Every year there are thousands of young men and women, leaving school or college with the sole object of starting your working careers and joining the work force. The major problem that you will have to face when choosing your career is, WHICH IS THE RIGHT CAREER FOR YOU? Unless you find an occupation that you love, enjoy and are enthusiastic about, you're on a never-ending treadmill going nowhere. In other words you're just marking time until the day you can retire, which I might add is a long way off, over forty years to be precise. So the following points must be taken into consideration when you're deciding on a career.

1) 80 percent of you will never find true job, satisfaction in your whole working lives. You'll just drift from one job to another trying desperately to find true happiness in a career that you love and enjoy.

2) Many of you will end up in careers that will leave you frustrated and counting the days until you can escape to try something else.

3) Many of you will be pushed into careers by your parents that you hate and leave you dead and empty inside, causing you to become frustrated.

4) 90 percent of you will not consider your long-term future with regard to pensions, accidents or critical illness until it is too late. You will think like the rest of the work force 'OH THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.' Unfortunately this is real life and things do happen and when we least expect them.

When you're considering and thinking about what career you would like to pursue, there are a number of factors to take into account. If you don't, then you'll not have the job satisfaction and a happy working environment that you desire. 

For instance, think of the following topics when making your decision, take each one in turn and make sure you have the correct answer that suits your own personal circumstances. This is very important to you and all categories must be answered honestly if you are to have the career you desire. Take your time and consider each one on its merit.

YOUR ENVIRONMENT? Where would you like your career to be situated and under what conditions? For example, do you want to work inside or outdoors, in an office, shop, factory or hospital? Do you want to travel? Would you like to work from home? Are you happy to stay in one location or do you like the idea of different locations throughout your career?

YOUR DUTIES? Do you like driving, helping people, looking after animals, taking care of the sick, a career with excitement and a touch of danger as in the fire brigade or police force? Are you interested in making a career in one of the armed forces? Do you mind getting your hands or clothes dirty?

YOUR HOURS? Do you want to work office hours 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, shift patterns of days and nights? Do you mind overtime working seven days a week? Would you like to work flexible time, will your choice affect your social life by having to go to work when your friends are out enjoying themselves?

YOUR AMBITIONS? How far do you want to go in your career? Do you want to reach the top? What is required for you to achieve your goal? What qualifications do you need? Do you want to start your own business? Are you capable of working under high pressure?

YOUR DRESS CODE? Do you like the idea of wearing a uniform? Do you like dressing smartly for work or would you rather be in overalls or casuals, hands on?

YOUR MIND? Do you want a career that will always be stimulating your mind, sending you new challenges every day? Are you keen to learn new techniques to broaden your outlook on life? Does you mind work well under pressure if you have deadlines or targets to meet?

All of the above must be taken into consideration and answered honestly when deciding on your career. Then there are other things to consider, such as obtaining an interview to start your career, the interview itself and the chances of your success. 

Once you've obtained employment, there are other factors that come into play, such as medical aid, injuries both on and off duty, pensions and other employment benefits.

Ray Rock has written a book with the sole purpose of helping all young men and women choose the career that will give them the most job satisfaction but more importantly suits their own circumstances. All the above are covered in depth in his book YOUR WORKING FUTURE, The Guide to Choosing a Career and Being Successful. Visit his web site at http://www.surocpublishingltd.com and download chapter one FREE.