“I want a flexible job.” said a working mother from Madison, CT.
“I want to actually like what I do for work.” a young 24 year old from Fairfield, CT wrote.
“I want… I want… I want…”
I understand and empathize with this mindset. I’m not implying that my career counseling clients who voice their concerns and wishes are entitled or self-absorbed. They are expressing their desires. Desire is important for an ultimate goal in life.
Nonetheless, “what you want to do” is a better starting point for a career path than “what you want to get”.
“I want to help troubled children.” the Madison mom eventually told me as our discussion led to what she actually wanted to do. A career in social work would enable her to do what she wanted while also having a flexible schedule.
“I want to write code.”, the 24 year old from Fairfield expressed as we discussed the necessary skills he would need to go down this path.
Figure out what you want to do so that you can figure out how to get what you want.