Finding the Job that You Love and Overcoming Career Challenges

Lisa Franchi October 26, 2012

Answer this question real quick – do you love your job? If you say yes without thinking twice, then you really do. Congratulations, you are one of the lucky few. Studies reveal that majority of us do not have their ideal jobs.

Finding the right job is not an easy task. There are many, many things to consider – qualifications involved, location, salary, responsibilities to be handled, etc. There are many people out there who work for prestigious companies but do not feel happy and satisfied despite having good positions and receiving high salaries. Why? Simply because it’s not the job they wanted.

How do you know you’re in the right career?

You really love your job if find yourself willing to do it for free if you didn’t have to pay the bills. When you are at work, you savour every minute doing your tasks and even if sometimes you feel tired, you keep doing it for the sole reason that you love what you are doing. Bliss is there when you wake up each day feeling positive and grateful for the things you will have to do and you go to bed at night thankful and feeling good of what you have accomplished. Just like what they say – if you love your work, you won’t feel like you are working at all.

But then again, the economic difficulties the world face often hinder many people from pursuing the career they dream of. Nowadays, majority of professionals choose a job that will give them the most benefits and the highest pay regardless of whether they want it or not.

With the right attitude and dedication, you can land on the job that you will call “bliss”. But how do you find the best career for you?

1. Identify your strengths, skills and potential. Some of us are good with managing people, some with computers, and others with creative crafts. Some are endowed with technical skills while others are born artists. Take time to identify the things you really enjoy doing because often, the things you are passionate about are the areas where you specialise in.

2. Invest on yourself. Why stay on the second spot when you can get on top? Look for areas where you need improvement and don’t hesitate to try things that will convert your weak points to strengths. Maybe you can attend seminars, workshops and other programs that will improve your skills. You can also upgrade your educational background by taking a specialisation course.

3. Pursue your passion. Once you have decided the career path that will make you happy, pursue to achieve it. Identify what specific jobs are most appropriate for your career. The internet can give you a plethora of information about this. You can also consult a career coach. This person has a lot of advice and insights to share with you.

Overcoming career challenges

If you have been employed for the same job for so long, changing career might not sound a good idea for you. But if the only reason why you are staying in your job is because you’re already used to it, maybe you could consider chasing the career you really want. Yes, this is a risk. But remember, it’s only when you take chances that you can succeed.

But of course, you have to be prepared. You just don’t quit your current job without first preparing yourself for the endeavours of finding a new one. You may be unaware that you already have the skills needed for the career you really want so again, take time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Consult your friends, colleagues at work, and family. For sure, they know what areas you are good at and what areas you lack skills.

You don’t have to quit your job until you are pretty sure and confident of the new career path you are going to take. Take it slow. Carefully weigh your options. Research specific careers, improve your skills, and learn new things.