Choosing a Career

Geetanjali Aribam *

Admission counseling at Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School, Imphal on 4 June 2012 - Pix MSAD

Topic 1. Choosing a Career

This article is meant for everyone, as I am sharing information on how we can go about choosing our career. And it’s never too late.

Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions of life. Career is different from doing a Job, as there is a lot of investment ( both time and money) required in building and developing a career. When building your career, you put heart and soul into it. We do a job just to get some money. We do a Job to fulfil our needs. That’s the difference between a Career and a Job.

Have you ever tried asking these questions to yourself?

What gives me happiness? Do I feel good when I talk to people, or when I help people or when I do some social work?

What do I crave for in life? A challenging Career or do something for society or do some innovation?

What are my passions? Sports? Dance? Paint? Write? Talk?

Try asking these questions – you will be surprised as you will get an answer from within yourself and that’s what you should go for!!

Well, its easier said than done- hence I am sharing with you some steps that you can take towards realizing your passions :

1. What is your goal in life? We are born in this world with a purpose. You will need to spend time with yourself and find out what your goals are. Try writing them in a piece of paper and slot the goals into two groups- Long term goals and short term Goals

2. What gives you happiness ? Do a little bit of soul searching and find out what gives you happiness. Eg, do you get a lot of happiness when you spend time with children? Do you get happiness when you are teaching. Let me tell you that Power, money and position will give you temporary happiness.

3. What career should you choose: This should be something that you will never get tired of doing. Do not decide a career by looking at the glamour side of work, or due to peer pressure, parental pressure or societal pressure. Choose something where your fires of Passion will keep burning. When passion is combined with hardwork, dedication, belief in yourself, will , focus , you will be successful in whatever career you choose.

4. Talk to someone whom you can trust : Once you have an idea what you want to do, discuss and have a plan of action. This could be your parents , or older sibling or even a friend. In case your parents do not approve of your decision, do not lose hope. One word of caution here, do not rebel against your parents. Take time to build a strong character so that your parents will see you dependable and trustworthy.

5. Work towards your goal : Hard Work always pay off. If you want something badly, you will also need to try hard to get it.

I am sure with these few steps , you will be able to find your career which will give you happiness always. All the best !

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