right occupation, but several occupations they could do and enjoy.
Different occupations will satisfy you in different ways. Different occupations will suit you at different times. Your career is your whole working life, which can be made up of a wide range of occupations and involve many changes in direction.
It is important that you make informed choices. It is wise to base your career decisions on a good understanding of yourself, as well as a thorough knowledge of the occupations and courses open to you.
It takes time to think about yourself, to decide what sort of lifestyle you want, to talk to people and to explore occupations. If you want to find work that is satisfying, however, there are no shortcuts - and without this knowledge, you may be tempted to react to whatever luck brings your way.
It is important that you take charge of your career. Only you can make career choices that work for you. You are the person best suited to choose work that suits your own unique skills, knowledge, personality and interests.
While you are investigating job possibilities, some of your thoughts and decisions could be influenced by:
- family advice, pressure or expectations
- peer group pressure
- 'role models', that is, seeing people you admire or respect doing a particular job
- society or community expectations
- the media
It is important that you realize the decision is up to you. Remember, it is your individual interests, talents, experience, training, education, skills, values, beliefs and knowledge that need to be considered when it comes to making a choice. Do not give up if someone thinks your dream is foolish, hard to achieve or out of your reach. It is wise to seek advice and help from people who are able to offer it, but make sure that the final decision is yours.
