Obsession With Your Profession
Are you on the right track? Can you succeed in your profession? Are you doing what you love?
Is this the right profession for me?
That's a question that most people ask themselves quite often, even daily for the professional nomads in the world. The trouble is there is no true answer to this question. The profession you choose and the extent at which you are content is completely up to you. However, I do have a few suggestions.
1. BE OPEN!
Be open to all possibilities and avenues. Sometimes we make up our mind on a direction or profession that we think might fit us best, based on futuristic ideals, media propaganda, friends & family or things we think sound cool at the moment. Although, in life it is good to be preemptive, you must also be realistic. Often times when we set unrealistic goals, or try to please others, or try to achieve something in a short amount of time this can cause a mental and sometimes physical setback. When you feel that you have not arrived at the goals set for yourself, you tend to correlate it with your success. What most don't know is that success is a subjective term. Success is not definitively based on salary, income, class, wealth, achievement or even status. Success is the standard at which you feel you have reached mental, physical, and spiritual contentment. So make sure to measure by your own standards. With that being said, explore and research options in multiple fields and even sub-fields; find out what makes you comfortable and happy.
2. WHO ARE YOU?
What kind of environment fits you? What type of people do you like to be around? Are you social or a recluse? Are you an introvert, extrovert or ambivert? These are some of the personal questions you must ask yourself when choosing a profession as well. Although, all working environments aren't the same even within the same professions, you should still be aware of the duties and tasks that will be asked of you and make sure they fit you as a person. For instance, if you are a social butterfly, and love speaking to people and meeting new people; you might excel in marketing, telemarketing, sales or retail.
Another part of knowing who you are in the professional world, is researching the type of work that will be done in that profession and if it appeals to you. Look into the tasks that someone in that profession typically has to do and see if you wouldn't mind taking part.
Lastly, think of the environment that best stimulates you. You should be in a profession that has a setting that is comfortable to you. This includes location and setting. If you don't mind being inside, at a desk all day, then by all means corporate and clerical work was made for you. If you thrive for scenery and fresh air you might try and research jobs that accommodate that. Also, take into geographical location. Are you willing to relocate? Does the profession pay enough to live in that particular area or will you be uncomfortably living from paycheck to paycheck?
3. IS THERE ROOM FOR GROWTH?
When choosing a profession, not only should you be vigilant of the environment but also find out if there is an opportunity for growth. Often times, we find ourselves accepting positions for monetary reasons, fear of risks, distractions, or just plain settling. Don't let this be you. Granted if you are in a bad financial situation by all means "Make that money, honey"; but don't get comfortable. Use that position you are in to create better opportunities for yourself. If you ever find yourself in a mediocre job or position. Use it to your advantage. SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!
Last, but definitely not least
4. ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU LOVE?
Your gift is just that "YOUR" gift. No one can take it from you and no one can depreciate its value. As long as you are doing what you love, then you will love the work you do. I personally have never been the type to work a 9-5 and be content. My family always made fun of me for switching job to job. The truth is, I would leave because I knew my true calling was within my own depths and creativity. "If you don't build your own dreams, someone will hire you to help build theirs," says Tony Gaskin. N I completely agree. If you have a dream use everything around you to attain that dream and don't get stuck helping someone build theirs and neglect yours in the meantime.
Now everyone isn't meant to be their own boss, there are people in this world that were made to help others achieve their goals. That in itself is their sole purpose. Thats the naked truth, but if you feel that leadership and entrepreneurship burning in your core. Then, GO FOR IT!!
I hear a lot of folks complaining about there everyday jobs, and 9 times out of 10 its because they aren't doing something they love. If you are doing something you love and complaining about it, you're probably a pessimist lol. JK! Hopefully, if you are unhappy in your profession you will reevaluate and maybe find something more suitable or learn to be grateful. Of course, life doesn't always hand you lemons and you wont always have enough sugar for lemonade but you have to find the silver lining.