Definiteness of purpose puts you on the path to success. Uncertainty puts you on the path of failure. Most people put their own ladder on someone Else’s wall. They pursue careers not of their own choosing. One group in this category takes the advice of well-meaning family members, typically parents or family members, who tell them to be an accountant, attorney, doctor, plumber, priest, etc. Another group in this category falls into some career without giving it any thought at all. They have a sort of, “well I might as well become a cop, or fireman, or insurance agent or (fill in the blank).” They pick their career out of a hat without knowing that much about it or if it’s the right career for them.
But those who make the most money and accumulate the most wealth in life are those who know what they want to do. They have a well thought-out plan and they pursue it. They put their own ladder on their own wall.
There is a solution that can help individuals who put their ladders on someone else’s wall. And it resides in the school system. A one year course on careers that introduces our children to a variety of careers will give them an opportunity to be exposed to the many career options that are out there. The best time for this course is early in high school. This will get their imaginations going and help them find their passion in life. It will help them choose a career that interests them.
About Thomas C. Corley
I am one who fell into a career. Even though it was a poor fit, I did well enough. By the time it got unbearable, I was making decent amount of money and didn’t want to start at the bottom of a more suitable career.
As a result of my own experience, I wrote Career Finder Workbook for Teens. It is geared to middle school age students. It”s concise but contains many ideas to be considered. It’s on Amazon at http://amzn.to/1iy7RSI