“How do I know which career is right for me?”, “How do I know the company is a fit?” 🤔 These are questions that probably everyone will come across at some point in their career. Finding the right position, career and company is not easy and most people will have to switch positions and companies more than once before ending up in a place where they feel fulfilled.
This article will help you get clear on when you are starting a job for the wrong reasons and how to make the right decision about your career in 3 steps. 💡
Why do so many people around the world look forward to the weekend? Clearly, what we must be doing Monday to Friday is not creating the impact we desire for ourselves and the people around us. If you thoroughly enjoy what you do, work becomes life and life becomes work. There is little struggle to wake up in the morning. But for many people, this is not the case, unfortunately. This is not too surprising because finding a career that fulfills you is easier said than done!
The problem is that many people jump into a job for the wrong reasons without looking at the situation with enough attention and making sure it is the right thing for them. Misery is unavoidable in this case. Some typical reasons which most people get wrong are as follows:
Peer Pressure and Social Pressure 😟
“Most of my school, university or work friends are joining company X or industry Y. So, it must be great for me, too!“ or “My family and friends have great expectations of me, and I must fulfill their desires.”
I hope you can see the problem with these reasons, whether you consider them individually or all together. They are not your desired but someone else’s! You are making decisions driven by external pressures which will probably not satisfy you in the long run.
Lifestyle and Salary 💰
“If I get this job in this location, I can afford all the materialistic things and live an elevated lifestyle just like they show in the movies and television series.” Or “I must make as much money as I can as this is going to make me happy. I deserve it!”
If this or the above reason genuinely are your true desires, that is great. But be honest with yourself. Do you really think that it is worth it to follow a career that doesn’t really intrinsically motivate you just for the money? You are making decisions driven by external pressures.
Reputation and Brand Image 🌟
“Firm X has a great reputation and if I somehow clock 2-3 years, it will open great doors for me in future.” or “Firm X has a great brand image, and a million people would die to work for them. It will make finding a job in the future easier as my CV will be very strong.”
With this reasoning, you are making your career decision solely based on where you want to get in the future. Are you sure that this future scenario will really happen or that it is really what you want? You cannot change the past, nor can you predict the future. All you have is the present moment and the ability to create a future by doing the things that truly matter to you now.
When trying to make the right career choice, it all starts with asking yourself two questions:
Some people do land in the right company, job, and career very early – the sweet spot. Most of us must try a few different things before we land in that sweet spot. So, taking risk is part of the game.
How can you find the sweet spot?
First, approach this as a marathon and not a sprint. 🏃 This is a journey, so pace yourself. If your friends are getting promoted every two years, it does not mean a thing for you. You can learn from them and get inspired, but stick to your own plan and believe in it. Do not live their life. Live your own life.
➡ Five Questions to Find Out If the Company Is a Good Fit
Before you say Yes to a job, answer the following five key fit questions:
Do I have the right aptitude/skills to offer to the firm? Evaluate your strengths and the skills you either excel at naturally or are motivated to learn. If the firm’s expectations align with what you are good at or inspired to develop, it’s a good match. If not, reconsider the fit.
Do my values align with the firm’s (culture, leadership, ways of working, reputation, etc.)? A firm’s culture reflects how it operates and treats employees. If its values or working style don’t match yours, it could lead to dissatisfaction. For instance, introverts may struggle in extroverted environments, or certain industries may not align with your personal beliefs.
Is the role a good fit with my career aspirations at least in the short to mid-term? The role should align with your current goals, such as gaining expertise in a field or learning new skills. Look at the responsibilities involved – roles that allow you to create tangible value and grow professionally are worth considering.
Will this job allow me to give my best and be happier? You perform best when you are motivated and free of excessive worries. If factors like a long commute, a challenging boss, or poor work-life balance might prevent you from doing your best, this could impact your happiness.
Are any underlying risks of taking this job manageable? All jobs involve some risk. Consider whether potential risks—like the company’s stability or the role’s longevity – are manageable and align with your current circumstances and risk tolerance.
👉 Take a look at our article about fit questions in job interviews!
➡ Do Your Research
In addition to the interview process, you must do your research to find the information and evidence you need to answer the above questions.
👉 You can use PrepLounge to check out upcoming career events from interesting employers. The perfect opportunity for networking!
➡ Take Your Final Decision
Once you have answered the above questions honestly, you are ready to look at the following factors to work out your final decision:
Final thought: Do not settle and keep looking until you find your sweet spot. This could mean changing employers and/or role and/or geography and/or industry over time. Do not become a serial job hopper though. If you are applying the approach discussed earlier, such moves should be less frequent anyway.
If you are not getting the above signs, then it is time for a change. Go back to where it all started as explained above.
When you are doing something, you really want to do and are having fun the question of work-life balance does not arise. You make it work seamlessly. If you are savvy, you can have a good work-life balance over time otherwise NO. Companies (big and small) have stepped up the game in recent 3-5 years to create the support required for work-life balance. Success is patchy and varied in geographies around the world. But they are trying, nonetheless.
Work-life balance is something that you must take control of. If you let the company dictate the rules, they will consume you. But it takes some time for you to be in that position of control. It will not happen from day 1 when you join the company. If you are in such a company – that is great!
Factors That Can Help With Work-Life Balance
Just like everything else in life, no job or firm will be perfect. There will always be something a little better. There will be ups and downs and it is important not to be driven by anxiety to get into “a job”. Focus on a mutual fit as explained above and factor in some calculated risk.
👉 Do you already know that a career in consulting is right for you? Then we have a great tool for you to find the perfect employer for you: Match Your Career
