The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

Have you ever regretted choosing a particular career path, or feel devastated after finding out you have made a poor choice? Even though it isn’t always possible to foresee the changes in our lives, many people find themselves trapped in careers that initially seemed glamorous and appropriate, but resulted in monotony and boredom.

Earlier this week, a young sales lady and I, who I met in a local dress store, had a conversation on making bad career decisions. We both felt there are people who expect too much, too soon, which results in an inevitable disappointment.

Believe it or not, some bad career choices have been made by deciding to make a hobby one’s career. What may have been enjoyed as a pastime is no longer pleasurable, as relaxation has turned into a professional 24/7 job.

Some people are stuck behind a desk when they would rather be out landscaping a lawn, being a pool man, on a fishing boat or serving margaritas on a white, sandy beach. Unquestionably, these people have made bad career choices.

We all dream of a job that is well-paid, but is a good wage enough if you are not happy with what you do? You may be able to cope for a certain period, but eventually unhappiness and depression will get the better of you, and your emotional and possibly even physical health will suffer as well.

Unfortunately, money is often the chief motivator for making bad career choices, as it clouds one’s perspective and objectivity. Expectations are sometimes unrealistic, especially when young university graduates, expecting a lavish lifestyle, discover that particular golden ring is impractical and unrealistic.

Those who have managed to land the ultimate job find that the career comes with a price tag and sacrificial demands, such as lack of time for oneself, recreation and entertainment, plus their partner and/or family. In effect, your time now belongs to the company.

What’s more, some bad career choices have been made by people who, by nature, are lazy, do not want to work very hard, and loathe a 9am-5pm job. They frequently call in sick, avoid overtime and the work day is spent watching the clock.

The sky should always be the limit when aiming for a high-powered career, but assessing your strengths and weaknesses is crucial before making any career move. If sleep is important and you faint at the sight of blood, then becoming a doctor would be a bad choice.

Along the same lines, why aspire to be a lawyer if your personality is anything but analytical and memory is unreliable?

If you cannot debate or carry on a good argument, then aspiring to become a lawyer should not be a viable career choice. In the same vein, should you pursue managerial status if you cannot lead, delegate or interact with conviction?

Making a bad career choice can truly have a number of implications for your life, so it is therefore advisable to conduct some research and attune your passion.

Against this backdrop, making a bad career choice is not the end of the world if you rectify it as soon as possible. But suffering in a career you hate can be extremely debilitating and depressing.

Try not to choose a career that is satisfying only on a superficial level, or because it looks “pretty neat” on paper, the attire is influential and powerful, a friend does it or it is closer to home.

Learning to identify and understand what makes you happy will assist in making an easier career choice. Life is far too short to belabor in a field for shallow reasons. You would only be doing yourself an injustice.

So, the chicken or the egg question is: If you love to cook, but you are bored to death selling insurance, do you consider yourself successful? Of course no.

Find the balance between a good wage and a career that motivates you, then devise a plan to get there. In time you will realise that your happiness at doing what you love is most important as life is too short to “pretend and make believe”.

Strive to do what you love and I guarantee you will never work another day. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game!

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

Ms Bastian is a trained graphic designer who has qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.