I. You are good at what you do
In order to be on the right career path you need first ensure you’re good at what you do. This sounds really simple, but actually if you are not certain you’re in the right role at present it can be a hard thing to do. A good question to ask yourself is ‘can I see myself doing well in this job tomorrow and in 5 years time?’. As opposed to feeling guilty if you’re just OK at the job you do right now, it’s worthwhile to consider you could be happier in another role if unhappy in your current one. This follows into our second point.
II. You like what you do
When you like the job you do you will always do it better. It need not be brain surgery or rocket science, just any role that has you in a happy mood when you go off to work in the morning – and rather than finishing a day and saying ‘thank goodness that’s finished till tomorrow’ – leaves you looking forward to coming back the next day and working further on a task, or just your daily duties which you like doing.
III. You have potential to excel in what you do
Liking what you do is an essential foundation to determining whether you are on the right career path. Yet, so too is determining to what extent you can progress going forward. Unless you’re a prime minister, president, or pope, there is always the opportunity for further progression up the career ladder. It need be to underscored here: if you love what you do you don’t need to actively seek a promotion right now – rather it’s just important to determine if and when that time comes in future you’d have the opportunity to take on further duties or a more senior role as desired.
IV. The future brings promise of expanded opportunities
The online era we live in at present is changing the way in which we work and live across the board. In turn, it means as our communications becomes quicker our world is left feeling smaller; and so a good career should give you the chance to broaden your horizons. This means whether in a field like tourism, tech, engineering or marketing, you should be able to see a clear path for your next promotion in future, and the growth of your industry generally.
By contrast, it’s a reality some industries are set to expand and others to decline in years ahead. While by no means is this the absolute guide to choosing your career, if it is known ahead of time there are stormy waters upcoming in your industry you need decide to what extent you wish to remain in the field rather than looking for more opportunity elsewhere.
V. On the days it is bad you persist through
When you are good at what you do, all is going well, and when a promotion is on the horizon it’s easy to imagine yourself in your current field for a long time. Yet, when it goes bad is the real time to reflect on your current career path. What happens when you have a bad day? Do you just shake it off once at home or are you just about ready to write a resignation letter? Weighing up this question is the best way to determine whether your current career path is right for you, for it’s when the days are tough and hard but you still love what you do that’ll ready ensure your path ahead is bright.
Conclusion
So, being good at what you do, liking what you do, having the potential to excel, working within an industry that’ll grow, and having a job where even the bad days don’t feel that bad. If you’ve a job with these 5 factors right now you are on the right career path. If you’ve only a couple of factors in your current job explore what ways you can change your role to fit the bill. All up, not only does having a job with these 5 traits offer you a promising path for the future; it also ensures everyday you go the work you can make the very most of your time and excel there.
