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By: Alex Nikotina,Tamara Papo
Published On: December 11, 2016Many people think that the sole purpose of work is to earn enough money to live comfortably. While adequate compensation is important in any job, it is not the whole story.
If you do not enjoy what you do every day (or at least most days) and do not find your work meaningful and rewarding, you will not be able to work effectively and advance your skills to better prepare yourself for future career. It is important to find the right job – one that you are passionate about and that brings out the best in you.
Before starting your job search, spend some time to make sure you are looking for the type of jobs that your interests translate well into. If you are not sure about what you want to do or what kinds of jobs match your interests, you can take a career test to generate some ideas. You may also consider getting career coaching or counseling to help get you on the right track. Sometimes impartial advice from professional counselors can open up possibilities you had not previously considered.
When thinking about your dream career, you should develop a list of key characteristics that you want to see in your job. Be it flexibility, work-life balance or a certain leadership style, try to identify what are the most important criteria for you. Think about your values as well: what causes, products or services matter the most for you? This will help you direct the job search.
Once you have a general idea of your career path, take some time to figure out what skills you have that can be transferred to your future career. It can help you identify which jobs really fit you. When you think about your skills, do not limit yourself to experiences only at work but consider all types of activities, including volunteering, hobbies, and life experiences. You can also brainstorm with friends, colleagues, mentors, or family. Their external perspective may allow them to identify skills that you overlook.
The job you are interested in may sound amazing, but don't forget to look at different organizations where this position is offered. What is the best work environment and management style under which you thrive? Is the company culture a good fit for you? Are there opportunities for career advancement? Considering these questions will help you decide whether or not the job is right for you.
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.