SUIT YOURSELF: FINDING A CAREER THAT FITS

Choosing the right career is not something everybody will get right first time. It’s not uncommon to have several career changes in a lifetime. Swapping professions, or retraining, can happen at any age. 

Knowing you can start in one career direction and then change, can feel reassuring for a school leaver who isn’t exactly sure what they want to do professionally. Similarly, someone who is five, ten or twenty years into their career before realising it’s not for them, has plenty of options for changing direction.

You might get it right the first time and stay in a profession you love for your whole working life! Remember that everyone is different, and what feels like your perfect role could be a complete mismatch for the next person. Being unique brings different skills, interests, and personalities. These factors contribute to determining what will be a fulfilling career for you.

A Japanese perspective

The Japanese concept of Ikigai [https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai/] offers an interesting way of determining the sweet spot for your career. Ikigai translates to ‘a reason for being’. It’s based on taking four key factors and suggesting that where they overlap points to what your dream vocation could be. The four factors are:

• What you love
• What you are good at
• What the world needs
• What you can be paid for

While it might seem like blue-sky thinking, or imagining the impossible, some people strike the right balance in their career choice. It’s never too late to start a journey or change your course. Begin by setting yourself the goal of securing a role you are suited to. Below, you will find a snapshot of approaches and ideas.

Start with your strengths

Your natural personality will offer clues to the profession you might thrive in. Many of us crave job satisfaction and recognition more than a bigger salary. If you are a hands-on, practical person, a desk job might not be for you. On the other hand, if empathy is one of your strong points, working with people will be right up your street.

Here are some character traits, and what careers might suit them. This is one way of thinking strategically about your career aspirations.

Practical doers

Anybody who loves getting stuck in and thrives on action could shine in a hands-on, physically active job. You might find a niche as a mechanic, engineer or firefighter. Traditional trades, which are in high demand, like plumbing and carpentry, are good options for people who like fixing, creating, and building things with their hands. Modern tools mean that physical jobs don’t necessarily have to be exhausting! What’s key here is a strong focus on solving the task at hand and then going about it productively. Perhaps this appeals to you, so explore jobs where you can roll your sleeves up and make an actual impact.

Creative innovators

If you’re artistic and find joy in art, music, design or writing, a creative career could be your path. The creative industries can be highly competitive, so get networking and gain experience through internships, work experience [https://lcrbemore.co.uk/news/work-experience-paving-a-career-path/], or personal projects.

You might be super creative, but not keen on the idea of being in the spotlight. Theatre production, game design, digital marketing, and art teaching are all jobs that channel your creativity in a less public way while building a steady career.

Persuasive leaders

Do you naturally connect with others, discover what motivates them and inspire action? How about a career in sales, entrepreneurship, public relations, advertising or even politics?

If you are an ace communicator, find a way to channel that energy. You could sell a product, run a political campaign, or work in PR. 

Meticulous operators

If you excel at spreadsheets and other structured systems, roles in accountancy, office management, working with data, IT or even in a library, all have the potential to flick your switch. 

With a laser attention to detail and methodical approach, you will be in demand for jobs that rely on precision and planning. Day-to-day tasks can vary, but you’ll typically operate in line with a clear set of processes to follow. Not everybody thrives on structure, but if this is your idea of heaven, consider channelling that trait into your career.

Curious minds  

The ability to retain knowledge and solve problems is a basis for success in research, science or teaching. Jobs where you can investigate, question and provide solutions will tap into your skills.

As your career marches on, your competence could help you progress to specialist roles in forensic science or join the police. Many jobs will let you make a meaningful contribution to society alongside achieving success at work.

Empathetic nurturers

Not everybody has the patience to care for others, listen carefully and offer genuine support. Those who do will make great nurses, counsellors, or primary school teachers. Any of these roles, or similar ones, allow you to impact people’s lives in a positive, fulfilling way.

For people with these skills, less conventional paths could be life coaching or working with a religious organisation. Your nurturing and supportive qualities mean you will connect deeply with others and foster positivity in yourself and those you help.

A gradual process 

It is never too soon or too late to align your natural skills and passions with your career. Working your ideal job is seldom the result of a one-off decision; it’s more of a gradual process.

This guide is just a taster to get you thinking strategically about your career. Let it inspire you to take the next step and perhaps seek professional career advice from organisations like the Liverpool City Region Careers Hub, Careers Connect or the National Careers Service.