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As children we all probably had dreams of growing up to become doctors, or lawyers, or astronauts but as we grow older and begin to learn a bit about ourselves and the world, our careers dreams can and often change. Sometimes that’s good, because we come to realize that some of the hopes and dreams of our childhood were just fanciful dreamings, and that growing older has given us the time and wisdom to discover new, more fitting dreams for ourselves. But it must be said that sometimes we hold on to those childhood dreams throughout life only to find that somehow they keep eluding us. Some people give up and settle for less.
But it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. No one should really have to settle for less in life, and the same applies to work. Many people, if asked, would probably say that they really don’t enjoy their jobs and often wish they could do something else. There is nothing more satisfying that working in a field you truly enjoy, but many people either despair of ever getting a chance to do such a thing, or they just don’t take the time to truly learn about themselves and what they really want out of life and work.
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Our education system, whatever its present flaws, does a pretty good job of preparing us, perhaps, for college or a trade. We fill our minds with facts and figures and processes so we can pass the tests and get the grades, but it seems all too rare that someone sets us down and tells us that life is more than just getting a huge paycheck, or heaps of accolades and status. All too rare it is that someone—a teacher, a parent, a mentor—cautions us to look into our hearts to find that which truly excites us. Many of us do not even see a career assesment until college, nor do we seriously consider what work we could approach with passion and sustaining interest.
Of course it not one of life’s requirements, or even possibilities that each of us can figure these things out early. Many people, well into adulthood continue to struggle with the question of what to do with their lives. These people are not failures, anymore than someone who perhaps chose the wrong career. It is a cliche perhaps, but life is a journey, not a destination, and it’s meant to be enjoyed along the way. Some argue that as humans, we need work to help give life meaning, and if so, we owe it to ourselves to choose that work wisely.
There are many options for exploring one’s internal landscape, for identifying our true needs and wants, and learning what, in the end, we truly want out of life. There are professional career coaches, such as CareerOyster, but there are also tons of free online career assessment tests to be found. If you’ve never taken one, or if you’re just curious and have been thinking about finally finding your dream job, we’ve provided a few links for you below.
Good luck!
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