The Key to Finding the Right Career

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Work isn't always exciting, but it is possible to have a job that gives you a sense of professional purpose and satisfies your need to contribute to society. To find one of these jobs, you need to discover your passion and understand who you are as a person. If you are currently stuck with a job you don't enjoy, follow these tips to discover your passion.

1. Identify Your Natural Talents

It's easier to be passionate about something that comes naturally to you than it is to be passionate about something that causes you a lot of anxiety. If you have trouble doing anything but basic addition and subtraction, don't pursue a career in accounting or finance just because you think it might pay well. Instead, focus on your natural talents. Have you always been praised for your writing? Maybe a career as a copywriter is right for you. If you always have your nose stuck in a book, proofreading and editing may be viable career paths.

2. Figure Out What Makes You Happy

If you want to discover your passion, you need to figure out what makes you happy. Does the thought of sitting at a desk all day make you shake with dread? If so, a desk job is probably not for you, but you might enjoy working as a park ranger or doing something else involving the great outdoors. If you spend a lot of your free time volunteering at your local animal shelter, you might want to pursue a career as a veterinary technician or pet photographer.

3. Examine Your Life

Another way to discover your passion is to dig deep and think about past experiences. Think back to your childhood and try to identify two or three occasions that filled you with pure happiness. What were you doing at the time? If you were building something out of blocks, a career in engineering may fill you with the same sense of wonder. Did you play a musical instrument as a child? If so, consider a career in the performing arts.

4. Get Creative

It's almost impossible to discover your passion without getting creative. Don't be afraid to engage in creative exercises designed to help you find a career that gives you a sense of professional purpose. Making a creativity board is just one way to identify your passion and figure out what you should do with the rest of your life. To make your own board, cut out inspirational pictures and quotes from magazines and newspapers. Paste your selections to a large piece of poster board. Look at the board carefully to see if you notice any themes emerging.

Money isn't the most important thing in the world, but you do need to find a way to support your lifestyle. If you aren't happy with your current career, take steps to discover your passion and change your life. Identifying your passion is a great way to find a career that fits your personality and interests.


Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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  • Heather Baumann
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