Deciding on a career path is not for the faint hearted these days as there is so much choice but most careers require your initial investment. Training and tertiary education comes at a cost and there’s while there’s lots of different career paths to consider there’s no guarantee you’ll get to do exactly what you want so the starting point is usually to jump into university study and look for a job when you’re nearing the end of your study. This is probably why the statistics for job satisfaction are not encouraging with most people at some stage during their work life wishing they were doing something else. However it’s not all doom and gloom.
Starting out in a career and securing the right job often comes down to mindset.
Getting into the right mindset before you commence your job search will open up many more opportunities not visible when you’re seeing the world through a glass half empty not half full. So how do you feel about location?
Location
Will you relocate for your career? Being flexible especially at outset of your work life can open doors for you, inflexibility keeps firmly shut. Going to where the best training and education is and then relocating for the best job is not on everyone’s agenda so often career choice comes down to how flexible you are on where you’ll live and work. Nothing is forever so while moving to a less desirable area may not inspire, negotiating a finite time in that location with the employer at the outset or if that’s not advisable just setting a time frame of how long you’ll remain in that area will make the whole move ordeal more tolerable. Once you’re in the role and get to settled there’s a chance you’ll be won over too and stay longer than you anticipated.
Business Travel
Most of us love travelling to different places and countries on holiday. However business travel is not that desired especially if it’s frequent due to it’s toll on family and social commitments. Travelling frequently can also be disruptive to sleep and the body clock. Therefore being willing to do the business travel offers up more career choice.
Travelling as part of your job, is often fully paid for and while you’re not working there’s the bonus of sight-seeing. There’s a lot to like about business travel if it works well with your lifestyle. It can be lonely, so getting into the right mindset mades a huge difference to the experience. Travel is no doubt rewarding, and when on business, there’s still the time after work to meet new people, experience different cultures, and gain a higher appreciation and tolerance for mankind and this is perfect for your personal development.
Professional Development
As well as personal development there’s your professional development to consider. Your career should offer ongoing training and development opportunities but also consider what you can do to further your skillset and value to your chosen industry or profession. Investing in further education is a given today as employers seek more commitment from their hires.
Lack of aspiration, and inspiration can result in low or next to no motivation. Keep inspired by the great work done by others in your industry and engage mentors throughout your career. Mentors offer support and experience. It’s hard to stay focussed and not be distracted by the lives of those closest to you so mentors can help you keep on track and build up your confidence to take action.