Juliet Wehr Jones, Contributor
WHEN YOU do not work in a career, it is hard to know what it would be like to work in it. In the process of choosing a career, it is common to learn negative things about a career option like long hours, poor pay, few jobs, on-the-job stress, lack of job security, or physical demands. All careers have negatives, so whatever you do, do not ignore them. Hence, how should you consider them? Here are five ways to look at negative information about careers as part of a good career decision.
1. Consider the source
Is the negative information coming from one angry blogger? A friend who 'heard' the information? A reputable resource like the Occupational Outlook Handbook? Someone with whom you did an informational interview? Multiple, reputable sources are better than just one or two who may lack the first-hand knowledge or objective viewpoint you need. Some people do not like their jobs for a variety of reasons, so the more people you talk to, the wider variety of viewpoints - and more accuracy you will get.
2. Dig deeper
Does a negative depend on what part of the country you are in? (e.g., number of job openings) Or who you work for? Some employers make you work more hours than you would work if you were self-employed - or vice versa. Most careers exist in a variety of physical and social environments. Working for a non-profit can be very different to working for a private company. Informational interviews will help you get the additional depth and perspective you need.
3. Can you handle it?
Based on your personal, past history, how well do you think you would handle the negative? Some people like flying by the seat of their pants. Others are more conservative. You may like physical labour and working outside - others do not. Be honest about what you are willing to take on - your past behaviour will help guide you.
4. Are you willing to make sacrifices for long-term goals?
If you want the admiration and fame of being a sports team coach, are you willing to put up with job insecurity (depending on the success/failure of your team) and moving around to different geographic locations? If you want the larger pay and prestige of a job in a big law firm, do you want to put in the grunt work, long hours and job stress to get there? Every job has its 'dues' and are you willing to pay them?
5. Follow the ACIP model of career decision making
Take into account all the negatives and positives of the careers you're thinking about and see how they balance out. The four steps are: consider all your alternatives (A), think about the consequences of following each option (C), get all the information you can about your options (I) and plan out the next steps of your decision (P).
Nobody said life was easy, or that money grows on trees (well actually, they did - see recent financial turmoil), but if you know what you're getting into with a career choice and make plans for dealing with the challenges that come up, the more likely you are to succeed.
The author is vice-president, The Career Key, which is involved in career change, career planning, job skills and choosing a college major. The Career Key (Caribbean Edition) is available from CHOICES Career Advice. Email info@choicesonlinejm.com.
