I have been in the teaching field since 2010, and at times, I have considered pursuing other professions. The primary reason was monetary gains. However, I never took concrete action—partly due to procrastination but mainly because of my passion for teaching. Like anyone, I have experienced job dissatisfaction—not because of a lack of interest in teaching or supporting students, but due to the routine, uninspiring tasks that come with the profession. As a professional, I understand that my job is not just about personal fulfilment; I also have to meet the expectations of the system (read: management!), and I am quite okay with that.
However, this article is not about minor job dissatisfaction that individuals feel occasionally. The issue I want to highlight runs much deeper. Many people settle into careers with money as the primary motivator, yet they often end up in jobs they dislike. The reasons behind this career mismatch are clear:
Causes of Career Mismatch
1. Parental and Societal Pressure
Many students confess that their career choices are driven by the desire to make their parents or grandparents proud. Some even aim to prove themselves to society. In a recent career counseling session, a 20-year-old girl told me that she wanted to pursue a doctorate solely to have the prefix “Dr.” before her name.
2. Lack of Self-Awareness
Many students and professionals fail to understand their innate potential, leading them to choose careers that are entirely out of their league. Without proper self-awareness, they struggle to excel or find satisfaction in their chosen fields.
3. Misguided Career Guidance
Most career guidance programs focus on trending courses rather than what truly suits an individual. This often results in students and professionals making career choices based on external factors rather than personal aptitude and interest.
Because of these mismatches, individuals constantly struggle in their professions, leading to frustration. Job changes do not always solve the problem—unless they align with passion and inherent strengths.
I can relate to this from personal experience. I initially opted for science in my pre-university course without understanding that my strengths lay in creative and linguistic intelligence. Fortunately, I switched to arts in my undergraduate studies, but many individuals fail to make such shifts due to ego or a lack of clarity.
Realigning Career with Intelligence
No matter what stage of life you are in, there is always an opportunity to correct past mistakes and make better career decisions. Here’s how:
1. Self-Assessment
Taking a DMIT (Dermatoglyphics Multiple Intelligence Test) or similar assessments can help identify your inborn intelligence and personality traits. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses enables you to make informed career decisions.
2. Exploring Alternate Career Paths
If you are already in a profession, explore ways to integrate your intelligence and personality into your current or future roles. You can also pursue side hustles that align with your interests. Once a side hustle becomes financially stable, you can transition into it full-time.
3. Reskilling and Upskilling
I always had a passion for writing but lacked the necessary skills. To bridge this gap, I took a writing course that helped me develop and publish my work. Over time, I have taken additional courses that shifted my mindset, especially regarding perfectionism. The key lesson I learned that waiting for perfection leads nowhere. Progress comes only through action. Based on your innate intelligence, you can take courses to develop new skills that enhance your career prospects.
4. Seeking the Right Mentors and Coaches
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of a growth mindset. Time is limited, and learning solely through personal experience can be slow and costly. Finding the right mentor—even at a financial cost—can provide invaluable guidance and significantly ease your career transition.
A career that pays well can fulfil your financial needs, but a career aligned with your skills and interests brings both financial success and personal fulfilment. The ultimate goal should be to find your calling and make informed career choices that resonate with your true potential.
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