A New Year has started, and for each one it brings possibilities and challenges. I have been having a number of conversations on the theme of career decisions. Whilst the issues are not the same depending on the stage of one's career, I have found that there are common threads and questions that seem to emerge in the conversations. These also relate to the question of opportunity.
The major concern that has emerged from various people is how does one know that they are making the correct career decision? In fact, what do we do to make these decisions in order to ensure that we do not regret in future.
For those recently graduated looking for their first job, these may seem like luxurious questions. In a country like South Africa where there is such a high level of unemployment, is it not the case that one should just take the job that they get? In fact, does this not apply whether you are starting employment or already in employment? Should one not just keep the job they have as it is so difficult to get a more satisfying one? In the conversations I always say both options are correct.
The real issue is how do we make a career decision? Do we spend time understanding what makes one tick, what is our real interest, and also whether we are prepared for the challenges that come with the decisions we make? In addition to this, one should always ask what opportunities are actually available, and how do they arise.
Recently I interacted with a young person who had been in temporary employment, and is doing part-time studies for her degree. In the discussion, it transpired that this was not her first choice in terms of qualification, but due to circumstances, it was the best option available to her. She then went further to indicate that her real interests were in community development, and she would sacrifice initial income just to gain more experience in the field. I happen to have a network of people in that field, and I offered to get her in contact with some of these people so she can gain more insight and perhaps there would be an opportunity. Within three days she had met some people, and within five days they had shown her what opportunities would be available. The key lesson for her was that, unless you verbalise what you really want, nobody will ever know. The fundamental issue though was that she knew exactly what she wants to do and is prepared to sacrifice for it. I do not know what will happen further to this young person, but I am sure she is likely to be happier in future as what she will do she will have passion for.
I also know of a young person who has graduated from university with a very good qualification. He started doing work, but felt that what he was doing was not really what he wants to do. He stopped working and will be looking for the kind of work that he feels will satisfy him. What concerned me the most, however, was that he was not really sure as to what he wants, and I felt that he would take longer to get another opportunity. I may be wrong.
For many who have developed the right skill and are at the prime of their careers they will be bombarded with enquiries by recruiters and head-hunters, who need to develop a portfolio of potential placements for their clients. They will only know you from a CV or by referral. They may have lots of opportunities, but how do you decide that one is right for you? In fact, how easy is it to say no quickly to someone who brings something to you, and seeks to entice you with how much money you will make?
What I have experienced is that opportunities, both inside our current employers or externally, will not come in the manner we thought they would, at the time that we want them to come and also with the employer that we have seen as ideal in our minds. More importantly, therefore, is an understanding of self and also of how such an opportunity is consistent with our goals in life. This decision should not be made just because it seems fashionable, or that it will make us look good to others. It should not just be about money, although you must always make sure you are appropriately rewarded. It should be about what one will enjoy, and also what provides an opportunity to make an impact. For those starting employment, it should also be about the opportunity to learn and thus increase one's personal value, providing a platform for other future opportunities. An important aspect to consider is whether the employer and the direct manager you will work for are really interested in the development of others. Choose your employer carefully, and your boss even more carefully.
The new year will for many bring lots of career possibilities, both inside and outside our current employers. Let us choose carefully.
