When Choosing a Career, Follow Your Heart, Not the Changing Landscape

U.S. News and World Report Contributing Editor Marty Nemko has written an article called, “Best Careers for a Changing Job Landscape“.

He suggests that college grads might do well to pursue blue-collar careers such as biomedical equipment technician, firefighter, hairstylist/cosmetologist and locksmith/security system technician because of the shortage of skilled people in jobs that don’t require a college education. He also suggests pursuing a government job given that these jobs will probably increase over time.

Nemko encourages choosing a career based on whether it’s resistant to offshoring and suggests choosing careers for reasons other than status because doctors, architects and attorneys often lack job satisfaction.

Although Nemko’s suggestions make some sense, I would encourage you, the job hunter, to go deeper. Don’t choose a career based on what the marketplace is doing. The U.S. job market is experiencing flux and change at every level. Trying to guess what career to choose during this time of upheaval is like trying to jump onto a moving train.

Instead, follow your heart. Identify your aptitudes, interests and passions. Follow your bliss and be true to yourself. And don’t let anyone talk you into entering a career just because it’s practical, has high status or there’s high job availability. You wouldn’t choose a spouse for these external reasons, and you don’t want to choose a career for any of them, either.

Sue