One of the biggest problems people face is not what job to apply for, but what job to take. This might seem like a weird thing to talk about – isn’t this blog about finding work, not deciding on it? Why, yes, hypothetical audience, it is. But bear with me.
When many people get out of school, most of the time they will decide to take a career in whatever their major was. This makes sense, as this is the subject they are most knowledgeable about, familiar with, and so on. But does that mean that you must become a concert pianist or accountant? No! It’s okay to look for jobs in other fields than the ones you’re comfortable with.
Just because Mr. Potato Head has a different hat or eyes doesn’t mean he’s not Mr. Potato Head. And I’m not saying that your head looks like a potato. Except for you, Adrian! Your head totally looks like a potato.
Side-note: how awesome would that be if some potato-headed person named Adrian was reading this just now? I swear, I just picked a random name. Put yours in if you think that you have a spud-shaped cranium.
In times when the economy is tough (like now) and the job market is tough (also like now), it might seem more prudent to take whatever job you can get. Why bother holding on to a dream of becoming the world’s best theoretical geologist when you’ve got bills to pay? Hell, you don’t even LIKE legal work!
Besides the throngs of angry peasants with pitchforks and torches chasing after you because of your financial security (myself included), there are several things you should be aware of and consider before you take a position you’re not sure if you’re that keen on. I’ve presented them as questions:
- Do you need the money? How badly? How long can you hold off with what you have?
- Is there some part of the job that you enjoy? What were your impressions of the people you saw working there? What about the interviewer?
- What other offers are on the table? Did you search for this job, or did they approach you?
- Can you see yourself doing this job? For how long? What will you gain from it? What will you give up?
- If you had to decide now, what would your decision be? Like right now.
There’s some statistic I read somewhere about people changing career fields an average of seven times (or something like that); think of how many times you changed majors in school, or hobbies, or even friends. It’s okay to look for a career in a different field; just think of what people with a degree in English do (other than become English teachers).
Just because you start off in some career doesn’t mean you’ll end up there. Two examples (these are people I know):
“Barry” went to undergrad for animal science with the plan to become a veterinarian. He then went for a master’s degree in nuclear engineering. After that, he planned on going for a doctorate in biology, but ended up becoming a college professor. He then moved to a new city and opened a barber shop.
“Susan” has a degree in music theory with a specialization in the flute. After taking some different jobs, including secretarial and temp work, she got a solid career in film editing. She now works as a television producer.
What do their fields of study or early jobs have to do with their later positions? Next to nothing! So if you decide you do need the job, or if you’re thinking of looking into work in other fields, don’t worry about it too much – you’re trying something new. One of the worst things you can do is miss out on a great opportunity because it’s not your “thing.”
