95% of people have no clue how to choose a career
“You know, Marissa, you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself to pick the right choice, and I’ve gotta be honest: That’s not what I see here. I see a bunch of good choices, and there’s the one that you pick and make great.” I think that’s one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten.”
—Marissa Mayer, Former CEO of Yahoo!
95% of people have no clue how to choose a career
Back in the early 1990’s I was listening to a radio program. I had just graduated from college and feeling lost in both life and career. The radio announcer was interviewing a concert pianist. He asked the pianist when he knew that the piano was going to be a lifelong passion and career. The pianist said he knew at the age of 4…
I was like 4?? WTF…
I am 22 and have no clue what career I will grow to love, what career will add value to the world, what career pays a good salary.
I remember being so despondent because I did not have this sort of clarity. I did not have a clear career path like this concert pianist. Lots of stops and starts. Jobs I kind of liked and jobs I certainly didn’t like.
BAD NEWS: Like 95% of people you may never that have that aha moment where the perfect career falls out of the sky and says PICK ME! PICK ME! PICK ME!
GOOD NEWS: AT THE END OF THE DAY-IT MAY NOT REALLY MATER.
The reason it may not matter is because for most people real career enjoyment and passion does not come at the start of your career.
Simple reasoning. You are not going to really make a difference, truly impact people, or even make a good salary unless you become a “master” at what you do.
When you become a master you start to really love your job. That is when you positively impact others. That is when you get real job security, flexibility, and make the big bucks.
If you follow these 4 requirements you probably will be very happy with your work. .
No AHA moment needed.
1) Choose a worthy career goal/career purpose
2) Develop a valuable skill you utilize in solving this career goal
3) Work in a career that solves your worthy career goal utilizing your valuable skill.
4) Become a master at your skill and career. (Becoming a master takes time)
MANY MANY different careers will satisfy your 4 requirements listed above.
Please forward this article to all your friends with jobs they hate or can’t pick a college major