What do you like to do in your free time? What hobbies do you enjoy most? As you consider different career options, know that your hobbies and interests may offer a window into what types of jobs to pursue and in which you’ll find success.
Of course, sometimes a hobby is just a hobby, but other times it may help you along your journey in identifying career paths that you find most fulfilling — and, these days, that’s certainly important. Case in point: Fewer than half of all Americans say they’re satisfied with their job.
Don’t want to add to that glaring statistic? Then take the time to understand what pushes you toward happiness and satisfaction. Here are four career paths to consider based on your interests.
Hands-On Projects & Electronics
If you like tinkering with code or fixing your own computer, you might do well in a career in technology. And great news for you — employment in computer and IT occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To that end, consider obtaining an online technology degree to gain the skills that can help you put that logical mind to work. Concentrations include IT, cybersecurity and programming, amongst other career options that can help put you ahead. Indeed, an online technology degree can put you ahead of your peers in the job hunt.
Volunteering
Want proof that volunteering pays off? Between 2002 and 2012, the Corporation for National and Community Service tracked more than 70,000 jobless people and found that those who volunteered had a 27 percent better chance of landing a job than those who don’t usually give back. In other words, your hobbies may very well play a key role in shaping your career path.
Do you like to work with children or elders? How about helping animals? If you like to volunteer with children, consider becoming a teacher, social worker or school counselor. Then again, think outside the box, too; for example, therapists, pediatric dentists and camp directors all allow you to work with kids.
Travel
If you yearn to see the world, look for a job that allows you to do so. Perhaps that means a career involving air or sea travel or provides travel benefits, or one that provides enough flexibility for you to mark off yet another destination on your bucket list. Working for a hotel, airline or cruise line are typical travel career choices.
But, for example, if you’re looking for something more short term, you can try your hand at everything from teaching abroad to working on a farm. You may also be seeking exposure to different cultures and lifestyles than your own. If that’s the case, you might find your passion in politics, non-profit work or as a global liaison for an international company. Assess where and why you like to travel and that very well may set you on the right career path.
Art
Art, in and of itself, can serve as a fun and nontraditional path. And, if you’re able to make a career out of selling your works to adoring fans, then you certainly have a head start. But if art is just a hobby, that talent shows employers you have a creative mind and can think outside the box. In that vein, marketing is a great field for creative thinkers that always requires you to be thinking of new ideas. Architects, interior designers, copywriters and web designers are all roles that allow you to flex your creative muscle.
Find Career Satisfaction from Within
If you find yourself stuck determining a future career, start thinking about your hobbies beyond face level to determine why they actively spark joy from within. Bottom line: Find what makes you happy and how that can translate into a satisfying and fulfilling job and career trajectory.
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