Choosing a totally different career

Career decisions have undergone a radical change in the recent past, unlike in the past where the options were limited. In the past the brighter ones took to medicine and engineering and the rest turned towards to government jobs.

Today due to globalization the economy has opened up a wealth of career opportunities. Today one can find a job tailor made to one’s potential. The flip side however is the problem of plenty. Youngsters today are spoilt for choice. An engineering student today joins a call centre and the reason most of them give is the financial independence and the vibrant culture and the exposure to a MNC culture.

There has to be a certain responsibility and maturity when you make a career decision, especially if the choice is not you what had planned on doing or what you had studied for. You need to make sure that you know the consequences of your decision, weigh both pros and cons of your decision.

When choosing a career understand what you are about to do. Your decision should not be a spur of the moment choice or a moment of epiphany. It should be a well thought out decision over time. Once you really feel you the need for a radical change in your job, it is time to do some soul searching. Do some self introspection.
Ask yourself –

• what are my abilities?
• What are my values and morals?
• Finally what is that spurs you? What motivates you?

Consult your mentor, teacher, well wisher or visit your near career counselor. If possible take a few tests on your aptitude. There are tests available on the net also.

Once you know your strengths and weakness, now gather information about the types of careers available. What is the salary, the future scope and your compatibility and your survival factor in the job? Once you gathered the information about yourself and the career options available to you- finalize the choice for which you are willing to go to any lengths.

Finally, as humans it is only natural to have a multitude of interests, so your decision to become a music composer from a civil engineer is very much a possibility. Just ensure you have valid reason or justification to look upon to when you are in doubt or down in the dumps. And finally to end on a philosophical not – it is better not to be in the rat race, because even if you win, you are still a rat. So just do not be different for the sake of it. Just BE YOURSELF!!!