How to Pick a Career
Be a Lifelong Learner
In "How to Pick a Career (That Actually Fits You)," Tim Urban explores the process of choosing a career that aligns with your values, interests, and skills. Urban suggests that many people approach career decisions with a "fixed mindset," meaning they believe that they have a fixed set of skills and talents and must choose a career that matches those skills. However, Urban argues that a "growth mindset" is more effective, as it allows individuals to develop new skills and interests over time.
Align with Your Values
Urban also suggests that individuals should consider their core values when selecting a career, as this will help ensure that their work aligns with their personal beliefs and priorities. Additionally, he encourages individuals to consider the "day-to-day realities" of various careers, as the actual work that one does on a daily basis can greatly impact job satisfaction.
Be a Way Finder
Finally, Urban stresses the importance of experimenting with different career paths before committing to a specific career, as this can help individuals gain valuable experience and insight into various industries and job roles. In Designing Your Career, Dave Evans suggests that you should take a “wayfinding” approach rather than a point A to B. The ancient Polynesians used wayfinding to find inhabitable islands like Hawaii: no maps, no GPS, no return pioneers. They looked for signals in the water, the air, and the sea life. Yes, they likely zig-zagged rather than a straight line course, but it is a good metaphor for our journey through life.
Overall, Urban suggests that choosing a career requires careful consideration of one's values, interests, skills, and the day-to-day realities of different jobs, as well as a willingness to experiment and learn over time.
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