Which profession to choose: a guide for those who have not yet decided on a vocation

Work is where we spend a third of our lives.
Choosing a field of activity is the most important thing we make during our lives. But how to choose if you are not drawn to anything? How to choose a profession you like? Teenagers are given the first serious choice in their lives. And there is still wind in my head. And thoughts, of course, about love. We go to college for company or to be close to our significant other. We often drop out of school because we realize we made the wrong choice. We are torn between what we like and what pays well. How to choose the right profession and not regret it later? Let's talk about it.

Make a list of your skills and abilities

Before choosing a new profession, you should definitely make a list of your skills and abilities. This way you will have a much clearer understanding of what kind of work will be suitable for you.

Moreover, these can be not only specific practical skills, such as mastery of graphic editors, but also such abilities as expressing your thoughts beautifully and coherently, generating creative ideas, quickly grasping information, and so on. In addition, pay attention to your theoretical base, which can also be very useful in your future profession.

• Money and career How to become a businessman: a detailed guide for those who want to earn money We tell you how to become a businessman from scratch and not completely screw up.

In general, write down all your skills and abilities in a separate document and look at them with a holistic view. In this way, you will create a complete portrait of yourself as a player in the labor market, which is very important for choosing a new activity.

What to do if you have no ideas

How to choose a profession you like if you don’t know what you want? If you don’t have a single thought about this in your head? This is a question that school graduates often ask themselves. There are several reference points here:

• We need to study what professions are in demand today.
• Refuse the stereotype that the more complex your specialty, the more you will earn. Today, manicurists earn more than people with higher education. That time has come.
• We need to separate dreams from reality: not all good singers today earn a lot. Talents simply cannot make their way through. It is necessary to take into account existing connections and opportunities.
• Think about what you enjoy doing. Is it possible to make a profession out of this?

These criteria should give you some ideas.

Think about your hobbies and interests

However, you should not focus only on what you are good at. Think about the things you really like. Perhaps you prefer to spend time in nature, travel, photograph people, compose music, film what is happening on a video camera, record your observations on paper, and so on.

Figure out the things that really bring you pleasure and start focusing on them when choosing your future profession. Believe me, work can and should be interesting and exciting.

How to understand which job suits your psychotype

Psychologists distinguish two main types:

• An extrovert is a lover of noisy companies, crowded establishments and warm human communication. Easy to meet, having fun from the heart.
• An introvert is happy alone. Prefers quiet types of recreation, a limited number of true friends, and appreciates the opportunity to be alone.

It is obvious that regardless of mentality, psychotype can significantly influence the choice of professional direction. It is worth choosing an activity that can be carried out without compromising the state of mind and body.

An introvert who works with a lot of people, such as in the service industry, will feel tired by lunchtime. The evening hours of rest left after a hard day may simply not be enough for recovery. The result will be constant fatigue and health problems.

An extrovert who spends working hours alone, for example, a laboratory assistant or an archive employee, will very soon become depressed. To get rid of boredom, any excuse will be used, for example, social networks and phone calls. This will certainly affect the quality of work and prospects for professional growth.

Understand how you would like to be remembered by people

Before choosing a new activity, try to understand how you would like to contribute to history. Someone, for example, wants to give people laughter, so they choose the profession of a comedian or actor. Another wants to improve the quality of life of others and prefers, for example, the technological field of developing innovative gadgets.

It may not be so easy at first to understand what benefit you want to bring to society. But through fruitful analysis and conversation with yourself, you will be able to realize the true motives of your future activities.

Self-test in one minute

For the purity of the experiment, you should be distracted by something: turn on the TV or focus on an interior detail. Then, without hesitation, interlace the fingers of both hands into a lock. The thumb matters. Whichever hand is on top, that side of the hemisphere is less active. That is, if the finger of the right hand is placed on top of the plexus, the leading hemisphere is the left hemisphere. The subject has a predominantly mathematical mindset.

If desired, a person can develop both types of thinking. This may take years. Initially, a child’s education will take place with less stress if, for example, a humanities major is not trained in physics.

Focus on your needs, not society's expectations

At the same time, try to focus exclusively on your needs when choosing a profession. Don’t look back at the words and opinions conveyed by your acquaintances, friends and relatives.

Ultimately, they won't do the work for you and won't even check to see if you're coping with everything. Therefore, when choosing a path, always listen to your inner request.

• Money and career From subordinate to boss: 4 qualities that will make you a CEO Take a closer look at them if you have serious career ambitions.

It is worth noting that not everyone succeeds in this, because many parents insist that their children follow one or another career path from early childhood. However, it is wrong to force them to meet certain expectations. The child needs to be helped to understand his desires and be guided, and not forcefully impose his position.

What factors influence the choice of profession?

As a rule, there are a number of key factors influencing the process of professional self-determination:

1. Having certain interests and inclinations.
2. The level of development of abilities required in the professional field of interest.
3. The prestige of the chosen profession.
4. Level of awareness about it.
5. Parents' opinion.
6. Opinion of classmates, friends and peers.
7. Taking into account the needs of production or the labor market.
8. Skills in constructing a specific program of action for choosing and achieving professional goals.

You can often notice that a student chooses a future profession, focusing specifically on his favorite academic subject, without taking into account other important factors. Nowadays, there is also often a tendency to choose a profession based on those subjects that are easy to pass on the Unified State Exam, and this is a big problem that leads to serious crises in the future.

The wishes of the parents may also be a significant factor. Quite often, a teenager, not understanding his capabilities, not really knowing the space of the world of professions, focuses more on the advice of his parents, who, in turn, are also not well informed on this issue, and sometimes even try to realize their own unfulfilled hopes at the expense of their children, thereby disrupting the process of developing the personality of their children, making them unhappy. Moreover, financial dependence on parents also plays an important role here, since training for a certain profession requires funds. What makes money a hidden or even open means of manipulation.

Choosing a profession based on date of birth is not the most common practice. But still, this approach allows us to pay attention to those specialties that really suit a person, and are not just imposed on him by society.

Take the Career Guidance Test

If it is not so easy for you to understand the choice of future activity, resort to the help of vocational guidance tests. Nowadays they can be found in large quantities on the Internet.

They will help you identify your personal qualities, weaknesses and strengths, understand your interests and thus narrow down your job search.

In this case, it is best to take several career guidance tests at once in order to compare the results obtained and come to a common denominator.

How to pass a career guidance test?

Occupational tests are distributed free of charge; registration or authorization on the official website is not required to take them. A large selection of professional tests are available:

• for a specific profession;
• according to the method of E. A. Klimov, E. Kh. Davydova, expanded, others;
• for career guidance in school subjects;
• to determine the professional type (J. Holland);
• map of interests, character strengths, others.

The test is preceded by preparation, which will provide a more accurate result:

• do not give answers to questions while in a bad mood;
• try to choose answers that correspond to your worldview, tastes, life goals, plans for the future;
• keep your spirit light and strong, giving answers intuitively.

The duration of the test depends on the selected test; the results are checked and calculated automatically. The result is displayed immediately, you can see it without registering or entering contact information.

At what age is it better to take the test?

School-age children should take care of choosing a profession while studying in 7-8 grade. This approach will help you understand whether to enter 10th grade or whether it is better to apply to a secondary school. Adults may want to change their specialty at any age; the results of professional tests will help them solve this problem.

Analyze different areas of activity

So, when you have more or less understood your skills, start analyzing different areas of activity in search of a suitable one. It’s worth saying right away that a field of activity is not a specific profession, but a whole area in which people with different competencies are employed.

For example, if you realized that you want to help people, healthcare is for you. If you realize that you want to bring laughter and give emotions, it is better to take a closer look at show business.

Having chosen an area, you can already take a closer look at specific positions on the market. For example, manage finances, develop new products, promote them on the market, and so on.

Examples with a doll and a saucepan

As a child, Anya tinkered with the hairstyles of her favorite toys. Hairpins, elastic bands, and scissors were used. One day, while sorting through things on the mezzanine, my grandmother found an old fur hat, cut in rows. The punishment did not discourage experiments. The truth went to the talking doll Masha: she was cut into a crew cut and painted with her mother’s lipstick.

When Seryozha’s mother was preparing dinner, she had to vigilantly monitor what was happening around the stove. As soon as she turned away, vegetables, spices, and even mint candies were thrown into the pan. Attempts to persuade the child not to do this again fell on deaf ears. The boy sincerely did not understand the reason for his mother’s discontent. He knew for sure that with his help the dishes would become much tastier.

In the episodes described, it is obvious that the vigorous activity should not be limited, but directed into a productive direction. An activity that attracts, despite the prohibitions, definitely deserves close study.

Think about whether you can handle your future job

After analyzing the specific requirements for a particular position, think about whether you can cope with them, and approximately how much time it will take you.

However, it is worth remembering that such things can be quite difficult to understand simply by thinking about them. Practice will give you the best idea about a particular activity. In this case, an internship would be the best option.

As you go through it, you will be able to come face to face with your future responsibilities and realize whether you like it or not.

Taking into account the characteristics of temperament

When choosing a job, do not forget about the type of person’s temperament:

1. Choleric. A person who actively reacts to events and is subject to frequent mood changes. He should avoid monotonous work and find himself where he can show initiative and leadership qualities;
2. Melancholic. Such people are prone to depression and are very withdrawn. It is better for them to connect their lives with quiet professions, where they need to think more than communicate;
3. Phlegmatic people. They are distinguished by their balance and slowness. Therefore, they carry out even boring and monotonous work without any problems. But at the same time, they are ready to diligently immerse themselves in the study of complex systems, so they can become good engineers and scientists;
4. Sanguines. Always full of energy and can find contact with any person. They make ideal teachers and psychologists.

Don't focus only on income

As we said above, and as often happens, some people choose professions based solely on the level of wages. However, in a good way, you should not be driven by money, but by an idea.

If you work for money, you can very quickly run out of enthusiasm, because you get nothing but money. However, if you work for an idea, you will have great incentives to improve your competencies, learn something new and work with pleasure for the benefit of one big process.

In such circumstances, you can earn a lot more, because you can become a professional in your field and a very valuable player in the labor market.

Which professions are suitable for different numbers?

Knowing the basics of numerology, you can determine your development vector yourself. Having indicated your Soul number (see above), you can move on to the list of professions that are suitable for a person.

Unit "1"

Such a person is under the strong influence of the Sun. This makes him strong, courageous and prone to leadership. Therefore, the following professions are suitable for “units”:

• manager;
• manager;
• politician;
• teacher;
• military.

In addition, such people make excellent pilots, lawyers and doctors. They are also good at organizing successful business projects. By definition, they cope well with any difficulties that they may encounter on the path to developing their own business.

Deuce "2"

People with soul number 2 are especially susceptible to the influence of the Moon. This strengthens a person's intuition, making him more diplomatic and capable of feeling compassion for others. Professions such as a doctor (speech therapist, therapist, pediatrician), psychologist, diplomat or consultant are excellent for him. In addition, “twos” are not afraid of hard work and have great resistance to stress. The negative qualities of “twos” are dependence on others, high sensitivity and unwillingness to take risks. Therefore, they are always more comfortable working under someone stronger.

Three "3"

Threes are influenced by Jupiter. For this reason, they get along well with people. They make good doctors, teachers, journalists, and lawyers. In addition, creative professions are perfect for triplets. They can achieve success in fields like writing, acting, film production. Their weaknesses are impatience and intolerance. Therefore, professions that involve performing some monotonous actions are absolutely not suitable for them.

Four "4"

Fours are ruled by the planet Rahu. Like the Moon, she is responsible for such qualities as intuition and the ability to find a common language with people. At the same time, “fours” are more practical than “twos” and strive for stability in life. The following specialties suit them:

• realtors;
• sales managers;
• recruitment professionals;
• programmers and designers;
• marketers.

Such people are excellent at organizing others and leading long-term projects. The weaknesses of the “fours” are criticality, a tendency to constantly control everything and put pressure on others. In order to succeed in your business, you need to learn to hold back a little.

Five "5"

Such people are influenced by the planet Mercury. They are distinguished by an excellent sense of humor, sociability, intelligence and a penchant for foreign languages. Such professions as announcer, journalist, analyst, writer, consultant, and trader are perfect for them. Separately, it is very important to feel that they are free. Therefore, they should choose a job where they can set their own schedule and not depend on others.

The weaknesses of “fives” are vanity, superficiality of judgment and intolerance. You can only get rid of these shortcomings with time.

In order not to be disappointed in your business, you should not work where there are no prospects for advancement and opportunities to communicate with more successful people.

Six "6"

A person whose soul number is 6 is under the influence of Venus. They are creative and love to take care of others. The following professions are suitable for them:

• cosmetologist;
• artist, poet or writer;
• stylist and hairdresser;
• designer;
• charitable foundation employee;
• shelter or children's center worker.

It’s worth mentioning that they are reliable and responsible workers. Therefore, you can safely trust them with any projects. Their disadvantages include unwillingness to take risks and self-criticism. But all these shortcomings become completely invisible if a person finds “his place” and works with those people with whom he feels safe.

Seven "7"

Sevens are ruled by the mystical planet Ketu. It makes them very strong, balanced, observant and inclined to see the true essence of things. That is why they make excellent astrologers, psychologists, theologians, historians or writers. Such people like to control the work process and watch others create something new under their leadership.

Eight "8"

If a person's Soul number is 8, he is under the influence of Saturn and is distinguished by such qualities as wisdom, caution, endurance, strength, seriousness and devotion. He will make an excellent politician, civil servant, editor, bank or tax officer, secretary, teacher or philosopher. The weaknesses of the Eights are intolerance, a tendency to abuse their power and the desire to gain benefits.

Nine "9"

Nines are strongly influenced by the bright and fiery planet. Mars endows them with qualities such as determination, perseverance and independence. Therefore, they make excellent leaders, spiritual leaders, testers, hunters or foresters and doctors. Monotonous work is absolutely not suitable for them. They have difficulty adhering to strict rules and achieve success where they are given independence.

9. Prepare for your choice

Before choosing a new profession, try to prepare for it as well as possible. And not necessarily within the framework of the specific duties that you have to perform.

Prepare yourself psychologically for a change in perspectives, for a new team, for unprecedented tasks and difficulties. Try to accept all this and gain confidence that this is exactly what you need right now.

Naturally, in the future you will be able to change your choice again when faced with the understanding that this profession was not for you. But to get to this point, or, conversely, to avoid it, you need confidence in your actions and determination. Be prepared for this.

Changing profession after 30 years

At 30, a radical reassessment of values ​​occurs. The first crisis of age, not counting childhood and transitional stages. By this time, a person becomes a mature personality. He reconsiders life, draws conclusions. People decide to make changes. This includes changing their type of activity. And rightly so, since the first years after graduation you have to work on your reputation. We earn recommendations, develop skills, and gain experience. Further, reputation works for us. Now stop and think about whether you are doing the right thing.

At 30, another life begins. If you suddenly decide that you haven’t been doing your own thing all your life, it’s not scary. You have already received education and work experience. Feel free to try yourself in another area. If you finish your studies at 22-23 years old, then 30 years old is just the time when you can get a profession. 7 years have passed and you need to change your activities. You need to understand that this is not scary. You can return to what you are already experienced at. And trying new things is necessary for a fulfilling life. Courses and internships will help with this.

Apply to one of the suitable vacancies

So, to sum up the question of how to choose a job to your liking, we advise you to start looking for suitable vacancies. There are many ways to do this - from surfing thematic career portals to publishing posts on your social networks that you are looking for a job.

It is best to take advantage of several opportunities at once so that your search is more likely to be successful.

• Money and career How to find a good job: 10 tips for building a successful career It's time to move.

• Author: Dmitry Petrosyants

Features of calculating a suitable profession

There are several calculation methods to find out how to choose the best profession for yourself. As a rule, the future profession is determined based on the Soul number or its zodiac sign.

Profession according to Soul number

It is this method of calculation that is most often used to determine one’s vocation. But it is suitable mainly for young people under thirty years of age. Calculating the Soul number is very simple.

If a person was born from the 1st to the 9th day of the month, then the Soul number is any of these numbers. For those born from the 10th to the 31st, you just need to add the 2 digits of your birthday. So, for example, if a person was born on July 21, his soul number will be 3. If his date of birth is October 22, it will be 4.

Profession about zodiac sign

You can also determine your profession by your zodiac sign. It’s much easier to do this, just know your date of birth.

♈ Aries

tend to occupy leadership positions. They calmly make decisions in stressful situations and are not afraid of competition.

♉ Taurus

I like working with finances. They make good bankers or accountants.

♊ Gemini

They like attention, so public professions suit them.

♋ Cancer

Social specialties are suitable. They can easily hold any government position.

♌ Lions

choose professions in which they can easily realize themselves. Like Geminis, they enjoy a certain amount of publicity.

♍ Virgo

They have an analytical mindset and perform well where they need to manage the activities of other people.

♎ Scales

are excellent psychologists. They feel equally good communicating with people of different ages. They are also suitable for leadership positions.

♏ Scorpios

capable of being responsible for other people. At the same time, they are not afraid to take risks. Therefore, they make talented managers.

♐ Sagittarius

They get along well with both animals and people. They are suitable for various kinds of social professions.

♑ Capricorns

love planning and stability. Therefore, “office jobs” are quite suitable for them.

♒ Aquarius

have a high sense of justice. They make excellent lawyers and teachers.

♓ Pisces

I like creative professions. They can combine their main activity with a part-time job.

However, in order to choose a suitable profession based on your year and birthday, it is advisable to get more detailed advice from a professional, or you can use a free online profession test ⇈.