Ask Chuck: How Do I Choose a Career?
To learn Biblical answers to your financial questions, you can #AskChuck @AskCrown your questions by clicking here. Questions used may be lightly edited for length or clarity.
Dear Chuck,
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I have been in my current job for only two years since graduation and am starting to feel I made a mistake. I don't like the hours I am required to work and the compensation is not keeping up with my needs. To make it worse, the outlook for this field is bleak. What career fields have a promising future and how can I make the transition?
Any advice?
Frustrated in Ohio
Dear Frustrated in Ohio,
So sorry to learn you don't like your job or career path. Yes, I have lots of advice and have even done some research for you.
Finding a satisfying career that pays well is indeed challenging. There are so many choices today! Books, articles, counselors and podcasts are informative, but there's one aspect in career planning that tends to be ignored.
When making a career choice you must consider how a specific job will fit. We each have a unique design that includes individual gifts, talents, and purpose. Our greatest satisfaction and success is found when putting these to use. Knowing how God has wired you will help you find a much better job fit and avoid unnecessary career changes in the future.
There are many websites that offer the latest statistics on job trends. LinkedIn's list gives data for the most promising jobs of 2017 based on the potential for career advancement, job growth, and salary. The list is primarily composed of jobs in finance, technology and healthcare, but fails to give the personality traits that match the job.
Here are some trending jobs matched with key personality traits.
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner is an advanced registered nurse that provides health maintenance through diagnosis and patient focus. This career has been consistently growing, and is expected to continue. This entire job focuses on the care of others, so it is extremely important to be compassionate and have a desire to help people. It's detail-oriented, so one needs to be very organized. Not everyone has these characteristics, but if you do, it could be a great fit.
Physical Therapist
The field of therapy in general has grown steadily, but physical therapy specifically has seen rapid growth in recent years. Another career in the medical field which centers on the care and help of others, this role demands support and patience. It is about encouraging others to put forth effort into their own healing, and requires understanding and encouragement.
Personal Financial Advisor
A personal advisor assesses the financial needs of clients and creates a plan that leads them in wise decision making. Daily tasks of this job require one-on-one interaction and planning for these individuals. People that are social, organized, and analytical could excel in this career. Working with numbers is essential, so if math was your least favorite subject in school, keep looking!
Data Engineer
Data engineering is one of the newest and fastest growing careers. These engineers create and maintain databases in which they extract and analyze large amounts of data. This field requires workers who are analytical, objective, and independent. Many perceive that being distant or introverted is a weakness, but, in this job, it is an asset. This career demands a lot of independent working and objectivity is crucial to avoid any bias in data output.
Customer Success Manager
Customer success managers develop customer relationships to promote retention and customer satisfaction. This job requires a people person with strong social skills. The extroverted, ambitious person could find fulfillment in this role. Those who are more reserved might not be as comfortable. Patience and tolerance are necessary, because they deal with all sorts of people.
School Psychologist
A school psychologist is someone who counsels students on their ability to learn as well as listening to their needs and supporting their overall success. This job is all about being supportive and caring about what each student is saying. People high in compassion with strong listening skills may find this role a fit.
Software Developer
Software developers handle the design and maintenance of software systems in computer programs. This career has been around awhile but still continues to grow. It requires people who enjoy technology and computation. The person who can deal with change and develop new, up-to-date software will enjoy technology which is constantly changing. Someone who's adaptable, precise, and enjoys working independently could find satisfaction in this field.
Do What God Designed You to Do
Everyone is unique. "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
Your career satisfaction will only be maximized when you know what you are uniquely designed to do and then match that with the career that needs your skills, talents and personality.
Crown's Career Direct assessment evaluates your personality, interests, values, and skills so that you can confidently see how your career choice aligns with your design. This investment in your personal growth will allow you to rejoice like David when he said, "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14a ESV) Then, find the job that matches your personality. It's a huge part in a successful career that will ultimately bring glory to your Designer and satisfaction with your career.
