Do you ever wonder why you are drawn to certain career paths? Why are some people, like Andrew Stroth, drawn to a career in law, while others are drawn to art? When it comes to our career paths, there are many factors that can influence our decisions and the ultimate outcome. From our upbringing to our educational background to our natural talents and interests to our networking opportunities to the job market to our own individual goals and desires, there are so many variables that can affect our career trajectories. Keep reading to learn more about the top factors that can influence your career choice.
Family History
Family is one of the most influential factors in the development of an individual’s career path. The experiences, values, and attitudes that we learn from our parents and other family members can shape our career choices, often in ways we don’t even recognize. Family history can also influence the types of careers an individual pursues. If a parent or other family member had a successful career in a certain field, the individual may be more likely to pursue that same field. For example, if a parent was a doctor, the individual may be more likely to pursue a career in medicine. Family roles and responsibilities can also shape our career choices. If a parent or other family member had a role as a leader or decision-maker, the individual may be more likely to pursue a career in management or leadership. To learn more about your ancestry, take a DNA test, such as a Native American ancestry DNA test, and then upload your raw data to GenomeLink.
Societal Expectations
Societal expectations have a powerful influence on career choices. While some may argue that a person’s career choices should be based solely on their own interests and passions, it’s not always that simple. Societal expectations can shape the way a person sees the world and their potential career paths, sometimes even before they’re aware of it. For example, young boys are often encouraged to pursue careers in engineering, science, and finance, while young girls may be encouraged to become nurses, teachers, or stay-at-home mothers. These expectations are so deeply ingrained in our culture that it can be difficult to break away from them, even if they don’t fit a person’s individual interests. Societal expectations can also influence how we view certain careers. For example, the medical field is often seen as the most prestigious career path, while careers in the arts are often seen as less desirable.
Personality Types
Personality types are an important factor in determining career choices. People with different types of personalities tend to be attracted to certain occupations and excel in specific fields. Understanding your own personality type can help you make informed decisions about which career path to pursue. Personality types are generally broken down into four categories: Extraverted, Introverted, Sensing, and Intuitive. Extraverted individuals are outgoing, assertive, and enjoy being around other people. Introverted individuals are more reserved and prefer to work alone. Sensing individuals are detail-oriented, practical, and prefer tangible results. Intuitive individuals are more open-minded, creative, and often see the “big picture.” Each personality type has its own strengths and weaknesses, and these can influence which type of career a person is drawn to. For example, extroverted individuals may be well-suited for jobs in sales or customer service, while introverted individuals may be better suited for positions that require a lot of independent work or research.
Overall, choosing a career path is one of the most important decisions a person can make. It’s not only about finding a job that pays the bills, but also about finding a job that will bring fulfillment and a sense of purpose. But what many people don’t realize is that your career path is influenced by multiple factors, such as those outlined above.
