By Mitch Rice

6 Secrets to Find an Optimal Career Path

Do you often find yourself at a crossroads in your life? Are you constantly asking yourself questions such as “What should I do with my life?” and “What job should I choose?” In high school, it’s easy to think that there is one path for your future – go to college, get a degree, and look for a job in that field. But the truth is, many young people find themselves lost when they graduate because they have not thought about what direction they really want to take. 

If you have been looking for a job and can’t seem to find one that fits your goals, maybe it’s time to change your outlook on the process of choosing a career.

What can really help you change perspective is consulting with a career advice expert and getting professional help with your job application. You might want to consider using a resume writing service so that you can land an interview and get hired faster and with less effort. Expert support and guidance will allow you to start your career in the right way.

But before you get to job hunting, you should set clear objectives for your professional development. Now, here are 6 juicy secrets on how to find an optimal career path for you!

The 6 Famous Questions Leading to Successful Job Search

What Are You Good At? 

Think about what you want to do, and think about what you’re good at. If those two things do not overlap, it might be time for you to reevaluate your career strategy or business prospects. Maybe this success story by Jason Feifers will help you clear your mind. Feel free to use the following questions, too, to find out what you’re really good at.

• What are the qualities that make you unique? 
• What are the things that people compliment you on? 
• How do your friends describe you when they introduce you to someone else?

Most importantly, think about the following: are there any areas where your strengths intersect with your values? By focusing on both your strengths and values, you’ll be much more likely to find something that makes you happy.

Before accepting a job offer, ask yourself whether this job is consistent with what makes your life meaningful. In other words, consider whether this job will help you reveal your potential.

How Much Time Are You Ready to Spend on Building Your Career?

You probably won’t know if a career is right for you until you actually get a job in that field. But when you’re trying to decide which path to pursue, there are some signs that can help you make the right choice.

You enjoy learning about it. If you’re curious about a subject, you’re more likely to be interested in studying it in school and turning it into your job. For example, if coding excites you or science makes your eyes light up, you might want to pursue a career in those fields.

You want to spend the majority of your life doing it. No matter what path you choose, there will be days when work is tough and deadlines are looming. But if the thought of spending 40+ hours per week doing something excites you rather than exhausts you, then consider that an indicator that the job is right for you.

Where Do Your Passions Lie?

Many people get into careers because they think that’s where the money is. But if your passions are elsewhere, then it won’t matter how much money is in that field — you’ll almost never feel fulfilled.

If you’re not sure what your passion is, don’t worry about it. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life right now. There are tons of different options and paths you can take. So, as long as you enjoy doing something, there’s a way to make money from it!

To get some inspiration, talk to friends and family members and ask them what they love most about their work. Talk to people from different career areas and see what they have in common in terms of personality traits or interests.

If you have an idea of what path you’d like to pursue, try volunteering or get an internship in that field. Many internships are unpaid, but you’ll gain valuable experience and meet people who can help you after graduation. But, most importantly, you’ll determine if it awakens your internal passions!

Is the Future Bright?

The best career for you is the one that you are passionate about and that fulfills your need to challenge yourself, work with people, and make a difference in your future. There are many careers available to you, but not all of them will make your future self happy. Think about two potential future outcomes.

The future of the career itself

Trying to choose a career based on long-term stability or salary potential can backfire since these factors don’t necessarily play a part in your job satisfaction. This can cause you to make a decision that won’t ultimately fulfill your needs, especially if the job won’t be as relevant in the future.

The opportunities your job opens for you

Satisfaction with your career does not mean that it has to be perfect. It just should allow you to grow as a person and as a professional. You don’t have to love every aspect of your job, but there should be enough positive elements to outweigh the negatives. 

What Are the Smart Financial Moves? 

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep in mind how your decisions will likely affect your long-term financial health.

Trying to earn money in the short term by accepting a lower-paying job could also backfire. Such a strategy will distract you from your end goal and will make you follow the wrong direction.

If you have children or other dependents, make sure you consider the extra costs they’re going to add to your life. If they attend a private school and you live in an area with high tuition fees, that could significantly eat into any financial cushion you have prepared.

Do You Have the Skills for This Job? 

As a student, you have the advantage of time – you can take a few months to decide if you really want to pursue this career. If you do, here are some questions to ask yourself.

• If you decide to go ahead and enter the workforce, what are some things you can do now to stand out from other job candidates?
• Is there an internship available with this company? 
• How much will it cost to get all the necessary certifications? 

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to get lost in the crowd with the rise of technology and a highly competitive job market. But it is possible to find your own niche in the professional world and create an optimal career path for yourself. The key is to set clear goals, have a good understanding of your strengths, and develop a growth mindset.

When you do this, you’ll be able to ignore misleading inclinations and will choose what’s suitable for you rather than what’s popular. Instead of comparing yourself to others, you can focus on being the best version of yourself and finding a fulfilling path to follow.