What To Do If Your Career Path Isn’t What You Thought

By Kylie Exline on March 27, 2016

While in college, we have this idea of what our future career will comprise of. It may be that our annual salary is about 10K more than what was originally expected, that all of our work and effort is greatly appreciated, or that cute guys are known to work in the field. Sorry guys, but not always the case.

Once leaving the comfort of college, finding a real job in the real world tends to be the proper, next step. In order to do so, we apply, interview, and keep on applying. However, once landing that supposed “Dream Job,” we may quickly discover that it is not what we thought it to be.

Make the most of opportunity.

It can be scary living as an adult, we know. You are 22 years young, lack experience (unless that includes keg stands and all-nighters), and have this false reality that everything will go as planned. Side note: it will not go as planned.

While working, you are going to want to make the most from every opportunity presented to you. Cliché, I know, yet very true. If they offer an extra article or event this upcoming week, take advantage. The only way to figure out whether you actually like something is by trying it out.

College was filled with lousy internships and at times fun extra-curricular activities, but this is the real deal. You receive health insurance now and are liable for what you email to your boss (and coworkers, may I add).

You want to take it all in, while learning from your experiences as well. It may not be the ideal job you assumed it to be, but it counts as a stepping stone so step away.

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Learn the field.

Let us say that you graduated law school and have come to terms that you hate it. May be a reach, but could potentially be someone’s reality. It is okay to not enjoy something and it is certainly okay to say that you have changed your mind — even if it cost you a few thousand dollars in order to do so.

Before moving on and finding a new career path, you will want to digest all of the information surrounding you. If involved in culinary, then you definitely want to taste what it is being offered (literally).

Having reason to not like something means that you recognize why it does not work for you. Do not label it as a major mistake or regret, but rather as an opportunity that you learned from. Plus, now you can partake in conversation even if it is not your specialized career. Genius.

Take advantage of everything.

This means exactly what you think it means: using every chance to better your situation. If there is a work social, then attend. If there is a fundraiser at Chili’s on Friday night, then go. If your boss needs an invoice, then get it done.

Warning: many may consider you a Goodie-two shoes, but who cares? You did not select this career because of them, nor will you quit it because of them. Stand your ground, people.

Remember how in college, every once in a blue moon, the professor would offer the class extra-credit? Well this is the equivalent to that in the work force. You want to do as much as you possibly can to give you the best opportunity.

This way, you can truly say you attempted everything and have no regrets about originally choosing this as your desired major in the first place.

Find the benefits.

Looking for the negatives can be quite easy. However, discovering those true positives can prove to be difficult. To make things easier on yourself, find the benefits of your job.

This can include multiple facets, such as great health coverage, flexible hours, and did I mention the off chance of cute boys in the office? Hey, it is a possibility.

These said benefits can really improve the job appeal, and may even have you considering staying there. At first glance, something can seem entirely awful. Give it a few weeks though and you may just be in love with your chosen career. Nice job.

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Go with the flow.

Though easier said than done, it can actually work. Do what is expected of you, show up on time with your coffee already made, and maybe stay late on a random Friday night so you are not overwhelmed come Monday morning. You will thank yourself later.

By going with the flow, you are committing to the job, all while figuring out if you actually like it. You may even be surprised to find out that you are more interested in a separate aspect of what your job entails.

This could mean heading in the direction of hospitality, rather than accounting. Not to mention, you will be happy and relieved that you gave yourself the chance to like something new.

Although we may select a major in college solely based on what our idea of it is, once we hit the actual field, we may be surprised. We may realize that we had absolutely no idea what we were thinking, or come to terms that we love it.

Regardless of your feelings toward the career now, you could always change your mind and entire path. Do not be afraid to take chances and remember, a career does not have to be forever.

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