How to choose a career?

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Lets be frank. In today's society, a persons worth is determined by the work that is done by him. Your career determines the amount of respect you have in society, more so if you are a man. Choosing the right career is important as this ultimately determines the kind of life that you will have, the kind of life partner that you will get and the amount of happiness you will have in life.

But a lot of men take up a career with very little thought and consideration. Mostly stumble on to a job or worse they do it because of peer pressure, media hype, societal recognition of a certain set of careers, family expectations and pressures. These are absolutely the wrong reasons to chose a career.

Certainly, here are five points to consider when choosing a career:

1. Identify your passions and interests: When choosing a career, it’s essential to consider what you’re interested in and passionate about. Take time to reflect on what motivates you and what you enjoy doing. You’re more likely to be happy and fulfilled in a career that aligns with your interests. A great book to read on this is Ikigai.
2. Assess your skills and abilities: It’s important to consider your skills and abilities when choosing a career. Think about what you’re good at and where your strengths lie. Consider the education and training required for the career you’re interested in and whether you have the necessary skills to succeed. You can become a flight attendant for Netflix, or become a professional hugger. In this day and age nothing is off limits as long as there is a market for it and you can sell it.
3. Consider the job market: It’s important to research the job market for the career you’re interested in. Look at the demand for the job, the earning potential, and the job outlook. If you’re looking for a stable career, it’s best to choose a field with a growing job market.
4. Think about work-life balance: When choosing a career, consider the work-life balance you want. Some careers require long hours and a lot of travel, while others are more flexible. Think about how much time you want to spend at work and how it fits into your lifestyle.
5. Seek advice: Seek advice from professionals in the career you’re interested in. Create an account on linkedin and DM people who have been in the industry for around 10 years. Read professional magazines and newsletters. They will tell you how it feels to be a professional of the industry and if the field is a growing one. DM me on my linkedin in case you are interested in datascience and machine learning. Check out this link for a good list of newsletters for datascience and machine learning.

Think deeply about what you want to do and don't just leave this decision to fate and luck. Remember that you have a responsibility towards yourself to be the best version of yourself.