Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Career

It is estimated that at least 99 percent of people choose the wrong career. If you have clicked this article, you probably have some doubt if you're in the right profession or how to choose one. While choosing the right career path varies according to your preferences, interests, or ambitions, here are some common mistakes you should avoid when picking one.

Focusing Strictly on Money

Although it's perfectly alright to choose a career that pays well, make sure you don't base your decision strictly on money. You probably would have heard this saying 'If you choose a career that you love, you won't have to work another day in your life'.

As much as a job should pay well for your efforts, it's equally important to like what you're doing to not rush your career into a choice you will regret later.

Overlooking Long-Term Demand and Growth

Many jobs are disappearing and won't exist in 2030. For example, some of the jobs that won't exist in the future are travel agents, cashiers, telemarketers, safety inspectors, assembly line workers, newspaper delivery jobs, referees, and train drivers. So when choosing a career, make sure you are checking its projected long-term demand and growth.

Remember that just because a job is popular and in demand now doesn't mean it will be the same in another 5 or 10 years. Therefore, choosing a job with long-term demand and growth benefits you with better job security.

Choosing Someone Else's Career

Always make your career choice is personal and you’re choosing something that you want. Don't let your friends or family decide what career is good for you. At the same time, don't choose a career just because someone else is doing well in that field.

If you choose a career that doesn't meet or resonate with your expectations and interests, you will find it challenging to succeed. If you're stuck between different choices, a career coach can help you analyse and make the right decision with a focus on your long-term career vision.

Underestimating Yourself

Never underestimate yourself when making a career choice. One of the main reasons people don't choose the jobs or career paths they like is because of underestimating their skills, level of knowledge, or other academic qualifications.

Remember that even if you have few or no relevant skills or education related to your chosen career, you can still work towards it. You just need to invest your time and energy in acquiring the required knowledge, skills, and experience.

Many training courses, including diploma courses, can help you upscale your profile to land into your desired career. If you're dealing with imposter syndrome, triggering underestimations in your life, a life coach can help you reshape your personality more positively.

Not Sticking With a Single Career

Never make the mistake of jumping between two or more career paths. As the famous quote best says, 'Too many cooks can spoil the broth'.

To land on a specific career path, you need to invest fully in it. If you keep changing your direction to switch to multiple professions, you will have a lower chance of succeeding in any of them.

Therefore it's always best to carefully analyse your interests, skills, and long-term vision, maybe with professional help like career coaching, and stick with a single career and work towards it.