Job or career – your talents should lead you to the right decision
Talent enables individuals to choose their own paths, as it opens up many avenues. While this is an advantageous position to be in, it is not straightforward and it can be daunting. It is complicated and takes thoughtful decision-making when faced with planning the next step towards building your career.
Many talented people in this position find themselves feeling uncertain and confused. They begin to compare themselves to their peers, subconsciously battling societal “norms” and misconceptions. College students feel that they are failing or falling behind if they do not have a job upon graduation, or worse, they still do not know what they want to do for a career. Do they go into the field that they studied? Do they follow their heart, “the money” or their parent’s advice? Meanwhile, all of their friends have updated their LinkedIn profiles and are being congratulated by others. Letting false pressure overwhelm them, the recent graduate applies aimlessly and jumps on the first job offered to them. This job is just a job – it may not fulfill them and it may ultimately steer them down an undesirable career path.
The truth is, is that being talented is difficult. There are many important decisions to be made. However, it is okay to struggle with decisions and take your time making them. Compulsivity and false expectations lead to unhappiness. Do not focus on the “right” and “wrong” decisions, but instead focus on your interests. If done tactfully and methodically, you can build a path to success and overall happiness. In the long run, a career is far more rewarding than working in a job just to earn a paycheck.
Founder, The Anthem Group