What Job is Best for You?
A few times in the recent past, I have been asked by relatively young people, “What job gives you the highest salary?” That, in itself, is not a bad question. After all, most of us probably dream of being rich one day.
As we age, though, we realize that it is and it is not all about money — at the same time. It is just not “pera-pera” lang. Of course, you will have to be compensated for what you do and your salary must allow you to live decently. Your salary, though, is only one consideration. Of what use is a high salary if you need to drag yourself to work every day? And if everyone is taking up nursing, does that mean that it will work for you too?
It will be March soon and in the Philippines, that means that there will be numerous new graduates looking for jobs. What should they consider in choosing a job? How do they approach the various job opportunities that will be available to them?
1. Think in terms of activities — most of us were asked when we were young, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We usually say that we want to be in marketing or we want to be a lawyer, etc. Rather than think of particular functions or professions, look at the things that you enjoy doing and try to search for a career that will be heavy in terms of those activities.
Do you like dealing with people or would you rather work alone? Do you want to go out often or would you rather be office or desk-bound? Do you like asking questions? Ask yourself these things and you may find out that you are suited to more types of jobs than you earlier thought. You may see that you are more versatile, with a host of career options available to you.
2. Think about what you want to accomplish — What do you want to be known for? What will make you take pride in your work and in what you have done? I had a short stint (3 weeks) with a real estate consultancy/project management firm and one of my immediate bosses there used to work for an ice cream manufacturer as a marketing person. Upon learning that I was quitting only after 3 weeks on the job, he talked to me about point number 1 above and point number 2. He narrated that he quit his previous job as he wasn’t getting much fulfillment from the thought that he had sold so many gallons of ice cream. “So what?” He found greater fulfillment in seeing buildings or structures which were put up, knowing that he had something to do with the planning necessary to put that building or structure up.
3. Think about the other things — How will this job affect your other activities? Will you have a life outside of the office? Will it provide you with opportunities to learn, grow, and make new friends? Would there be an opportunity for travel? Do you have the skills necessary for the job? If not, are you willing to develop those skills?
Money is an important consideration but it is not everything. I joined that 3-week company as it offered higher pay than my present job but after finding out that it was not to my liking, I went back to the other alternative and stayed on till today and got the pay I wanted eventually anyway. So choose your jobs wisely. Love what you do or better yet, do what you love. The money will definitely follow.