{"id":7486,"date":"2020-10-20T11:16:57","date_gmt":"2020-10-20T18:16:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/?p=7486"},"modified":"2021-09-09T21:09:21","modified_gmt":"2021-09-10T04:09:21","slug":"10-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-a-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-a-career\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Questions To Ask Yourself When Choosing A Career"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Globally, most people will spend approximately one-third of their life working. Choosing a suitable career, therefore, can have a significant impact on your lifestyle, achievements, and overall happiness.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_50 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-6a0b19267c962\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-6a0b19267c962\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-a-career\/#Most_People%E2%80%99s_Job_Market_Access_Job_Search_Skills_Are_Insufficient\" title=\"Most People\u2019s Job Market Access &amp; Job Search Skills Are Insufficient\">Most People\u2019s Job Market Access &amp; Job Search Skills Are Insufficient<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-a-career\/#Interesting_Job_Statistic_in_BC\" title=\"Interesting Job Statistic in BC\">Interesting Job Statistic in BC<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-a-career\/#Asking_The_Right_Questions_For_Job_Search_Success\" title=\"Asking The Right Questions For Job Search Success\">Asking The Right Questions For Job Search Success<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-a-career\/#10_Questions_To_Consider_When_Choosing_A_Career\" title=\"10 Questions To Consider When Choosing A Career:\">10 Questions To Consider When Choosing A Career:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-a-career\/#About_BC_Jobs\" title=\"About BC Jobs\">About BC Jobs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Most_People%E2%80%99s_Job_Market_Access_Job_Search_Skills_Are_Insufficient\"><\/span>Most People\u2019s Job Market Access &amp; Job Search Skills Are Insufficient<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There is some significant evidence that many people do not (or do not have the ability to) adequately explore their career options before entering the job market; about 49% of working adults feel so unhappy about, under-compensated by, or limited in their career path that they change industries at least once by the time they are 40 years old.<\/p>\n<p>Even so, only about one out of eight people reports feeling passionate about their current job.<\/p>\n<p>This leaves the remaining 85% of the global workforce struggling to feel engaged with their work or connected to their company. This disengagement is so significant that, at any given time, about 81% of employees are considering leaving their job and\/or switching careers. Yet, by the time they retire, only one in five people ends up working doing what they always dreamed of doing.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Interesting_Job_Statistic_in_BC\"><\/span>Interesting Job Statistic in BC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Canadians report some of the highest levels of job satisfaction, motivation, and engagement in the world. More specifically, research shows that approximately 83.9% of British Columbians feel either satisfied or very satisfied with their <a href=\"https:\/\/www150.statcan.gc.ca\/t1\/tbl1\/en\/tv.action?pid=2210011101&amp;pickMembers%5B0%5D=1.6&amp;pickMembers%5B1%5D=2.1&amp;pickMembers%5B2%5D=3.1&amp;pickMembers%5B3%5D=5.2\">job and career choices<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This dramatic increase in job satisfaction is likely due to employees having greater-than-average access to and compensation within job market sectors that are relevant to their passions. Employers tend to invest in employee engagement and career advancement, employees enjoy greater autonomy at work, and workplace communities are stronger than in many other markets.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Asking_The_Right_Questions_For_Job_Search_Success\"><\/span>Asking The Right Questions For Job Search Success<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most reliable way to find a job that makes you feel fulfilled is to conduct a targeted job search. To do this, you\u2019ll first need to ask yourself (and answer) questions that will help you identify a career path that meets your needs and aligns well with your values.<\/p>\n<p>Examined independently, these questions may not shed sufficient light on your interests and aspirations to indicate an ideal career path. Yet, taken together, this kind of inquiry can help any person at any point in their professional life identify the career field and opportunities for BC jobs best suited for their needs and interests.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Questions_To_Consider_When_Choosing_A_Career\"><\/span>10 Questions To Consider When Choosing A Career:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Job search experts\u00a0recommend exploring the following questions before choosing a career:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\u201cWhat do I really feel passionate about?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cIn my everyday life, what role do I want to work in?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWhat can I do better, right now, than other people?\u201d <em>or <\/em>\u201cWhat unique value can I bring to an organization, team, or situation?\u201d <em>or <\/em>\u201cWhat do I want to be really good at doing?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWhat problem(s) do I want to solve through my work?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWhat do I want to be known for?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cHow much do I want to earn?\u201d <em>and\u00a0 <\/em>\u201cHow much do I really need to earn to support my basic needs?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWould I be willing to (or prefer to) travel for work?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cHow much flexibility do I need\/want in my work schedule?\u201d (consider flex-time, overtime, and remote work options)<\/li>\n<li>\u201cDo I want to work independently, as part of a team, or remotely or directly with customers?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWhat job characteristics would I be willing to make sacrifices for?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Recent Posts:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/5-benefits-of-hiring-remote-workers\/\">5 Benefits of Hiring Remote Workers<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/how-to-stay-focused-on-your-career-goals\/\">How To Stay Focused On Your Career Goals<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/job-market-growth-amidst-the-covid-19-pandemic\/\">Specific Job Markets That Grew Amidst COVID-19<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_BC_Jobs\"><\/span><strong><em>About BC Jobs<\/em><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/\">BCjobs.ca<\/a> is Western Canada\u2019s largest job board, and host of &#8220;Innovators&#8221; a weekly <a href=\"http:\/\/podcast.bcjobs.ca\/\">podcast<\/a> interviewing top recruiters in BC and across Canada. Check out our recent interview with Best Buy Canada&#8217;s CTO Dave Evans (<a href=\"http:\/\/podcast.bcjobs.ca\/9-best-buy-canada-become-a-superstar-problem-solver\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Podcast link<\/a>) and PayPal&#8217;s Recruitment Manager Yvonne Wu (<a href=\"http:\/\/podcast.bcjobs.ca\/6-paypal-employee-security-innovation-growth-during-covid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Podcast link).<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Globally, most people will spend approximately one-third of their life working. Choosing a suitable career, therefore, can have a significant impact on your lifestyle, achievements, and overall happiness. Most People\u2019s Job Market Access &amp; Job Search Skills Are Insufficient There is some significant evidence that many people do not (or do not have the ability [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":7496,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,152],"tags":[194,242,611,498,612,507,613,610],"class_list":["post-7486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-planning","category-job-search-advice","tag-bc-jobs","tag-bcjobs-ca","tag-choosing-the-right-career","tag-find-remote-jobs-in-vancouver","tag-how-to-choose-the-right-career","tag-how-to-find-a-job-in-vancouver","tag-how-to-land-a-good-job","tag-selecting-a-career-in-bc"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/109"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7486"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8136,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7486\/revisions\/8136"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bcjobs.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}