Common Questions
Career and Job Prospects
How do I find out what career I want to pursue?
Start with Self-Reflection
Begin by considering your core values and passions. Can you envision being happy in a career that doesn't align with these? Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Are you a people person, or do you excel in analytical tasks?
Think about the lifestyle you desire. Is career a top priority, even if it requires sacrifices like long or irregular hours? Or do you prioritise other aspects of life, such as sports or volunteering, and prefer a 9-5 job close to home, even if it means compromising on earning potential or career advancement? Consider your willingness to travel.
Where do you want to live and work? If you prefer rural living, industries centered in big cities, like banking, might pose challenges. Some fields are concentrated in specific global locations; are you open to relocating if needed?
The more detailed your self-assessment, the easier it will be to proceed to the next step: Research. This introspection might solidify your career interests or raise doubts about previous assumptions. If uncertainty remains, research can help validate your decisions or guide your choices.
· Research: The good news is that we have plenty of research tools available.
· Careers Advice Services: If you're in education, take advantage of available career counselling services. Providing them with detailed self- assessment insights can enhance their assistance.
· Online Resources: Use search engines, AI tools, and company websites to gather information.
· Networking: Reach out to people you know for advice. This could be a family friend, a friend's parent in a relevant field, a doctor if you're interested in healthcare, or anyone with insights into your areas of interest. Specific questions are more likely to yield helpful responses. Most people are willing to help if you make it easy for them.
It's normal to feel uncertain even after extensive exploration. While you may not have a definitive answer, narrowing your focus will help you move forward with purpose. Remember, most people follow multiple career paths throughout their lives.
Summary
· Do a detailed self-assessment, starting with your Values and Passions
· Research using Careers Advice Services, online resources and personal networks
· Uncertainty is normal, use this process to refine your focus and direction
Do I need to decide my future career now?
The simple answer is "No".
Reality is a little more complex. Some jobs have significant education and training requirements that will make switching to them at a later date more challenging, for example, medicine, engineering, and architecture. Generally, the younger you are, the easier it is to switch careers.
The job market is constantly evolving, so your dream job may not even exist yet. Developing transferable skills and experience will put you in the best position to take advantage of opportunities that arise in the future.
How do I stand out in a competitive job market?
The Hiring Manager’s Perspective
Hiring managers seek two key qualities in candidates: capability and compatibility. They want someone who can effectively perform the job and someone they’d enjoy working with every day.
Capability
This is initially assessed on the qualifications and experience on you CV. Many companies use automated systems to screen CVs, ensure yours meets the basic entry-level criteria.
Then, to truly shine, highlight interesting achievements or hobbies on your CV that set you apart. Recruiters sift through numerous CVs with similar qualifications, so memorable points make a difference. Are you a martial arts black belt? Have you fundraised for charity or climbed a mountain? Such experiences demonstrate effort and achievement and provide engaging stories for interviews that showcase your personal qualities.
Compatibility
Consider the type of person you’d want to work with every day; the recruiter likely has similar preferences. Be friendly (smile), proactive, confident, positive, curious, and prepared.
Leverage Your Network
Sometimes job opportunities aren't advertised, and competition can be fierce. Building and using your network provides a huge advantage. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you apply for a job and know someone at the company, ask them to mention your application to the hiring manager. Your network might also reveal unadvertised opportunities, such as internships or short-term project roles, which are excellent for gaining experience and expanding your network.
Good managers understand that hiring the right people is crucial and risky. Having a manager know and trust you, or having someone they trust recommend you, offers a significant advantage. A recommendation from a trusted source reduces the risk of hiring the wrong person. Seek personal recommendations wherever possible. Build your network.
Summary
· Ensure your CV meets the basic qualifications and experience criteria
· Highlight achievements that differentiate you, be memorable
· Use your network - personal recommendations are invaluable
What can I do to gain experience?
Volunteering and internships are a great way to add experience to your CV. They're also fantastic ways to build your network.
However, don't forget experience you can gain in other activities. Running a project in a student club demonstrates project management experience that can be transferred to a work environment. A summer job may give you customer management or sales experience that can be transferred to a work environment.
If you have a continuous learning mindset then you will see opportunities to gain transferrable experience in many situations. The key is to be active and do things.
Will the job market change because of AI?
Yes! But the job market is changing constantly anyway. Throughout history there have been inventions and breakthroughs that have revolutionised human activity. Was there mass unemployment after the inventions of the wheel, the plough, the steam engine, the computer, or the internet? The only thing that has happened is that the types of jobs available have changed. We didn't have Data Scientists or Search Engine Optimisation Agents twenty years ago, but they are common roles now.
Technological progress tends to automate the lower skilled, repetitive jobs. Constant learning and development of your skillset is the key to keeping ahead of these changes and put you in a position to take advantage of the opportunities that they present.
The secret here is mindset. Should we be scared about the low skill jobs that will be automated, or excited by the new opportunities that will come (whatever they may be)?
Where will I be able to find a job?
There are many ways. Most large companies advertise online, usually with a portal on their websites. Graduate or apprenticeship programmes. Careers' Fairs. Through your network. Through internships. School and University Careers teams will be able to provide more details.
The answer to this question can vary significantly based on the industry, company and location. Do your research to understand how jobs in the industry and location you're interested in are commonly advertised.
More senior roles often go through recruitment agents, but this is usually after you have a few years of work experience.
Education and Qualifications
Should I go to University?
The answer to this question is different for everyone. Ultimately, the decision to attend university should be based on your individual goals, interests, and circumstances. It's important to weigh the pros and cons and explore all available options to make an informed choice that aligns with your future aspirations.
There are many factors to consider. The most obvious is your career goals. Some careers require a degree, such as medicine or engineering. Or significant recruiters may expect a degree qualification as part of their recruitment process for entry level roles. The opposite may be the case in other industries, for example an aspiring actor will never be asked about their degree qualifications during an audition.
Don't forget the non-academic benefits of further education, especially if studying away from home. It's an opportunity to learn about independent living, meet and learn from people from diverse backgrounds and different views on the world, whilst staying in a supported and safe environment. University life can also be a lot of fun. When else are you going to be able to hang out with lots of like-minded people of your own age without having to get up for work every morning?
How do you like to learn? University and other higher education options are usually structured and academic. Some people thrive in this learning environment. Others may learn better in a more dynamic, real-world setting.
If you have a passion for an academic subject, then university is probably the best place for you. Employers are unlikely to train you on a history curriculum! But if you have a passion for sales then maybe you'll learn more in a work environment.
Finally, be aware of alternative options. Apprenticeships are available in some countries and often lead to qualifications. For example, in the UK it's now possible to get an apprenticeship that includes study for a university degree alongside your job.
Whether or not to go to university is a big decision and should always discussed openly with key people in your life, starting with your parents. Teachers, career advisers and others are also able to help you make an informed decision on what's right for you.
Where should I go to University?
The clearer your objectives for university, the easier it will be to choose which university is right for you. This is a topic that requires research, using all the tools you have available, such as Careers' Advice teams, teachers, Higher Education fairs, university almuni, the internet.
If you have an interest in a specific topic then do your research to find the best universities for this subject or specialisation. For example, many universities have a good Biology department, but if your passion is coral reef restoration then you'll find a much shorter list of universities with this specialism. You may want to consider the country location if you want to study Law, depending on where you want to work afterwards.
Some universities have close links with specific companies and industries, providing placement year opportunities or advantages with post-university job recruitment.
There are publicly available lists ranking universities nationally and globally.
It's increasingly possible to study overseas with many English teaching options available, so don't limit yourself to a specific country unless that's a conscious choice that you make.
There may be multiple factors related to location that are important to you. Be clear on these. Do you want to be in a big city or a rural location? Do you want to be in a big or small university? Do you want a campus university environment? Do you love climbing and want to be close to the mountains? Do you want to be close to home? Do you want to be in a country you know, or where you already speak the local language?
An admin point to consider is visas. You may need to consider the requirements and cost of visas when deciding which country to study in. Don't forget that if you plan to stay in the country after university then it will likely be a different visa process from being a student. Visa requirements change from time to time, so be aware of this risk.
Graduate recruiters will look favourably at universities that are high in national and global rankings, or that they know personally. If you're keen on a competitive job sector post-university remember to take this into account when choosing where to study.
What should I study?
The most important consideration is what are you passionate about? You'll be spending at least three years of your life studying the subject, you want to enjoy it. Results come from effort. Are you likely to put more effort into a subject that you enjoy than one that you don't love, but feel that you ought to do? Your passion will come across when you talk about your subject. This is engaging and will come across in interviews when you finish university.
Think about what you're good at. You'll go further building on your strengths, than trying to fix your weaknesses.
Think long-term. Your subject choice may be influenced if you have a specific job or sector that you're interested in.
Ask for help and advice, such as from parents, teachers, Career Advice counsellors.
Make a positive choice. Many people change their subjects at university. Be brave, change if you need to, don't have regrets later in life.
How do I manage the cost of University?
There are two aspects here. One is the cost of university itself, the second is the cost of living while at university. These are discussions that you need to have with whoever will be helping you financially, in most cases your parents. Your school's Careers Advice team may also be able to help.
When it comes to funding the cost of university the most common options are parental support and scholarships or grants. The fees vary across different universities, which may be one of the factors you need to consider when choosing where to study.
Living costs are a balance of how much money you have and how much you spend. Work out your budget to understand how much you need for essentials, such as rent, utilities, food, and transport. Where can you save if necessary? Shared accommodation is usually cheaper than a one bed apartment. Public transport is cheaper than running a car if logistics allow, i.e. public transport usually works in cities, but a car may be essential in a rural location. How much you spend on food is very much a choice. Cooking at home is cheaper than take outs and restaurants. Which supermarket do you use?
There are various options for additional income, such as grants, student loans, and part time jobs.
The details of finance and budgeting are different for everyone. The list of considerations and options are the same.
Tools
What grades do I need?
The simple answer to this question will come from your research into which university and course you want to attend. The academic requirements will be obtainable from the university, and your Careers' Advisor and teachers may be able to give good advice.
In reality, once you've been working for a few years nobody is interested in your school grades. But early in your career academic grades may be a key differentiator that recruiters can easily use during initial candidate selection. If you have an idea of the kind of companies that you want to work for in future, look at their graduate programmes and see if they have academic grade requirements from both school and university. If graduate jobs have a higher school grade requirement than your preferred university then you may need to consider raising your grade objectives to meet this higher target. Do the research early. There's nothing you can do if you find this out after you've left school.
The best advice is to put the effort in and aim as high as you can. Aiming high and missing is likely to be a better result than hitting an easy target. If you do the best that you can then you won't have any regrets in the future, even if you don't end up with the grades that you'd ideally like to achieve.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
How do I manage the stress from so many things to do and decisions to make?
Managing stress from numerous tasks and decisions can be challenging, but understanding and addressing it can lead to personal growth. Everyone experiences stress differently, triggered by internal pressures like achieving certain grades or external expectations from family or community.
Begin by reassessing your perspective on stress. Do you view it as a barrier to happiness, or as a signal for growth and learning? By training ourselves to see stress as an opportunity, we can transform our mindset and approach challenges with a positive outlook.
Once your mindset is aligned, consider these strategies to manage stress effectively:
· Prioritise and Organise: Write down your tasks and decisions, prioritise them, and break them into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes them less daunting and easier to tackle.
· Practice Mindfulness: Engage in breathing exercises and meditation to clear your mind and find calmness amidst chaos.
· Cultivate Gratitude: Maintain a gratitude list to focus on the positive aspects of life, which can help shift your perspective.
· Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements to maintain a positive mindset and track progress toward larger goals.
· Take Strategic Breaks: Sometimes, stepping away from a stressful situation can provide clarity, as long as it’s not avoiding necessary responsibilities.
Remember, you don't have to navigate stress alone. Reach out to others for support. Whether it's someone close to the situation or an outsider with a fresh perspective, sharing your concerns can often reveal that the issues are more manageable than they seem.
Summary
· Embrace stress as a growth opportunity
· Organise tasks into actionable steps
· Don’t hesitate to ask for help
By adopting these practices, you can effectively manage stress and transform it into a catalyst for personal development.
Tools
What if I fail?
What distinguishes successful individuals is their ability to view mistakes and failures as valuable learning opportunities. They leverage these experiences to gain wisdom and persevere until they achieve their goals.
Failure is an inevitable part of life, affecting us in both minor and major ways. Living in fear of failure is unproductive. Instead, it is our response to setbacks that truly defines us. As Thomas Edison famously said during his quest to invent the light bulb, "I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
How do I manage social expectations and peer pressure?
Peer pressure and social expectations have existed since the dawn of humanity, but technology, especially social media, has amplified their impact.
As social beings, we seek acceptance and validation from those around us, often comparing ourselves to others. Some people may use peer pressure to exert control and impose their version of societal norms.
This is ultimately a story about happiness. If we seek happiness by comparing ourselves to others, we will always find someone stronger, wealthier, or more attractive. We can take control of our happiness by resisting the urge to judge ourselves against others.
Should we be unhappy if someone is more successful, or should we celebrate our achievements and let the success of others inspire us? It's more fulfilling to be happy for successful people and learn from them to improve our own lives.
For decades, running a mile in under four minutes was deemed impossible. Roger Bannister challenged this belief and, with determination and support, achieved this milestone on May 6, 1954. His success inspired others, and just 46 days later, his record was broken. Today, over 2,000 elite runners have accomplished this feat.
Great success often comes from challenging norms and daring to be different. Embrace your uniqueness. If others judge you for not conforming to their idea of "normal," that's their issue, not yours. Be confident, be yourself.
Summary
· Base your happiness on gratitude for what you have, not on what you lack
· Use comparisons with others as a source of inspiration and learning, not self-judgment
By adopting these perspectives, you can navigate failure and social pressures with resilience and positivity.
Financial Independence
Budgeting – How do I Manage Money?
While everyone’s financial situation is unique, the principles of managing money remain consistent for all.
Spend Within Your Means
The fundamental rule is to avoid spending more than you earn. For those with a job, this typically means living within your salary. For students, it might money from parents, scholarships, student loans, or part-time work.
Create a Personal Budget
Weekly or monthly budgets are usually most effective. List your expenses and categorise them between necessities and discretionary spending. Necessities include rent, food and transport. Discretionary items include clothes and entertainment.
Calculate your total expenses and compare them to your income. There are two options if your expenses exceed your income, either reduce expenses or increase income.
To increase income consider getting a job or finding a job with a higher salary. Students may be able to access grants, scholarships or student loans.
The simplest way to reduce expenses is to reduce discretionary spending, like entertainment. However, be realistic and keep some money for enjoyment and leisure.
Although you can't eliminate necessities, you may find ways to reduce them. Consider options like moving to more affordable accommodation or swapping a car for public transport or a bicycle if feasible.
Achieving Discipline and Balance
Once your budget is balanced, with expenses less than or equal to your income, practice discipline in sticking to it. If you overspend one month, adjust by cutting back the following month.
The goal is to manage your finances while enjoying life. Reckless spending today can lead to future financial stress, while being overly strict with your budget might cause missed opportunities. Strive for balance.
Summary
· Create a weekly or monthly budget to manage spending
· Look for ways to increase income or decrease expenses
· Remember to enjoy life and have fun
Tools
Should I be Saving? Absolutely!
In the long run, saving is essential for:
· Managing Financial Surprises
· Affording Major Purchases, such as a house or car
· Financial Security in Retirement
Ways to Save
There are numerous saving options, including bank accounts, stocks, and property. It’s advisable to seek professional advice to determine the best option for you based on your personal situation and objectives.
The Basics of Saving
Saving involves investing your money to earn a return, whether it's bank interest, stock dividends, rental income, or appreciation in the value of an asset like stocks or property.
Understanding Risk and Return
Different investments carry varying levels of risk and corresponding returns. For instance, bank savings are generally safe with lower returns, while investing in stocks of a new company in a volatile market may offer higher returns but with increased risk of loss.
The goal is to balance risks and rewards to suit your current financial situation and goals.
The Power of Compounding
Compounding can significantly boost your savings over time. By reinvesting your returns, you can exponentially grow your total savings. For example, investing $100 at a 10% return will yield $100 in ten years without reinvestment, but $159 with reinvestment — a 59% increase. Start saving early and reinvest your returns, even small amounts.
Be Mindful of Fees
Investment fees and charges can vary significantly. Often calculated as a percentage of your investment, these fees can impact your returns. A seemingly small 2% annual fee can consume 20% of your returns if your total return is 10%.
Summary
Seek professional advice before making significant investment decisions.
· Savings provide a financial safety net
· Start saving early and reinvest your returns, even with small amounts
· Consider fees alongside potential returns
Should I take out loans or get into debt?
Before deciding to take on debt, it's crucial to seek professional advice, just as you would with investments.
Debt can be beneficial or detrimental. Positively, it enables significant long-term investments, like purchasing a home or starting a business. However, uncontrolled debt can lead to financial distress.
Types of Debt
Similar to investments, debt comes in various forms, and you should choose the most suitable type for your situation. Debt backed by assets, like a mortgage, is generally cheaper because the assets can be sold if repayments become unmanageable. Conversely, credit card debt tends to be expensive, so it's wise to pay off your credit card balance each month. Carefully evaluate your options if you decide to take on debt.
Debt for Investment vs Lifestyle
Using debt to invest in long-term assets, such as a home or car, often makes sense. However, using debt to support a lifestyle beyond your income is a warning sign and can lead to future financial issues.
Plan for Repayments
Have a clear repayment plan to determine how much debt you can manage. For example, when buying a house, set a budget based on the mortgage value you’re comfortable with.
Funding Education
Higher education can be an exception to the rule against using debt for living expenses. Student loans often offer low interest rates and more favorable repayment terms than commercial loans.
While it's preferable not to use debt for lifestyle expenses, prioritising education during your studies is crucial. Sacrificing study for part-time work to avoid debt may not yield the best long-term results. Find the right balance that works for you.
Summary
· Debt for investment can be beneficial
· Debt for lifestyle is usually a red flag
· Seek professional advice when considering taking on debt
Social and Family Expectations
How do I manage when my family’s expectations differ from my own goals?
Begin by recognising that your family likely has your best interests at heart. Their guidance is often rooted in love and a desire for your future success. However, differing perceptions and priorities can sometimes lead to misalignment.
Arguing that your viewpoint is right and theirs is wrong will not lead to a positive outcome. Winning such an argument could damage your relationship. Instead, focus on aligning your objectives rather than debating positions. Many of your goals, such as long-term financial security and happiness, are probably already aligned.
Identify and discuss any differing objectives or priorities. This can help clarify assumptions and reveal objectives that were previously unconsidered. Understanding each other's viewpoints fosters reflection and mutual respect.
Discuss options based on shared objectives to reach a collaborative conclusion. This approach avoids the feeling of compromise in a battle of opposing positions. You may find value in your family’s wisdom and experience, leading to a shift in your perspective. Similarly, your family may gain new insights into your priorities and adjust their views accordingly.
Regardless of the outcome, everyone will understand the decision-making process and feel included, even if the final decision isn't what they initially envisioned. Your family may not fully agree, but they will likely respect and accept your decision if this process is followed.
Perhaps your dream of joining the circus instead of pursuing a medical career isn't the crazy idea your family initially thought. Or, with their guidance, you might realise the circus isn't right for you and together discover a more suitable path that excites everyone.
Summary
· Start from the understanding that your family loves you and wants the best for you
· Focus on aligning objectives rather than arguing over positions
· Reach conclusions based on shared objectives, ensuring everyone feels involved and respects the final decision
By approaching family discussions with empathy and openness, you can navigate differing expectations and find a path that honours both your aspirations and your family's hopes.
Tools
How do I manage if my community’s expectations differ from my own goals?
Communities exert varying levels of pressure, and individuals within those communities respond differently—some feel compelled to conform, while others may not feel pressured at all.
Community pressure can resemble parental pressure but differs in two key ways. First, community expectations are often more ambiguous and open to interpretation. Second, there isn't usually a clear authority figure to discuss these expectations with directly.
Managing community expectations is a personal journey. You have the autonomy to decide how much influence these expectations will have on your decisions. This choice varies for each person, and there is no definitive right or wrong answer.
Start by clarifying your perception of the community expectations you feel pressured to meet. Since these expectations are often vague, verifying your understanding with other community members may reveal differing interpretations, potentially reducing the perceived pressure.
Engaging in discussions with key community members can help you find ways to align your chosen path with the community's values. Even if your actions differ from the norm, you can demonstrate shared values and communicate your decisions in a way that resonates with the community.
Find a way to interpret and communicate your choices, transforming what might initially seem like a binary problem into a more nuanced understanding.
Summary
· Clarify your perception of community expectations and compare it with the views of other community members
· Communicate your choices using values and language that resonate with your community
By approaching community expectations with openness and strategic communication, you can navigate your unique path while maintaining a connection to your community's values.
Tools
How do I manage the fear of disappointing people I care about?
The fear of disappointing those we care about—such as parents, teachers, or friends—can stem from our decisions and actions, or from not achieving goals, like exam grades. These issues should be addressed separately.
When you fear disappointing others due to your choices, it often reflects a difference, or perceived difference, in opinions about the best course of action. Like managing expectations from parents or community members, the key is to align on objectives. If everyone genuinely has your best interests at heart, aligning objectives is usually possible. From there, discuss how different decisions or actions align with these shared objectives to reach an agreement or, at the very least, mutual understanding.
If your objectives don't align, it may be necessary to acknowledge this fundamental difference and accept that agreement might not be possible in this instance.
Fear of disappointing others by not achieving goals is closely related to the fear of failure. Demonstrating that you did your best and learned from the experience usually leads to understanding and support from others. Everyone experiences setbacks and failures; if someone can't accept yours, it may be wise to reconsider their emotional impact on you.
Draw confidence from doing your best and having no regrets about your effort and commitment.
Summary
· Align on objectives to manage differences in decisions and actions
· Accept and understand differences when alignment isn't possible
· Gain confidence from doing your best, regardless of the outcome
By approaching these fears with clarity and open communication, you can navigate the expectations of others while staying true to your own values and goals.
Identify and Purpose
What are my values and identity?
We all experience moments of doubt regarding our self-identity at various stages in life. These fundamental questions deserve thoughtful consideration.
Begin by taking the time to write down your core values. If your list is extensive, prioritise them to identify what matters most to you. Do the same for your passions, as they often align with your values and guide your actions.
While only you can answer these questions, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Discussing your initial thoughts with someone you trust can provide clarity and new perspectives. Additionally, conducting internet research can offer insights and help refine your ideas.
Keep your list of values and passions accessible for regular reference. This can be particularly helpful when facing difficult decisions, serving as a guide to align your choices with your true self.
Remember, your values and passions may evolve over time, so it's beneficial to revisit and update this process periodically.
By engaging in this introspective journey, you can gain a clearer understanding of who you are and the kind of person you aspire to be.
Tools
What’s my purpose in life?
Purpose provides direction in our lives. Without it, we may feel like we're wandering aimlessly, unsure of where we belong or which path to take. No one enjoys feeling lost.
Your purpose is uniquely yours, and everyone will have a different answer. Think of your purpose as your life goals. Imagine yourself as a grandparent, sharing your life's achievements with your grandchild. The accomplishments you wish to recount in that conversation embody your purpose.
Your purpose may encompass multiple facets, such as family and career, with varying levels of importance. These life goals should align with your core values and passions.
Completing the Life Goals exercise and reviewing it periodically is an effective way to clarify your purpose.
With a clearly defined purpose, you can easily determine whether you're moving in the right direction. Decision-making is easier when you have a clear understanding of where you want to go.
By exploring and defining your purpose, you can navigate life with confidence and intention, creating a fulfilling path that resonates with your true self.
Tools
What are my values?
Identifying your values is a personal journey, and only you can truly determine what they are, even if the answer isn't immediately clear.
Begin by researching and listing values that resonate with you. This process of self-reflection is crucial in uncovering your core beliefs. Engaging in discussions with people you trust can also provide valuable insights and help refine your understanding.
By taking these steps, you can gain clarity on your values, which serve as a foundation for your decisions and actions in life.
Tools
What am I passionate about?
Understanding the difference between an interest and a passion is key. Passions are those pursuits you dedicate significant time and energy to, whereas interests may not demand as much of your commitment. A hobby can be either, depending on how much of yourself you invest in it. While interests are beneficial, passions are what truly drive your sense of purpose. It's important to clearly identify what your passions are.
Your passions may evolve over time, though typically less so than interests. Regularly revisiting the Life Goals exercise can help you recognise shifts in your passions and consider how these changes might influence your life goals and purpose.
Some people naturally exude passion in all aspects of their lives, while others may seem less so. Consider where you fall on this spectrum. While genetics might play a role, personal choice is a powerful factor. You decide how much time and energy to devote to the things in your life.
It's easier when something naturally sparks passion within you, but you have the ability to turn anything into a passion by committing more of yourself to it. Engaging in activities you're passionate about is more enjoyable, so why not choose to be passionate about what you do?
This doesn't mean forcing passion onto everything in your life. Instead, it means making conscious decisions about where to direct your energy, rather than passively letting life guide you.
Summary
· A passion is something you enjoy dedicating time and energy to
· Your passions may change over time
· Being passionate can be a conscious decision – be proactive and choose your path
Tools
Desire for meaning – How do I make a difference in the world?
Dream big and set ambitious goals. Plan, execute, and persevere. You’ll be surprised how far you go.
It really is that simple. The Life Goals exercise is an excellent starting point.
As with any journey, your path may evolve over time. You might need to adjust your direction, scale back if challenges arise, or expand your ambition when you progress faster than expected.
By maintaining focus and adapting as needed, you can find your unique way to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Tools
How do I overcome the fear of making wrong decisions?
Revisit the Life Goals exercise when you're worried about making wrong decisions and potentially wasting years of your life. Visualise the story you'd like to share with your grandchildren about your life. Remember, stories are about the journey, not just the destination. View your life in the same way.
While some people's paths may seem straightforward, this is rare. Most of us navigate a winding journey, regularly reassessing our goals and direction due to internal or external influences. Sometimes we change our minds about what we truly want, while other times we respond to unexpected circumstances, both positive and negative.
There’s no right or wrong path – enjoy the journey.
In hindsight, we often wish we could change past decisions with the knowledge we have now. The key to living without regrets is to make bold decisions with the best information available at the time. Accept that some decisions may turn out to be wrong, even if made for the right reasons. Forgive yourself.
Reflect on your past. Do you regret the actions you took or the ones you didn't? More often than not, it's the opportunities we didn’t take. Be proactive, brave, and willing to take risks. Even if things don't go as planned, you'll gain valuable experiences and lessons. You'll likely find yourself further ahead than if you'd played it safe.
Tools
· Positive mindset
Global and Societal Issues
I’m worried about climate change, what can I do?
Climate change is a significant societal issue that affects us all. Many people share your concern and respond in various ways – some deny it, others feel overwhelmed, and some dedicate their lives to combating it.
Start by educating yourself. Understanding the issue is a powerful first step. Focus on what you can control, rather than worrying about what you can't. This approach helps maintain your mental wellbeing. It's not about indifference; it's about not letting uncontrollable factors dominate your thoughts.
Next, consider what actions you can take and are willing to commit to. You might choose to minimise your own environmental impact and support relevant charities. Alternatively, you may wish to engage more actively, from volunteer tree planting to pursuing a career in green industries.
Find your own balance and contribute in a way that feels right for you. By taking proactive steps, you can make a meaningful difference and feel more empowered in the face of climate change.
I’m scared of political instability, what can I do?
Political instability is a broad and daunting topic. Start by clarifying your specific concerns. Are you worried about a local political situation or global politics? Is your concern related to a short-term event, a long-term issue, or a potential future threat?
By identifying your specific concerns, you can better determine the appropriate actions to take. These actions will vary depending on your situation. For instance, you might consider keeping savings in a foreign currency or overseas to protect against financial instability, or you might decide to relocate for personal safety.
It's easy to worry about vague concerns. By being specific, you can make conscious decisions and take control of your response. While you may not be able to change the situation, you can empower yourself to respond proactively and effectively.
Will AI take away my future job opportunities?
Technological advances have been a constant part of human history, with AI being the latest. We've previously experienced the transformative impacts of the internet, computers, radio, electricity, and even the plough.
Despite these technological shifts, employment opportunities continue to exist – they just evolve. Consider the many jobs today that didn't exist not long ago. Historically, most people worked in agriculture, then manufacturing, and now more in services.
However, the pace of change is accelerating, requiring us to adapt faster. Sitting back and hoping these changes won't affect us will probably lead to unpleasant surprises. By accepting and embracing change, we can prepare to seize the opportunities it brings. Change creates winners and losers, with the difference often lying in those who view change positively and seek opportunities versus those who resist it.
Be proactive and take responsibility for your career progression, rather than relying solely on your manager or employer. Opportunities are often not apparent until they arise. Continuous learning and keeping your skills relevant to the evolving environment will keep you in demand when opportunities arise.
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