Choosing a Career Path
Why is not just “choosing a career path” but researching a career path so critical to success? In todays society, especially with a failing economy, you will likely find many people who spent many years going to school for a particular degree. However, what you would not expect is that these people not only have a degree in a particular field, yet do not attain a job in that field.
Why is this you ask? Well there are several reasons for this happening other than them maybe getting fired. One reason would be lack of jobs in a particular field. Chances are, that person failed to research the field in which they were investing so much time educating themselves to learn. They may have spent 3 to 4 years in a college or University, only to graduate and find that the jobs they thought would be available are extremely hard to get. Often this is because there are so many qualified people to fill that position. This can also result in a lower paying position, as a business knows they can pay less if more people are pursuing the same position.
Another problem that occurs in many peoples lives, down the road of their career paths, is that they find themselves basically hating what they do for work. They soon feel that the job they took the time to learn how to do, is now just a means to make money and nothing else. Dont you want to go to work at least somewhat liking what you do?
Many people feel that no matter what they do, they will hate their jobs. True most people dont like working, but this does not mean you have to hate your job and career choice. Why spend 4 years in a college or university to get a degree when you may not even like what you do?
This is where research and time come into play. Find out what you will do on a daily basis at your job. There is no better way than actually going to a work facility and asking for a tour, and talking to the people who work there and who have spent the time to get an education and learn to do what they do. Ask a school counselor, read blogs such as this one where people often describe their careers and the opportunities and freedom it may or may not bring them. Find out if people are truly happy with what they are doing.
So you know that you want go to school, but you are very unsure of what career path to follow. If you are like most people, you want the best pay in the shortest amount of time, while doing something you love. Sounds almost to good to be true right? Well, not completely. Have you thought about getting a skill based degree as apposed to an academic? A skill based school, such as a trade school focuses on teaching the exact qualities and skills needed to preform a task at a particular job. The advantage to a trade school, is that there is no wasted time. You get down to the basics right away and receive hands on training in the exact field you are wanting to learn, immediately.
When many people think of the term “trade school” they often think of courses such as auto mechanics and culinary arts. However, there are many technical trades that can be learned as well. In just a couple years time, you can earn a degree as an x ray technician or a nurse. There are countless opportunities at vocational schools that will not only get you in and out of school in a hurry, but will allow you to earn a great living, doing something you love.
Another real advantage to a technical school, is the job placement program that many offer. When you graduate school, you can feel confident that you will have a job immediately afterwords. Many schools have partnered up with many businesses to ensure that their graduating students are not left without a job when graduation day comes around.
How much money is a “good living”? Well that question has to be answered on a individual basis by you yourself. Many people today are after fame and riches that will only be acquired by very few. Could you see yourself living comfortably on $70,000 per year or even more? Directly after graduation, you would likely never see this much money, but like with any job you are payed based on skill, experience, schooling and location. The longer you work at what you do, the more you will earn doing it. Many people with trade school degrees are making upwards of 70 and 80 thousand dollars per year on only a 2 year degree, because they chose good career training programs. That doesn’t sound half bad does it?
So take the time now, and really research your career path. Dont just look at the money it makes or the recognition it may bring you. Truly be happy with your career 20 year down the road and know that you made a good decision because you were smart about making it.
