Deciding on a career path can feel overwhelming. With countless options and outside opinions swirling around, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure.
But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to be that way!
With the right approach, you can identify a career that aligns with your personality, strengths, and values, putting you on a path toward fulfillment and success.
This guide is here to simplify the process. By the end, you’ll have a practical understanding of how to choose a career based on your unique traits and a clear plan to take your first step toward a meaningful future. Your dream career isn’t just about finding a place to fit in; it’s about finding the space where you thrive.
Key Takeaways
- Know Yourself First: Understanding your interests, strengths, and values is the foundation for choosing a career that fits who you are and what motivates you.
- Explore and Research Options: Use personality assessments, career databases, and real-world experiences like job shadowing or volunteering to explore roles that align with your unique traits.
- Evaluate What Matters Most: Narrow your career choices by considering important factors like growth potential, flexibility, work-life balance, and alignment with your personal goals.
- Test, Reflect, and Plan: Try out different roles through internships or side gigs, then create a clear action plan to move toward the career that feels right for you.
Why Choosing the Right Career Matters
Your career is more than just a paycheck; it’s a significant part of your life. On average, people spend around 90,000 hours working in their lifetime. That’s a lot of time spent on something that doesn’t excite or inspire you.
When your career aligns with your personality, strengths, skills, and values, you’ll experience benefits like:
- Greater Fulfillment: A career that matches your personality and values leads to meaningful, purpose-driven work.
- Improved Job Performance: Loving what you do naturally boosts motivation and productivity. According to Gallup, employees who are engaged perform 20% better than their disengaged counterparts.
- Reduced Stress and Burnout: Roles that align with your natural strengths and interests feel less like work and more like opportunities to shine.
The right career isn’t about luck or guessing; it’s about reflection, planning, and action.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Choose a Career Path Based on Personality and Other Factors
Let’s break down the process of choosing a career into manageable steps so the process doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. It’s also crucial to remember that you can change careers if you find that one doesn’t work for you.
Step 1: Reflect on who you are
The first step to finding your ideal career is understanding yourself. When you know your interests, talents, and motivations, aligning your job with who you are becomes much easier.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- What activities make me feel energized and engaged?
- What are my natural talents or unique strengths?
- What accomplishments or moments am I most proud of?
- How do I prefer to work (collaboratively, independently, hands-on, creative, etc.)?
Tools for Finding a Career Path Based on Strengths:
- Take personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Enneagram, to identify your traits and determine your ideal work environment.
- Use skill inventories to uncover strengths you may take for granted.
Take your time with this step! Self-reflection will help you build a strong foundation for career planning.
Step 2: Research career options
Once you’ve identified your strengths and interests, it’s time to explore careers that align with them.
Where to Start:
- Career databases like O*NET or LinkedIn offer in-depth insights into different professions and required skills.
- Speak with professionals in roles you’re considering. Networking or mentorship programs can provide invaluable guidance.
- Look up day-in-the-life videos or career blogs to get real-world insights about specific roles.
Pro Tip: Are you considering a career in real estate? Sign up for this Open House event to learn what it’s like to be a real estate agent.
Step 3: Narrow down your choices
After researching, you’ll likely have a list of potential career paths. Now, it’s time to refine that list by identifying which options align with your most important priorities.
Evaluate Careers Based on These Criteria:
- Growth Opportunities: Will this career offer opportunities to develop and advance your skills?
- Salary and Benefits: Does the earning potential align with your financial goals?
- Work-Life Balance: Can you manage the lifestyle you want with this career?
- Flexibility: Does the role allow for remote work or flexible hours, if that’s important to you?
Prioritize the options that check the most boxes for you.
Step 4: Test the waters
The best way to know if a career is right for you is to experience it firsthand.
Ways to Test Careers:
- Apply for internships or apprenticeships.
- Volunteer in roles that interest you.
- Take on side gigs or freelance projects.
- Shadow professionals to see what their typical workday looks like.
Hands-on experience can either confirm your choice or help you reevaluate your direction.
Step 5: Overcome barriers and stay resilient
It’s normal to face challenges when choosing a career path. Whether it’s fear of failure, uncertainty, or external pressure, obstacles are part of the process.
How to Navigate Roadblocks:
- Acknowledge Your Fears: It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous about making a significant decision. Focus on taking small, actionable steps.
- Focus on What You Want: Block out external noise and stay aligned with your goals.
- Seek Support: Career advisors, mentors, or even supportive friends can help you work through challenges.
Choosing a career is personal. Keep moving forward, even when it feels tough.
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Step 6: Create a plan
Once you’ve narrowed your options and tested the waters, create a clear action plan to move forward.
Steps to Create Your Career Plan:
- Set achievable goals (e.g., complete a certification course by [date]).
- List the resources you’ll need, like resume builders or skills courses.
- Establish deadlines for each step to keep yourself accountable.
- Revisit and adjust your plan as your goals evolve.
Remember, career planning is a dynamic process. Stay flexible and open to change as you grow.
Your Future Career Could Start Today
- Are you looking for a career with a flexible schedule?
- Do you enjoy working with people and want to take control of your income?
- Do you want to build your own business?
- Are you seeking a better work-life balance?
- Are you ready for a fresh start in your career?
- Are you a retiree looking to stay productive and engaged?
- If you said yes to any of these, real estate might be the perfect career for you!
Real Estate as a Career in Washington State
One of the biggest advantages of pursuing a career in real estate in Washington State is its relatively low barrier to entry. Becoming a licensed real estate agent can be fast and affordable. According to a 2024 study by the Rockwell Institute, the average income of Rockwell alumni is $150,000.
Why Choose Rockwell Institute?
- Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee: Pass your exam on the first try, guaranteed. Rockwell boasts some of the highest pass rates in Washington, ensuring your success.
- Nearly 50 Years of Excellence: Since 1974, over 150,000 professionals have trusted Rockwell for their real estate education. With a 5-star rating on Facebook, our students’ success speaks for itself.
- Experienced Educators: Learn from instructors with 10+ years of experience in real estate education. They’re here to support you every step of the way.
Start your career exploration today with Rockwell Institute’s pre-licensing courses. Finding the right career begins with taking action today!
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Rockwell Institute alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Rockwell Institute strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
