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How should I choose a career field?

Home » Careers » Career Management » How should I choose a career field?
Posted by Your Guide on September 27, 2005 10:22 AM

Choosing a career field is often one of the most difficult decisions of a person’s life. After all, your relationships, your daily job, your finances, your experiences, your emotions, and your contributions to the world around you, are all profoundly impacted by your career choice. It is important, therefore, to take your time and choose wisely.

When you are considering a career field, start by examining yourself—your passions, your natural abilities, and your goals. Write down what comes to mind in these three areas and look for where your groups overlap. Assuming there is some overlap, these are subjects you should investigate as possible career fields.


  • Passions: Look for areas that excite your interest. William Lyon Phelps said, “Whenever it is in any way possible, every boy and girl should choose as his life work some occupation which he should like to do anyhow, even if he did not need the money.”
  • Natural Abilities: Author Pearl Buck said, “The secret of joy in work is contained in one word—excellence.” What are you naturally gifted at? Public speaking? Organization? Leadership? Data compilation? Ask people who know you well what skills they notice in you.
  • Goals: Think of your personal, spiritual, and financial goals. Most workers want their life’s work to have meaning—what jobs do you find meaningful that also enable you to provide financially for your family?

Perhaps you’ve taken time to analyze yourself and you realize that you’re ten years into a career that doesn’t fit any of the above criteria. Don’t panic, but take some time to examine whether you should change careers. If you decide you should, consider it a fresh start and look at all the above categories. In addition, consider the experience you received from any previous employment. What was lacking in your last job that you want in a career? What did your last job teach you to avoid?



Next Page: How do I get my foot in the door of a career field?

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