March 28, 2024

Five Career Choices More Tempting than Pizza

Have you seen those hilarious career quizzes?  The ones filled with silly inquiries such as:  What was your favorite game as a kid?  What’s your favorite holiday? One of my all-time favorites:  What’s your karaoke song? Come on, I can’t carry a tune.  I’m never going to be a “Pop Star” no matter what my answer might be. Seriously, no one thinks these questions will honestly lead to your ideal occupation.

Sure, some of us may have tried to be serious when tackling the task. Cataloging desired choices, making a list of pros and cons. Potentially even making an appointment with a guidance counselor to participate in those more serious aptitude tests.

However, the real question should be: what fuels your passion? What hobbies capture and keep your attention? At the conclusion of your workday, the goal should be feeling joy and having a sense of satisfaction with your career choice.

Put down the pizza and consider these attractive alternatives to help answer your calling.

1. Tasting Room Manager – Does the word oenophile describe you? When preparing to eat is the first thought that springs to mind “red or white”?  The United States has surpassed France and become the world’s biggest market for wine.

New generations are changing the way we look at and drink wine. Wineries have become increasingly creative, hosting events and showcasing their products. The Tasting Room Manager is expected to create a fantastic experience for guests.  Managers need to possess a strong sense of leadership and a healthy creative side. Experience in event management and marketing is a plus.

2. Public Relations Officer – Would others describe you as a person who can weave a fantastic tale and has persuasive prowess? Feel like you’re in tune with all forms of media? A career in public relations could be beckoning–although “nightmare” could be the first word that springs to mind when discussing public relations. We have witnessed monumental failures though, it’s the PR situations done right that may intrigue you when it comes to this profession.

Remember when President Obama launched Healthcare.gov to facilitate the Affordable Healthcare Act? The site had glaring issues and people were skeptical. The savvy Public Relations team arranged an interview between the President and Zach Galifianakis on the comical web show “Between Two Ferns”.  HealthCare.gov experienced a 40% increase in traffic after the airing. Being a member of that creative team must have been particularly rewarding.

3. Travel Nurse – Do you have a wandering spirit? Relish the idea of experiencing divergent cultures, yet possess a passion to care for others? Potentially your first thought was to become a nurse. Beyond your need to serve and care for others, channel that desire to explore and travel, expanding it beyond a hobby by becoming a travel nurse.

Some important things to consider are locations that are hiring.  Are you interested in staying in the United States or would you prefer to explore other parts of the world?  From there it’s important to consider the time needed to obtain a visa. Don’t forget to research the culture of the place you will be working in. Important factors could include all essential food choices and local amenities.  Cross all those items off your list before packing your bags.

4. FBI Agent – Have you spent time sporting your aviators daydreaming about working alongside Mulder and Scully while watching reruns of the X-Files? Contemplate diving into a degree in criminal justice, focusing on criminal behavior, crime analysis, and the science and practice of profiling.

Consider your personal answers to these frequently asked questions about becoming an agent:  Do you have 20/20 vision, are you physically fit, and is your age between 23-37? “The Truth Is Out There” find yours.

5. Sports Management – So Derek Jeter or Peyton Manning you are not. The Yankees or the Broncos won’t be calling anytime soon. However, this doesn’t diminish your love of the game.

Employment in sports management can fuel your passion and be the quintessential marriage of hobby and career.  Furthermore, it can lead down a variety of paths including professional sports, college-level sports, sports marketing, event or facility management, sports economics/finance, and sports information. If you’re seriously leaning towards vocation, strongly consider obtaining an MBA due to the limited availability of positions and intensely competitive nature of the industry.

The key is: investigate!  Take your interests, break them down, what jobs could they be related to? Where does this fit into your career path? Who knows, maybe you want to be a chef.  In that case, where is that pizza?

C.A. Newberry is a retired event coordinator with passion for continued learning and sharing life experiences. If she is not at her computer, you can find her at the ballpark with her family. You can connect with her on Twitter.

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