Teenagers are given the first serious choice in their lives. And there is still wind in my head. And thoughts, of course, about love. We go to college for company or to be close to our significant other. We often drop out of school because we realize we made the wrong choice. We are torn between what we like and what pays well. How to choose the right profession and not regret it later? Let's talk about it.
Criteria for choosing a profession
Teenagers do not always understand what a profession is. They have a superficial, vague idea about this. You need to unlearn somewhere. Go somewhere after school. Few take the matter seriously. But even then there is a chance of making mistakes because teenagers do not have enough skills and knowledge.
How to choose a profession is not worth it?
- According to the convenience of the location of the educational institution.
- Together with friends or a loved one.
- By prestige.
- At the insistence of my parents.
- According to children's rash dreams.
These factors should not be taken into account. Look deeper.
What to look for when choosing a profession.
- On your own skills and abilities: what you do well.
- To tastes and preferences. You need to evaluate how constant they are, how often they change, what activities you enjoy in life.
- You need to look into the future and find out what kind of salary the position promises. How will you live? At the same time, do not take into account possible help from relatives, do not take into account the possibility of marriage. There is only you and this specialty. Can you live with this budget? Do you have enough for your dreams?
Here are three pillars on which the choice of profession rests:
- innate abilities;
- addictions;
- perspective.
From here you need to start. But there are still many nuances.
- Remember: psychologists advise changing your occupation every 7 years.
- People don't always work in their specialty.
- Higher education opens more doors than secondary education.
- You can graduate but not get a job in that field.
- You may not like what you are passionate about now. Most likely it will. People's tastes change.
- Sometimes parents and teachers really know better, ask their advice.
Taking into account the characteristics of temperament
When choosing a job, do not forget about the type of person’s temperament:
- Choleric. A person who actively reacts to events and is subject to frequent mood changes. He should avoid monotonous work and find himself where he can show initiative and leadership qualities;
- Melancholic. Such people are prone to depression and are very withdrawn. It is better for them to connect their lives with quiet professions, where they need to think more than communicate;
- Phlegmatic people. They are distinguished by their balance and slowness. Therefore, they carry out even boring and monotonous work without any problems. But at the same time, they are ready to diligently immerse themselves in the study of complex systems, so they can become good engineers and scientists;
- Sanguines. Always full of energy and can find contact with any person. They make ideal teachers and psychologists.
What to do if you have no ideas
How to choose a profession you like if you don’t know what you want? If you don’t have a single thought about this in your head? This is a question that school graduates often ask themselves. There are several reference points here:
- We need to study what professions are in demand today.
- Refuse the stereotype that the more complex your specialty, the more you will earn. Today, manicurists earn more than people with higher education. That time has come.
- We need to separate dreams from reality: not all good singers today earn a lot. Talents simply cannot make their way through. It is necessary to take into account existing connections and opportunities.
- Think about what you enjoy doing. Is it possible to make a profession out of this?
These criteria should give you some ideas.
Who is more decisive in this matter: men or women?
– In my opinion, men are more decisive. Women are more prone to reflection, and, accordingly, they are slower to make decisions.
The careers of men and women develop differently. At interviews, women are still asked questions about whether they are married and whether they have children. An interview is stressful: not only do you have to explain to the employer the reason for your career move, but also the presence of discriminatory questions is scary.
Men are not asked about this, although by law in Belarus any working family member is allowed to go on maternity leave. It doesn't even have to be mother or father.
Is it possible to choose a job you like for the rest of your life?
If this question interests you, that’s good. Many people think that this goes without saying. Here are some fun facts.
- Almost 60% of people do not work in their specialty.
- Only 30% of the population has higher education.
- Many of those who entered the university do not have any practical skills of the profession, but acquire them during their studies.
- On average, a person changes from 2 to 7 specialties during his life.
Psychologists recommend having a hobby in addition to work. It increases the likelihood of staying in one place for several years. The time just comes, and the psyche gets tired of performing the same type of tasks and routine. The time has come to move on, to discover new facets. The old hobbies that you used to be passionate about are no longer interesting. Because you have outgrown them. Views and priorities change. And changes in life are necessary. The more there are, the more fulfilling life is.
There are no advantages from a psychological point of view to working at one job all your life. The psyche needs variety.
Of course, you can choose an occupation for life. But there must also be hobbies. And it is also advisable to change your profession. Not once a year, but at least once a decade. This does not devalue the educational experience. Against. You need to choose it so that with this diploma you will be accepted for other places. Work experience will be useful to you. He will give you the right to choose. You will also become an expert in two or three areas.
Remote work vacancies
Due to the pandemic, many have had to decide who can work after being laid off . Remote options have an advantage. Remote work allows you to avoid the risk of infection, plan your own schedule, and also learn new skills and realize your potential. Here are some popular professions in demand today:
- Internet Marketing. The main task of the employee is market analysis and selection of tools for development and promotion on the network. Because thanks to a specialist, the demand for goods and services of a particular company increases.
- Graphic design. This is visualization, which can consist of banners, logos, creating unique business cards, layouts for leaflets and other advertising products. It is worth paying attention to this area. Because the pay there is decent.
- Testing. Responsibilities include testing software immediately before release to the market. But for work you may need a powerful computer and modern gadgets.
- Copywriting. A copywriter writes advertising and informational texts. But you can choose a narrow topic or become a generalist.
In addition, many traditional professions have switched to a remote format. This applies to accountants, lawyers, and system administrators. To carry out activities, it is not necessary to regularly appear at the workplace; a large amount of work can be performed remotely.
What professions will be in demand in the future?
Choosing a profession according to your perspective is wise. You just need to like her too.
Going to a job you don't love every day is hell. Work should bring positive emotions. And not only when you leave there in the evening. Happy is the one who rushes to work with joy in the morning, and returns home with the same joy in the evening.
How to choose a job with prospects? Let's consider professions that will always be in demand.
- Dentist. People's teeth won't stop hurting. One of the highest paid professions today.
- Doctor. But this is not a profession, but a way of life. You are always at work until retirement.
- Teacher. But the work of a teacher is one of the most difficult psychologically.
- Programmer. In the age of computer technology, you definitely won’t be left without work.
- Cook. People will always eat.
- Hairdresser. For information: hair grows on average 1 cm per month.
- Nail service specialists.
- Salesman.
- Vet.
- Psychologists are in high demand. They work not only with patients. They are hired to recruit staff for large companies. A universal profession in essence.
- There are always not enough drivers.
- Pilot. Air transportation is in demand today.
- Agronomist.
- Every reputable company needs an accountant. And these are both private and state enterprises.
- Educators.
And we also need scientists. Who else, besides them, will make great discoveries?
What about the employer? How can I convince him that I am suitable?
– In order for potential employers to pay attention to you, you must have:
- understanding which job search channels to use;
- a resume reflecting your work experience and reasons for your career move;
- ability to write cover letters;
- the ability to talk about yourself and your experience within 2-3 minutes;
- you must understand what questions the employer is interested in and know how to answer them;
- you should know what questions you can ask a potential employer in order to determine for yourself at the interview stage whether this company and vacancy are suitable for you or not.
Choosing a profession using tests: 4 most important tests
Career guidance tests will help you choose a profession. We will talk about tests when choosing a profession, and you can understand the advantages of each of them.
Socionics test
It's better to start with him. It allows you to determine your personality type. You will understand whether you have a penchant for the humanities or the exact sciences. The test also determines whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. Extroverts need communication. And for introverts, one-on-one communication is more comfortable. Working with people in the audience will depress them. An important factor in choosing a profession. Personality type is a trait that will always be with you. A socionics test will reveal a different side to your personality.
Holland Questionnaire
An unusual but accurate test. The table contains 42 pairs of professions. Choose the one you like best. Your personality type will be determined based on your answers.
Each type has its own specialties. It is in these areas that you can achieve success.
Klimov's technique
“I can’t choose a profession” is more of an excuse than a real problem. The next test will be to determine your aptitude for the type of activity. Klimov’s technique will allow you to be placed into one of the following categories:
- person-person;
- man-nature;
- man-artistic image;
- man-technology;
- man is a sign system.
You will understand in which direction to think.
Career choice matrix
Another type of testing that anyone who is looking for an answer to the question: “Which profession to choose” should take. The matrix works on the principle of a table. You first choose what you would like to work with, and then what direction you would like to work in. Find the intersection and get the result: professions corresponding to both. The explanation is complicated, but in reality everything is elementary. Take the test and get ready-made options.
What about the resume then? What should I write there?
– Your resume will not be empty if you have professional experience. You just need to treat your resume not as something unnecessary and insignificant, but as a document that may be of interest to a potential employer.
To create a resume for a career transition, I also recommend working with career consultants. They will “highlight” your achievements and recommend how to create a resume that best suits the new position.
Changing profession after 30 years
At 30, a radical reassessment of values occurs. The first crisis of age, not counting childhood and transitional stages. By this time, a person becomes a mature personality. He reconsiders life, draws conclusions. People decide to make changes. This includes changing their type of activity. And rightly so, since the first years after graduation you have to work on your reputation. We earn recommendations, develop skills, and gain experience. Further, reputation works for us. Now stop and think about whether you are doing the right thing.
At 30, another life begins. If you suddenly decide that you haven’t been doing your own thing all your life, it’s not scary. You have already received education and work experience. Feel free to try yourself in another area. If you finish your studies at 22-23 years old, then 30 years old is just the time when you can get a profession. 7 years have passed and you need to change your activities. You need to understand that this is not scary. You can return to what you are already experienced at. And trying new things is necessary for a fulfilling life. Courses and internships will help with this.
If I’m 30+ and I’ve decided (decided) to change my field, isn’t it too late?
– There are 4 aspects to the concept of age:
- Chronological (passport) is the amount of time from birth to the present moment.
- Biological – the degree of growth and maturation of the body, determined by the state of the nervous system.
- Social – the level of social roles and functions that a person performs.
- Psychological – level of development of mental functions (level of mature decision-making, responsibility, awareness).
When people ask me questions, at what age can you change your field of activity - at 30, 35, and is it too late at 40? - I answer that this can be done at any age, when you realize that your work does not make you happy, that you are not living the life you wanted for yourself.
But if you don't do anything to change your life, you'll be stuck in the position of a child waiting for someone else to come along and change it. Thus, you shift responsibility for your life to others.
How to choose the right profession
Let's summarize the above. It is worth taking 4 tests that will help you better understand your inclinations, abilities, psychotype and suitable specialties. Next, analyze your capabilities and inclinations. Try to choose a specialty that suits your needs.
- communication with people or solitude;
- realization of talents and abilities;
- proximity to home or the ability to travel while on business trips.
Don't forget about your salary. She should allow her to live independently without compromising on the necessary things.
Consider your interests
Remember, this is the main point. But he is also the most changeable. Focus on the past. Choose activities that interest you. Not fleeting, but with constant interest. If you love to cook and have long learned how to make various delicacies, and a month ago you suddenly became addicted to dancing, then you should choose cooking. Something that you have consistently liked for a long time.
Analyze your skills
Not only desire is important, skills are important. You should ask your parents, relatives, and teachers about how to choose your future profession. Ask them to talk about their experiences, ask for advice. People who have known you for a long time will tell you what your innate abilities are. Take this factor into account. Talent is a heavy burden. Implement it. Otherwise it will weigh on you. At the very least, make it a hobby.
Analyze your current situation
You've probably had different hobbies throughout your life. You graduated from a school where the curriculum included your favorite and least favorite subjects. Think about what you would like to do? Think from a distance. Imagine that a person comes to you with a serious question. He asks how to choose the right profession. You will give advice based on your abilities. You also need to take into account your financial situation. Higher education today requires a lot of money. But you can always try to go on a budget.
Plan your future with confidence
You already know which profession to choose. All that remains is to take tests, ask for advice from loved ones, and include skills and desires in the calculation. Be realistic. Do you want to become a dentist? Go to the clinic and talk to the doctor. Let him talk about the features of the profession. Don't be afraid of difficulties. On the way to your goal, you should not see obstacles, but the goal itself, its positive aspects.
Recalling childhood memories and favorite games
As a rule, favorite games or activities from childhood are those in which the child is most successful or gets the most pleasure.
Sometimes it’s enough to dive into childhood memories to understand where your zone of maximum satisfaction is. What kind of activity have you always strived for, perhaps in spite of prohibitions, lessons imposed on circles by your parents? Did you want to sit at home embroidering and drawing? Or gather all the children from neighboring buildings and play school with them? Or were you ready to spend hours twirling in front of the mirror, wearing all possible and available mother’s jewelry? Or maybe the ball and everything related to sports was the basis of your motivation to complete all your household chores as quickly as possible?
Again, you can remember whether you liked to read books in solitude or were the organizer of all the games in the yard? Some people, from childhood, have been indifferent to trade and money relations - such children either enthusiastically play “shop” and learn to count with “real money”, or try to exchange things with classmates, or start a new piggy bank, or recklessly play Monopoly, or find another one. idea for the next collection. And there are children who are ready to repair, build, embroider and knit from morning to evening.
Remember what you loved to do - this may be the key to understanding what you need to do in order to most successfully realize your personality.
