Today I’m excited to bring you this excellent guest-post from Anthony Moore, the founder of StuffGradsLike.com and author of the new book Buyer’s Remorse: The Life You Thought You Wanted in Your 20s. Enjoy!
What’s career calling?
Seems like a cruel joke nowadays, huh?
You might be reading this from your bare-bones cubicle in between entering obscure formulas into data sheets and hoping to get an email about some more work to do, because it’s only 9:13am and you’re already done with the day’s work.
Of course, your college-age self had high hopes for the fulfilling career that degree would get you. You felt you had an articulate, clear calling as you prepared to accept that diploma and smile for the camera with your cap and gown.
But nowadays?
Not so much.
Finding your career calling in your 20s has become something that reminds you of trying to solve that twisted-nails puzzle that stumped all your 6th grade friends. No matter how delicately, roughly, quickly, or slowly you pulled and twisted those 2 nails, they wouldn’t come apart.
In your 20s, you think you finally find your career calling, only to realize 3 months into that new job it’s not what you thought it was. So you go back to your usual Netflix-bingeing and waiting for career-inspiration to strike again.
But rest easy, 20-somethings. The decade of your 20s has secret, well-hidden answers to your career calling.
Here’s 3, for starters:
(Photo: iStockphoto/ Thinkstock)
1. Work in a variety of different careers
The worst thing you can do in your 20s is play it safe. This is especially true of your career.
I have a friend who is unhappy, bored, and unfulfilled in his current job. He works as an office administrator for his dad’s company. He has a lot of aspirations – to work for DC comics, to start a podcast, to be an entrepreneur, to be a sports analyst, etc.
The problem is, he’s not making any progress in any other career goals. He’s just working 9-5, paying the bills with a stable job, even though he doesn’t like it and can’t imagine working there for another 6 months.
Maybe this is you. My advice to you – try that podcast. Consider quitting your job for a new one. Target entirely new industries to work in.
Try new things. Don’t stay in an unfulfilling job for too long. That way, you’ll have gained invaluable career knowledge when it’s time to really choose a career down the road.
(Photo: iStockphoto/ Thinkstock)
2. Informational interviews
Step 1: Find people you want to meet who are working in a career you’re interested in (LinkedIn and your college’s alumni database are good places to start).
Step 2: Take them out for coffee/lunch and ask them strategic career questions that give you answers.
I did this tactic over 20 times in my early 20s.
To continue reading the rest of this article, click here.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
