Career Guidance for Adults: What's Keeping Us From Changing Professions

Do you choose a profession once and for all?
To choose a profession, you first need to understand your interests?
Should I look for a profession based on what I can already do better than others?
Should I choose a profession that is in demand?
How to overcome stereotypes?
What else is important to evaluate when choosing a new profession?

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Many people want to change careers but face internal barriers. Psychologist and career guidance specialist Veronika Vinokurova notes that fear of change is often rooted in four main stereotypes. These stereotypes can prevent people from making career changes and realizing their dreams. Understanding and recognizing these stereotypes will help you overcome your fears and take the next step toward a new professional life.

You should choose your specialty once and for all;
You should look for your dream job based on your interests;
You should do what you can do better than others;
You should choose a profession only from the list of "in-demand" ones.

Let's examine each of these myths and discuss how to get rid of them. It's important to understand that myths can hinder our development and informed decision-making. Understanding the true nature of these misconceptions will help you avoid common mistakes and improve your life, whether in your personal or professional life. Let's delve into this process and open our eyes to the truth.

Psychologist and career guidance specialist, co-founder of the international school for career choice "Point B", specializing in assistance in determining a career path. We offer individual consultations and programs that help people consciously choose a profession that matches their interests and abilities. Our mission is to help create a successful and satisfying professional path for every client.

Is a profession chosen once and for all?

The idea in question began to develop approximately 100 years ago and gained significant popularity thanks to the German sociologist Max Weber. In 1918, in Munich, he delivered a keynote lecture, "Science as a Vocation and Profession," in which he outlined his views on the nature of scientific activity and its significance in society. This work had a profound influence on the perception of science as an important area of human activity contributing to the advancement of knowledge and social justice. Weber emphasized that science requires not only professional skills, but also dedication, which contributed to the formation of a new approach to education and professions in general.

Weber emphasized that a profession is not only a way to earn money, but also a duty to society, God, and oneself. This gave rise to the idea that people should seek not just a job, but a calling that best aligns with their inner aspirations and allows them not only to earn money but also to contribute to solving global problems. A calling, according to this concept, should be unique and accompany a person throughout their life. This perception of profession creates a deeper connection between an individual and their work, emphasizing the importance of conscious career choices. Changing professions during one's working life was a difficult task, especially 50 years ago. At that time, obtaining a new education required a significant time and financial investment, making it inaccessible to most people. The average urban family could only save for one education for each child. People studied, worked, started families, and did not have the opportunity to interrupt their careers for several years to obtain a new specialty. In the era before the advent of online schools and courses, the decision to change professions meant having to enroll in a university, study for five years, and still have no income. Such opportunities were not available to everyone, highlighting the importance of career stability.

Many of us continue to act as if we were living in the early 20th century. However, the world has changed dramatically, and Max Weber's ideas are no longer so relevant. We still adhere to the belief that once we acquire a profession, we must remain faithful to it throughout our lives. This outdated notion requires rethinking, as the modern economy and the dynamics of the labor market dictate the need for flexibility and constant knowledge renewal. Professional mobility is becoming an important factor in success, and openness to new opportunities allows us to adapt to change and achieve greater heights.

Stereotypes often arise from outdated ideas and limited experience, so they do not always reflect reality. Modern society is changing rapidly, and many of these stereotypes are losing their relevance. Major shifts in culture, technology, and social norms are contributing to the formation of new views on familiar things. For example, diversity in lifestyles, gender roles, and professional opportunities no longer correspond to old ideas. This allows people to express themselves more freely and opens up new horizons for self-realization. As a result, stereotypes that once seemed true today become an obstacle to understanding and accepting diversity. It is important to recognize that each person is unique and to approach them without bias or stereotypes.

First, the speed of economic cycles has changed. In modern society, a person experiences several radical socio-economic changes during their lifetime. Every few years, new professions appear that did not exist before. Consider that just 15 years ago, few people had heard of web design and internet marketing. The diversity of modern professions is a consequence of the scientific and technological revolution and progress, which is becoming increasingly rapid.
Second, new technologies have enabled the development of online education, which has given adults the opportunity to learn quickly and without interrupting their main work.

The last 10-15 years have become a real revolution in the field of education. During this period, many new professions emerged, and it became clear that these professions could be taught quickly and effectively. This was unimaginable in the 20th century. New technologies and teaching methods have opened up access to knowledge and skills, allowing people to adapt to the rapidly changing labor market. Education has become more accessible and diverse, which contributes to career development and advanced training.

Photo: DimaBerlin / Shutterstock

To choose a profession, you first need to understand your interests?

Many people They take their inner search too literally and can spend long periods of time on the couch, pondering what interests them. This is a serious mistake, as this approach leads to a significant loss of time and energy without producing results. Understanding what you truly enjoy is only possible through practical experience and action. Active participation in various activities and events will help you better understand your interests and preferences.

The travel analogy illustrates the process of interest formation well. Passive reflection is unlikely to spark a desire to explore other countries. However, if you watch videos, read guidebooks, and talk to those who have already visited these places, your perception will change. You may realize that some regions, such as Africa, may seem too extreme, Latin America may be too hot and noisy, and the local cuisine may not satisfy your tastes. Meanwhile, Northern Europe may open up new horizons, proving attractive and aesthetically appealing. Therefore, actively researching and communicating with experienced travelers helps you better understand what interests you and what to consider for future trips. Finding a career is an important step that begins with research. Your current interests, such as reading, violet gardening, or running, may not immediately suggest how you can use them to earn money. However, by delving deeper into various specialties, you may discover that you're interested in trying your hand at fields like analytics or testing. Gaining knowledge about in-demand professions and skills will open up new opportunities and help you make informed career choices.

To successfully search for information about professions, it is useful to visit specialized websites, read articles, watch films, study books, and analyze reviews online. Interest in a particular field is formed based on existing knowledge about it. Participating in ten webinars dedicated to various professions will help you develop this interest and better understand each of them.

Should I look for a profession based on what I already do better than others?

The idea that experience is the only criterion for career advancement is a misconception. Relying solely on accumulated experience, you risk remaining within the confines of your current field. Experience can serve as a force of attraction, keeping you in your familiar comfort zone. To expand your horizons and gain new experience, you need to overcome this inertia and ask yourself an important question: "What new skills do I want to master?"

I have a first degree in mathematics and worked in this field for many years. However, over time, I realized that I was tired of mathematics and began to look for a new direction for myself. I chose psychology because I wanted to develop my people skills. At the time, my mathematical and analytical abilities far exceeded my communication skills. However, after several years of study and practice, I became a certified psychologist and the author of a training course, even though I started from scratch.

Admitting your inexperience can be intimidating, which makes many people stay in their familiar environment. However, when you come to the courses, you find that most students are also new to the topic. There is no shame in this. Education is meant to teach people new skills that they have not yet mastered. If students already had all the necessary knowledge, there would simply be no need for training.

Should I choose a profession in demand?

There is an opinion in society that there are professions in demand and those that are not. However, this is not entirely true. The world of professions is quite diverse, and each specialty plays a role in people's lives. It's important to note that specialists in their field can be both in demand and out of demand. Understanding current market trends and needs helps specialists adapt and stay relevant. A sought-after specialist is someone with specialized knowledge in their field, but also a broad perspective and extensive experience. Such specialists are unafraid of complex challenges and are able to find innovative solutions. For example, the librarian profession might seem outdated in the internet age. However, in reality, libraries are actively seeking professionals specializing in children's literature. These specialists not only lend books but also organize various events for children and teenagers, such as book clubs, theatrical performances, and game programs. This emphasizes that the demand for specialists depends not only on their knowledge, but also on their ability to adapt to new requirements and create interesting content for the audience.

You shouldn't chase popular professions, believing that this will solve all your problems. It is much more important to find a business that you truly enjoy and develop in this area. Take courses, read specialized books, and set yourself challenging goals. This way, you can become a sought-after specialist in your field. Investing in your own development and being passionate about your work will ensure your success in the job market.

How to overcome stereotypes?

The first step to success is realizing that you are influenced by stereotypes. It is important to recognize how your habitual thinking style determines your actions, which, in turn, lead to expected but undesirable results. Understanding this connection allows you to begin the process of change and move towards more positive results. By freeing yourself from limiting beliefs, you can open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The second step is to change your approach and choose new directions. If you've been searching for an interesting job for a long time but can't find it, it's worth considering: are you really actively searching? What steps are you taking to achieve your goal? Perhaps it's time to reconsider your search methods and expand your horizons. A change in strategy can lead to new opportunities and help you find the job you'll love.

Enroll in the free "Who to Become?" course from Skillbox and discover new career possibilities. This course will help you understand modern professions, assess your strengths, and choose the right direction for further development. By participating in the program, you will gain useful knowledge and skills that will help you make informed choices in your professional life. Don't miss the chance to change your destiny and begin the path to a successful career with Skillbox.

In three hours, you can significantly improve your skills and knowledge. This time can be effectively used for learning new information, practicing, or completing projects. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a topic of interest to you and master useful tools and techniques. Whether you want to develop professional skills or simply broaden your horizons, three hours can be an important step towards your development.

Formulate the criteria that are important to you in choosing a profession;
Take a career guidance test;
Study the professions selected through the test in detail;
Complete small tasks to try yourself in a new specialty;
Work on beliefs that prevent you from taking the first step in changing jobs;
Make an informed career choice.

What else is important to evaluate when choosing a new profession?

When choosing a new specialty, it is important to soberly assess how much time, effort and financial resources you are willing to invest in training. For example, if you work as a doctor and spend five days a week in a hospital, you will most likely only have one day off for training. It's important to consider that on another day off, you might want to relax, spend time with family, or do household chores. In contrast, if you work in a beauty salon, you may have free slots between clients that you can use for training. This allows for a more flexible approach to learning a new profession. Transitioning to a new profession can be compared to moving to a new city. The success of this process depends largely on having a clear plan. Preparing for a career change includes researching the labor market, analyzing your skills and capabilities, and developing a training strategy. The right approach will allow you to adapt to new conditions, move forward confidently, and quickly find your place in a new professional environment. Don't forget about the importance of your network and support from colleagues who can help you with this transition.

How long will you study, where will the money come from during this time;
How will you get your first experience and feedback;
Approximately how long will it take you to look for a job in your new specialty, how much money will you need to live during this period and where will you get it;
How much will you earn in a junior position and how long will you spend in it;
How long will it take you to try to move up the career ladder.

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