Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Career

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Career photo via pexels.com Sure, changing majors might put you a bit behind on your academic plan, but getting a degree in the field you  want  is so much more important than having to stay in school a little longer. Of course, theres always going to be the recommendation that you dont change your major after your sophomore year. Really, the first two years of college are dedicated to earning your General Education credits so this is the time for you to explore different areas of your education (math, science, humanities, and language). So by the time you enter your junior year, you shouldve found your little niche and settled on a major you enjoy. But if youre settling on engineering, there are tons of pre-requisites in math and physics that youll need so its best to start on those early. Whats important to remember in this season of life is that the major you choose in college doesnt pigeon-hole you into the career you have to have for the rest of your life. Just because you have a psychology degree doesnt mean you have to be a psychologist (trust me, I would know). A degree in art history probably isnt going to get you anywhere, but if thats what you love, have at it. What it  is  important to think about while youre choosing a career is what degree is going to give you the most options in the field that you love. A degree in math will open up your options infinitely as opposed to a library sciences degree. Think about the money youre paying and the options youll have once youve graduated. Here are some questions you should ask yourself when it comes to thinking about a career youll enjoy and what you should major in during your college years: photo via Pexels.com 1. What types of activities and topics interest me? If you dont have an interest in medicine and blood, dont decide on a career as a doctor because they make a lot of money. Your first mistake in choosing a career will come when you decide on something because of the financial payoffs that you  think  it will entail. Reflect on the kinds of things you actually enjoy doing and go from there. If youre not into nursing people back to health, dont get a CNA certification. If youre having trouble finding things that interest you, take some classes in some departments youve never considered before. 2. What kind of lifestyle do I need in order to be happy? When it comes to choosing a career, people often think about the financial benefits  first and foremost.  This can turn your life into a total disaster. Before you know it youll be thirty and depressed because you hate getting up and going to work every day. Think about what kind of lifestyle you need in order to be happy. Do you need to make six figures? If you do, then Id suggest factoring income into your career decision. But if you can make it work on a tight budget (notice I didnt say starving or homeless), then investigate the things you might have overlooked because youre afraid youll be poor for the rest of your life. Theres a happy medium between making the income you need to be happy and making the income youre greedy for. Sure, everyone wants to have more money than they know what to do with. But its a lot worse to feel locked into a job because of the financial benefits than it is to skimp on going out to dinner and getting to wake up and do something you love every day. Choosing a career is no easy task. Please listen when I tell you that  the career you choose at 20 probably wont be your career at 60.  You have time to change jobs and career paths. But giving yourself more options up front will pay off later on. I promise.