Choosing the right career is one of the most important decisions in life, whether you're a young person or an experienced professional looking to make a change. This article will guide you in finding a job that not only matches your skills but also ignites your passion. 

When facing the decision of starting your first job or pursuing a college degree, many questions arise: What career do I want to pursue? Which profession suits me? And what career can I realistically envision doing for decades? This decision is not just about finding a job, but also about discovering your calling. 

Why choosing the right career is so important 

Career choice is one of the most significant decisions in life. It affects not only how and with whom we spend our days, but also how we feel, whether we are content and happy. When a career is also a calling, we tend to feel more motivated and perceive our work as meaningful. However, even the best job is of little value if it doesn't fit our lifestyle. Factors such as work-life balance, salary, and physical demands play a crucial role. 

Career Choice: A Guide for young people and experienced professionals 

For young people, the question often arises as to how to find the right training or the appropriate university program. Numerous support services are available for this purpose. Career orientation in schools, job shadowing opportunities in companies, or consultations with employment services (such as the AMS in Austria) are good initial steps. 

Those who have been working for years and are considering a career change should not hesitate to seek professional help. Many universities and technical colleges offer part-time programs that facilitate entry into a new career. Further education or a career switch are also options that can enable a successful career transition. 

Factors to consider when choosing a career 

Work-Life Balance: A high salary may be enticing, but if your work hours leave no time for family, hobbies, or relaxation, the cost may be too high. Consider how much time you need for your personal life and choose a career that allows you to maintain that balance. Also, think about the future: Do you plan to have a family? How well will your job accommodate parenthood?   

1. Salary Finances are an important factor. Consider the lifestyle you want to maintain and whether your chosen field will support that. Keep in mind, however, that a high income often comes with high stress or long working hours. 
2. Physical Demands Every job has its own requirements. While some jobs mainly demand intellectual effort, others are physically demanding. Consider whether you can meet these demands (e.g., shift work) over the long term. 
3. Meaningfulness: A job that challenges you emotionally and intellectually, where you feel you are making a positive contribution, can be incredibly fulfilling. Ask yourself whether the work gives you a sense of purpose and whether you can be proud of it. 
4. Future Prospects: Research the prospects in your chosen field. In some industries, the risk of being replaced by automation and digitalization is high, while in others, demand is constantly growing. 

Career Orientation as Retraining for Adult Career Changers 

Even in later stages of life, a fresh career start can be successful. Particularly in Austria, there are many programs available for adults looking to change careers. For example, the AMS offers specialized programs for career transitions. The education leave model can also be used to pursue further education or learn a new profession during a career break. 

Checklist for Choosing a Career 

• Analyze your interests and strengths: What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at?
• Examine future prospects: Which professions have long-term potential?
• Compare salary and working conditions: How much is the salary? What are the working hours like? 
• Seek career counseling: Get professional advice. 
• Participate in job shadowing and internships: Gain insights into various professions. 
• Take advantage of continuing education opportunities: Consider the possibility of further education or part-time study. 

Conclusion: Finding the right career is a process 

Choosing the right career is a journey that requires time and reflection. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or looking to make a change after years in the workforce—take the time to figure out what truly matters to you. Career and calling don't always have to be the same, but if you manage to align the two, you hold the key to a fulfilling and satisfying professional life. 

Sources 

- AMS Career Lexicon: Current Information on Occupations and Qualifications." Arbeitsmarktservice Österreich (AMS).
- Institute for Research on Qualifications and Training of the Austrian Economy (ibw)**: "Career Choice Behavior and Career Orientation in Austria." Study Report, 2023.
- Statistics Austria**: "Education and Labor Market," Vienna 2023.