5 Tips for when you can’t decide between two careers

Whether you have just started your career journey or it’s time to make some changes, there is an unlimited number of careers out there to choose from. Narrowing down your options can be tricky. If you are struggling to decide between two careers, there are some steps you can take to make a final choice.

In this article, we will look at some things you can do to finally choose the perfect career for you. Here’s what we'll cover.

• Why can’t I decide what career to choose?

• Common mistakes people make when choosing a career path

• 5 tips for choosing between two careers

Why can’t I decide what career to choose?

Struggling to decide what career to choose is more common than you might think, but the cause of the struggle is different for everyone. For example, some may stress about making the wrong choice while someone else may worry about getting a desirable wage. 

Another issue is when you aren’t confident in your strengths or have yet to put long-term career goals in place. Sometimes, there are also outside influences, such as parents or teachers, who may make it difficult to choose a career path because you are afraid of disappointing them. 

Common mistakes people make when choosing a career path

One of the most common reasons people hesitate to choose a career path is because they are worried about making a mistake. Choosing a career doesn’t have to be so stressful. To help you, here are some of the most common mistakes you should avoid:

• Only considering money. Don’t focus so much on finding a career that offers a certain amount of income that you wind up choosing a field you don’t enjoy.

• Neglecting your interests. When considering your strengths, also take into consideration what you like doing. Just because you have skills in one area doesn’t mean you will enjoy making a career in it.

• Not making goals. Regardless of the career path you ultimately choose, start by setting career goals. Knowing where you want to go can help make deciding which path is right for you a lot easier.

• Making unrealistic goals. Be realistic about your opportunities. A lot of job seekers set lofty goals that aren’t obtainable, which only winds up setting them back in their careers.

• Forgetting to look forward. You should also consider the longevity of your career or the field you are considering. Don’t choose a path in a field that is on the decline or that isn’t expected to grow over the coming years. You may soon find yourself switching careers again when there aren’t jobs available for you.

5 Tips for choosing between two careers

Deciding which career path is best can seem daunting, but there are several things you can do to make the choice an easier one. Here are five tips to help you make your final decision:

1. Complete a career assessment 

This is one of the first things you should do when deciding between two careers. It will allow you to find your strengths, skills, and aspirations.

2. Explore your job options 

You will also want to learn more about the various jobs available to you in each career you are considering. Research what type of work you will be doing and what skills you need to be successful.

3. Develop a plan 

Set up a career plan for each career path you are considering. Then, research what it will take to reach your goals in each field.

4. Talk to others 

Discussing with a trusted mentor or someone who knows your skills and interests can also help you make a better choice when choosing between two careers. Networking with others in your potential industries may also provide insight into the two careers that you wouldn’t have gained on your own.

5. Commit to growing and learning 

No matter which career path you wind up choosing, always strive to continue learning. There may come a time when you need to pivot into a new career, and continual learning can make that process easier.

Once you find the perfect career path, be sure to check out our job search strategy service to ensure you are set up for success!

Key takeaways

1. People can struggle to decide between two careers because they haven’t done enough research, they are focusing too much on wages, or others are influencing their decisions.

2. When choosing between two careers, you should be realistic, consider both your interests and strengths, and consider the longevity of your career to avoid making mistakes.

3. Taking a career assessment, conducting research, and developing a career plan are three important things you can do to ensure you select the right career path.