Top 10 Mistakes in Choosing a Career

1. Our parents love us dearly and they mean well, however choosing a career because your parents have forced you into one is not the wisest thing to do. You really have to do what you love because you are not your parents and life changes in such a way that you will not live the life they have lived. They may have good advice, yet make sure the final decision on what you are going to do with your life is yours.

2. Many people go into a profession because they think the money is going to be great. In general, unless you are going to be a doctor or a lawyer...there is no guarantee of this. As well, even some doctors have to work in remote regions to make really good money. Some lawyers have to choose to go into corporate or criminal law instead of family law to make the kind of money that will help support their lifestyle. Choose a career because it is what you love to do...perhaps it is true that the money will come eventually. Actually, this does tend to be true.

3. Choosing a career without any concern of the lifestyle it may bring you is a major mistake that many young people make. You need to realize that some jobs practically expect you to work 100 hours a week. Are you ready for that kind of commitment? If you are looking for a career that will allow for a social life and give you the freedom to explore other interests and hobbies, carefully consider your career decisions.

4. For the same reason that some people will choose a career because they think it will bring them a lot of money - is the same reason you should also make sure you are choosing a career with monetary rewards that fit your needs. Strive to get what you are worth - having realistic goals can really help.

5. Many young people have this false impression that they can land a job that is going to pay them a million dollars right out of college or university. This is not often the case. You have to remember that the people who are older and in high positions have worked extremely hard to earn the kind of living they have. You too, if you work hard, can have what they have.

6. Another major mistake young people make in choosing a career is not getting the proper training needed for the profession they want. If you want to be a doctor, there are different standards and expectations to get into medical school depending on whether you live in Ontario or Quebec. Know the rules...know what is expected of you for your profession and get the credentials you need.

7. A major mistake many young people make in choosing a career is not doing enough research on the career before entering the field. You need to know what you are getting yourself into and educate yourself not only to work in the profession, but also about the profession.

8. When it comes to mistakes in choosing a career, remember that many people change careers at least five times in a lifetime. What research have you done in how your initial career will prepare for other careers you are interested in? Make sure you arm yourself with this knowledge and it will give you the competitive edge in your career search and development.

9. One of the major mistakes many young people make about choosing a career is picking one because you feel you are getting too old to just "bum" around. You think time is passing you by and you just choose one in a hurry and in a rush - just to get it over with. Everyone has their own time schedule, you do not have to make decisions at the same pace or time as your brother, sister, friends - anyone for that matter. Take your time...what your life's purpose is will come to you.

10. Choosing a career that you are not in love with but is something that your school counsellour, school advisor or a recruiter has talked you into is not a good idea - this is a mistake. You have to love your job.