How do you choose a career?

Many people choose a career in which they have no interest at all and within a few years move to something else, wasting all that time and money on a degree they do not want to use.

You should ask yourself a few questions concerning your choice of career. What do you enjoy doing? Do you have hobbies you love, playing music, writing poetry, tinkering with electronics, repairing computers, building websites...the list could go on and on. The best choice for a career would be something you are passionate about and feel you could do your work in that area and enjoy doing it. Consider also any special talents you may have.

Once you have a list of your interests in mind, check to see what job positions there are pertaining to those interests. Narrow your list as you go. Think of the pros and cons to each option on your list. Ask yourself questions such as: Would this career have good benefits such as healthcare, retirement programs, etc? Would this career require you to relocate? Would this career require more time from you personal or family life than you would be willing to sacrifice? Would there be room for advancement in this career, or would you always stay on the same rung of the corporate/industrial ladder?

Another thing to consider is, how much money do you want to make? Would this career pay a salary that would sustain a home and family? Provide for their future as well as your own? Here you may have to choose between a higher paying career you think you'll burn out on or absolutely hate and a lower-paying career you feel you'll enjoy for years.

Just remember - each major has many branches of opportunities. For example, with an English major, you could become a journalist, an author, a ghost-writer, commercial writing, technical writing, college professor, elementary or high school teacher, script writer for plays, television, jingle writer...the job options for each major you consider is nearly endless.

Many people choose a career in which they have no interest at all and within a few years move to something else, wasting all that time and money on a degree they do not want to use.