How do I decide on a career?

[DiscipleHeLovesToo]

Jer 10:23 KJV
(23) O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Psa 37:23-25 KJV
(23) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
(24) Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
(25) I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Rom 8:14 KJV
(14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Col 3:12-15 KJV
(12) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
(13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
(14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
(15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Jas 1:2-3 KJV
(2) My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
(3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

1Co 4:19-20 KJV
(19) But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
(20) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

God has a specific plan for your life; seek His leading, using peace as your guide. don't be quick to follow the advice of the world, which will always leave Him out of the equation. consider a Bible college as a 'prep school' to help you learn how to perceive His leading - look for one where the power of God is evident - one where miracles happen - healing, deliverance, prosperity, even raising from the dead - theses places do exist, and aren't hard to find. and don't be surprised when resistance comes - if you follow God's leading, there will be people, even reborn believers that you trust, that will resist your decision if you don't follow the world's advice to direct the steps of your own path.

 

[OwainK]

I've read and heard about many different careers over the past few years, and I can't seem to choose one. The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

How do I decide on a career? Even if I can't decide right away, I wanted some advice that would help me to make a decision eventually at least.

Right what is your dream? what are your passions (things that you enjoy)?

Do you dream of adventure? hard work, a battle of physicality, total non stop action?

It all depends on what your dream is, and what you enjoy, from that we can work out what career is right for you. Nothing is impossible, yes a career as some singer or actress is unrealistic, because of how high competition is and how the industries are. But for SO many other things, all things may be possible.

 

[mukk_in]

I've read and heard about many different careers over the past few years, and I can't seem to choose one. The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

How do I decide on a career? Even if I can't decide right away, I wanted some advice that would help me to make a decision eventually at least.

Hey kiddo, nice to see you here again. These scriptures (1 Corinthians 12:7-10, Ephesians 4:11-16) penned by the Apostle Paul are regarding spiritual gifts but can be extended into the natural world as well. In Ecclesiastes 9:10 we are urged thus: "whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."

Bottom line is only you know what your calling is. Your calling is generally what you're gifted for and comfortable with. It's also what you find to be most rewarding and satisfying (not only financially, but also emotionally, spiritually and otherwise). You may also have to try a few careers until you finally decide on one. In some extreme cases like Jonah, you may actually be called to do something you don't like.

I chose to be a professor naturally and a preacher spiritually, because I enjoy being with and training young people like yourself. Over the last 25 years I've trained thousands of brilliant people like you from across the globe. This calling actually dawned on me slowly and not abruptly. For preaching though, the Hand of the Lord was upon me (i.e., God's pressure). I intend to volunteer my time and money for the cause of spiritual and natural education, long after I retire (in about 15 years from now).

Hope that helps. Nice to see you again honey. Keep posting ad God bless .

 

[S.O.J.I.A.]

So are you desirous of financial independence?

 

[Christie insb]

Get the best, most practical education you can, concentrate on what you are good at and what will help you get a job.
i.e. unless you are really, really gifted drop art etc.
Talk to people in your church....

I wish to respectfully disagree with John. I am not recommending majoring in art, but there are jobs in the field that people who are not the creme de la creme can get jobs in. But anyway my point is that you don't have to eliminate studying things you enjoy but aren't going to make your living at. I am a terrible artist but I love doing it, and the act of creating art can connect me with the Creator of the universe. If you enjoy singing or playing an instrument it's has many benefits. Music can be a little more practical for Christians, too, since we all worship through music, and there are jobs in churches for worship leaders and others. So I think we have time enough to learn practical skills and learn and improve and enjoy our impractical but joy-giving arts.

 

[RaymondG]

I heard "eeny meeny miny moe" works pretty good.

 

[JESUS=G.O.A.T]

I've read and heard about many different careers over the past few years, and I can't seem to choose one. The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

How do I decide on a career? Even if I can't decide right away, I wanted some advice that would help me to make a decision eventually at least.

watched this last night it might help. Also in my experience thus far as a college student following your passion isn't correct if you haven't prayed about it so you're right about that.

 

[dqhall]

I've read and heard about many different careers over the past few years, and I can't seem to choose one. The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

How do I decide on a career? Even if I can't decide right away, I wanted some advice that would help me to make a decision eventually at least.

I was dating a woman who had a son in college studying engineering. He did not know whether he wanted to be an aerospace engineer or a mechanical engineer. I did some research online and found an aerospace engineer may earn a higher salary. I checked the occupational outlook reports for the two types of engineers. The aerospace industry was planning to be laying off aerospace engineers, while the the mechanical engineering industry was seeing job growth. I sent the information to my friend and told her it would be difficult for an aerospace engineer to find an entry level job as they were laying off experienced engineers. She later reported her son wanted to be a mechanical engineer.

 

[disciple1]

I've read and heard about many different careers over the past few years, and I can't seem to choose one. The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

How do I decide on a career? Even if I can't decide right away, I wanted some advice that would help me to make a decision eventually at least.

Take time to study the bible to, it's the only place you'll hear the truth.
Habakkuk chapter 2 verse 13
Has not the LORD Almighty determined that the people's labor is only fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing?
Jeremiah chapter 51 verse 58
This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Babylon's thick wall will be leveled and her high gates set on fire; the peoples exhaust themselves for nothing, the nations' labor is only fuel for the flames."
There's nothing better than the bible in this life, and everything good comes from it.
Matthew chapter 4 verse 4
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Romans chapter 1 verse 28
Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

John chapter 8 verse 31,32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, " If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
2 John
9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Job chapter 23 verse 12
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Matthew 11
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Luke chapter 21
33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Romans chapter 10
17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Mark chapter 13
31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
James chapter 1
25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
James chapter 4
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Isaiah chapter 45 verse 19
I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Jeremiah chapter 9
24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.
Jeremiah chapter 5 verse 1
5 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,
look around and consider,
search through her squares.
If you can find but one person
who deals honestly and seeks the truth,
I will forgive this city.

 

[Code Phox]

This is a great question to ask as you can learn a lot from the experiences of those who are older than you. I see a bunch already above me.

My advice? Don't plan for the distant future, just focus on the close future and present.
I went to school clueless, decided to major in computer science, dropped out of college, tried to join the military, wanted to learn to cook so I could open a restraint, learned carpentry, painted houses for awhile, became a carpenter AND NOW I'm building furniture out of wood and metal and would like to learn leather craft so I can incorporate that into my furniture some day, I'm interested in opening a custom furniture company of my own called 'Timber Ore Creations'. Just like the cross was wood, nails where metal and flesh is leather.. I want to create something beautiful like God did, my career will be worshipping God through building.

My point? If someone told me I would become a furniture builder 10years ago, I would have said something like 'that doesn't sound interesting or fun'. Everything I have learned so far has become useful for me today, my advice is find something that interests you and pick up skills. You'll know when you find your trade, however it's perfectly possible that will change in future however, that's OK.

The biggest thing I have learned recently is: College is not the only way to learn.
Watch other people, you can learn lots from them each day if you pay attention.
I'm always watching my boss and asking questions as some day, I want to surpass him.

 

[dqhall]

I read a website about the healthcare industry. It is 80% female. The need for highly trained medical personnel continues. Education requirements vary from a CNA certificate that may be gained after a 40 hour prep course to PHD medical doctors that require 8 years of college and 3-7 years of residency. Wages and salaries vary geographically. Some cities have more job openings than other cities.

 

[Neogaia777]

I've read and heard about many different careers over the past few years, and I can't seem to choose one. The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

How do I decide on a career? Even if I can't decide right away, I wanted some advice that would help me to make a decision eventually at least.

Make sure it's something your going to love doing for a long time above all...

God Bless!

 

[Neogaia777]

I purposely took a pay cut, to move from a field I was in, into a field I loved and it was well worth it... Peace of mind is priceless in my book....

 

[AlexDTX]

I've read and heard about many different careers over the past few years, and I can't seem to choose one. The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

How do I decide on a career? Even if I can't decide right away, I wanted some advice that would help me to make a decision eventually at least.

We have lost sight of the meaning of vocation: it has the root word "vocal" and refers to the call of God in your life. God is such that what he wants us to do is what we are already passionate about. So what are you passionate about? Also the will of God is known through the peace that comes from being in his will. These are your guidelines. Do not rely on college career systems for they are secular humanist machines that do not include God.

 

[jargew]

The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

Why is it, that you don't agree with the advice, "follow your passion"?

 

[Neogaia777]

Why is it, that you don't agree with the advice, "follow your passion"?

That will be a lasting, hopefully unchanging passion...?

 

[seashale76]

I've read and heard about many different careers over the past few years, and I can't seem to choose one. The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

How do I decide on a career? Even if I can't decide right away, I wanted some advice that would help me to make a decision eventually at least.

There is no such thing as one career for a person in this life. The idea that there is only one thing out there for you to do is false. I changed careers. You don't have to be locked in or stuck in a career if you decide you'd rather not stick with it until retirement.

Personally, I'd say that you need to look at your strengths, your interests, what will make you employable, how much education you'll need and if you think a lot of education is worth the trouble, and whether or not said career will pay the bills. At the very least, find something you don't hate. You don't need to love it, but you certainly shouldn't hate it. That's about as good as it gets in today's world.

You are not defined by your career/job. You should work to live and not live to work, in my opinion.

I taught for twelve years before deciding to go back to nursing school. I love the subjects I taught and was passionate about them. I also was passionate about helping children. However, it got old and wasn't enough to sustain me. I also very much enjoy all of the science courses I had to take for nursing school and mostly like what I do (critical care). I'm not even done. In a few years, I may get a second masters degree and teach nursing students.

I considered medical school- but after watching two of my friends get mired in living and breathing medical school for an entire decade, watching them drown in school loan debt, and then wind up sacrificing time with friends and family, only to not be that crazy about what they are doing in the end- there was no way I was willing to subject myself to that in my late thirties and early forties. So, love of a subject and career path was not going to cut it for me on that score. I agree with you there. This would not have been a practical decision for me.

There should be a balance between your interests and practicality for you to consider.

ETA: Just remember that God can use you no matter what you're doing. Even in (what I'd consider to be) a hum ho office job, God can use you from your cubicle.

 

[GirdYourLoins]

There are a few views on money and career that I have and think you should consider.

I would say the most important thing is you need to get some enjoyment or satisfaction out of your work. Doing a job that is unfulfilling is called soul destroying for a reason. There are probably lots of jobs you will enjoy. Try to choose one that pays a reasonable amount, even if you dont want the money you can use it to fund things like charity work or towards your church. You could make the difference of a small church being able to afford a pastor or not.

Things you enjoy may or may not make a good career choice. "Too much of a good thing" comes to mind. If you like people for example it could be anything from being a doctor, lawyer, to something like a charity worker or social worker to even something like working in phone sales talking to people all day.

 

[jsimms615]

I've read and heard about many different careers over the past few years, and I can't seem to choose one. The advice I get the most is to "follow my dreams/passion," but I don't agree with it.

How do I decide on a career? Even if I can't decide right away, I wanted some advice that would help me to make a decision eventually at least.

Ideally, you would focus on what your good at or what you like to do. Or at least don't pick a career path in an area where you are weak. Like, I hate math so I'm not going to be an accountant or work with numbers

 

[Steven Torman]

Do a self assessment on what you like and dislike in a job.

As one who did follow her dreams and passion, I can say that there wasn't a single day that went by that I "hated" working.

I wish to offer a bit of a different answer that will go along with your sentiment about not following your passions.

First off proverbs says, "...passion is rottenness to the bones.) 14:30 NASB

Secondly, Psychologist Albert Bandura has a theory called Social Cognitive Theory - without boring you about its details - it simply assumes that all careers come by happen stance. Time, place, socio-economic position, and several other factors determine this.

And rather then read about, just ask people how they came about their current career. The majority will tell you it happened by chance.

Having said that, if one is a Christian, and is in the true Providence of the Lord, then He will tune all those factors to get you where He wants you. So how do you start that path?

By following Scriptures mandate, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with the strength of the Lord". Then you can be certain of a path for your current inquiry, while also certain that He will guide you into where you need to be for His glory and your satisfaction.

Many falsely assume that their personal interests are not of God, and therefore should be avoided. What you eventually find out later in life, however, is that the unique interests you have are actually placed there by God, and are a clue to finding your true nature and your true calling in Him.

I believe there is some truth to this, but do not build your life around it, maybe start here, but to assume you will finish here.

Most people who start and finish with their dreams and passions have a socio-economic advantage that allows them this privilege. If you go on a mission trip to an impoverished country, this "follow your dreams" language is not important because these people can just be satisfied/contented with an opportunity that they believe God has presented them.