The Career Dilemma

There are many things that our generation has had to deal with in order to make a meaning out of life, and one of them is the dilemma of career growth. This, among the many, has contributed to the quality of many young people’s lives being impacted by unnecessary stress and anxiety.

This doesn’t mean that they are not praying or believing God or even trusting him, but rather due to a lack of direction, many are frustrated and some that seem to be progressing speedily are seeking some sense of satisfaction in what they wake up to do daily. On the other hand, there are those who are unemployed or have not yet figured out how to employ their skills and talents, trying to make ends meet every other God-given day.

To the layman, career dilemma is when you are unsure about which career path to choose. It can be caused by various factors such as lack of clarity on one’s interests, skills, values or external factors such as society expectations and occasionally, economic conditions.

When I was going to the university, I had this excitement that I was going to do a course that I loved, and I was sure it was going to lead me to what I wanted to spend my life investing in as a career. Soon after the university, the mind somehow starts to think about how to make it through life, and I believe that’s where most of us lose it. Instead of looking for the right people to give us career guidance, we either turn to the most available solutions, trying to figure out ways of survival that are, most times, outside the path of the career we are supposed to continue building. 

I am therefore writing from this kind of experience to help someone who could be in the same place and wondering how to come out or progress in life, or someone who is about to finish school and is wondering what next to do. I am personally grateful that as it was prophesied, indeed this is the year of extra ordinary resurrections; I am starting to get clarity about many things and my career is one of the most recent quickened experiences in my life.

I have realized that figuring out your career path is a process that begins with having clarity on your interests, skills, and values and this can be in various ways; taking personality and career assessment tests, talking to people in the fields you’re interested in, and exploring different job shadowing opportunities. Some of the options look unserious, but they are usually a step in the right direction. This process is more like a journey of self-discovery where you have to be deliberate about finding the things that are most important to you. But as you do that, it will push you through many uncomfortable, unsure and uncertain days like mentioned earlier; where you lack of clarity on your interests, skills, values or the pressures of external factors such as society expectations and economic conditions. Am saying this so that when it happens to you, you shouldn’t feel like you have failed in life. Many people have been there and have come out and are now well established.

Having grown up in a Ugandan – African setting or context, you would definitely expect some unrealistic societal expectations; parents comparing you with other people, communities seeing you through unrealistic lenses and the like; and honestly, dealing with such societal expectations can be tough, but it’s important to remember that ultimately, you are the one who has to live with your career choice so you have to try to focus on what you want and what makes you happy rather than what others expect of you, and this must be after the purpose and will of God for your life. 

If you are already in the workforce, it’s also important to remember that the job market is always changing and therefore you can try to focus on building skills that are in demand and diversifying your skillset to increase your employability as and when you figure out which career path to take. Being considerate, it’s possible that many young people in our generation haven’t had enough experience in the workforce to figure out what they’re interested in or may not have had exposure to a wide variety of careers. They might have a lot of interests and have a hard time choosing just one, or they might be afraid of making the wrong choice and ending up in a job they hate. Yeah, it can be tough to figure out what you want to do with your life. But it’s important to remember that it’s okay to trust God as you obtain clarity or try new things.

I have also learned that when faced with a career dilemma, it’s important to take some time to reflect on your goals and values. What are you passionate about? What motivates you? What are your long-term career aspirations? Once you have a better understanding of your goals, you can start exploring different career paths and opportunities that align with your interests and values. You can actually start by thinking about what’s important to you and what you want to achieve in your personal and professional life. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your passions and interests? Once you have a better understanding of your values and goals, you can start setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals to help you achieve them. It may also be helpful to break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps and to track your progress along the way. It may also be helpful to talk to helpful friends, family, or a career counselor to get some additional perspective and support. 

So in view of helping someone out there like I have been helped, I have listed here below, a summary of things you could do to help you keep one foot in front of the other;

• Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your interests, skills, values, and long-term goals. Ask yourself what truly excites you and what you want to achieve in your career. Understanding your strengths and passions will help you make decisions that align with your values.
• Identify the Dilemma: Clearly define the aspects of your career that are causing the dilemma. It could be choosing between two job offers, deciding to change industries, contemplating going back to school, or anything else related to your career.
• Gather Information: Research the different options available to you. Learn more about the industries, job roles, educational opportunities, or any other paths you are considering. Understanding the pros and cons of each option will make it easier to evaluate them objectively.
• Seek Advice: Talk to trusted friends, family members, mentors, or career counselors. Discussing your dilemma with others can provide valuable insights, different perspectives, and help you see things from angles you might not have considered.
• Consider Your Priorities: Evaluate the importance of various factors in your career decision. Consider factors like job satisfaction, work-life balance, salary, growth opportunities, location, and more. Rank them based on what matters most to you.
• Assess Risks and Opportunities: Every career decision comes with some level of risk. Weigh the potential risks against the opportunities each option presents. Consider how each choice aligns with your long-term goals.
• Take Small Steps: If you’re uncertain about making a drastic change, consider taking small steps to explore new opportunities. This might involve volunteering, attending workshops, or pursuing part-time opportunities in your areas of interest.
• Set a Timeline: Give yourself a reasonable timeline to make a decision. Avoid rushing into anything if you’re not confident about it, but also try not to procrastinate indefinitely. Setting a deadline will keep you focused and accountable.
• Trust Your Instincts: While gathering information and seeking advice is essential, ultimately, trust your gut feeling. You know yourself best, and sometimes, your intuition can guide you in the right direction.
• Embrace Flexibility: Remember that your career journey might not follow a linear path. Be open to change and adaptation as you gain new experiences and learn more about yourself.
• Take Action: Once you’ve made a decision, take action and commit to it wholeheartedly. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, and stay proactive in shaping your career.

Remember:

1. That career decisions are not always set in stone. It’s okay to make adjustments and changes as you grow and evolve in your professional life. Taking the time to reflect and make informed choices will increase your chances of finding fulfillment in your career.
2. That direction precedes speed. It doesn’t make sense to be progressing in the wrong direction. So, it doesn’t matter sometimes when you feel a bit slowed if you are moving in the right direction; stay the course and keep moving.

Otherwise God is faithful, and he will ensure that His purpose for your life prevails. 

Proverbs 19:21(MSG) We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD’s purpose prevails.

Proverbs 19:21 (NCV) People can make all kinds of plans, but only the LORD’s plan will happen.

Proverbs 19:21 (AMP) Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the LORD’S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out)

Trust him to direct your path, and allow his wisdom to direct you in your decision-making process. It is not too late to move in the right direction. The major key to your better future is YOU; who are you becoming?

Stay blessed

#WiGTyT