Don't end up in the wrong career

This post came out from The Straits Times (12 January 2016)
Title - Don't end up in the wrong career - What not to tell yourself when looking for a job

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. But I'm good at it
2. I am in need of cash
3. Things will change
4. I am afraid
5. Nothing else will be better

On But I'm good at it

• Don't settle for a job just because you have the requisite skills and qualifications and are able to do it. You should never dedicate your attention to and spend your energy on anything just because you do have the skills.
• It is your life and your job. You have the right to be selective. Never be contented with a career in which you are good at. You have a choice and there is always room for improvement. 
• If you are thinking of making a career switch, be open to developing the necessary skills that will make you more suitable for the job you have in mind.

On I am in need of cash

• Employees often make the mistake of sacrificing their happiness in career for money. Your need for cash might be pressing, but you should keep in mind that money is not just the only thing that can make you happy and it will never be able to keep you glad for long.
• However, it cannot be denied that people do have some financial needs that need to be met but if that is your only reason for going to work everyday, then you must be prepared to have a miserable work life.
• There are different ways to make money that you can try. Try to find something that can give you job satisfaction, apart from a high pay. Always remember that compensation may come in different forms and a paycheck is simply one of them. 

On Things will change

• Staying at where you are right now and hoping that things would change is certainly a way of putting your precious time to waste. When you are in a career which makes you miserable, you need to be able to leave if you know things will never change enough to make your stay more worthwhile.
• You should approach your job with a practical and positive mindset. You should start doing what you can to make the situation improve and when things do not change after some time or if only marginal changes take place, you should start moving on.
• One thing for sure - nothing will change if you just sit and wait. 

On I am afraid

• Fear is the main reason why people prefer to stay in a job even when they are not happy with it. However, you should be honest to yourself and start learning how to deal with fear.

On Nothing else will be better

• This is the type of thinking which takes over when you are unhappy in your job. Thinking of this repeatedly will just make you willing to give up. You should never forget that there are different ways for everyone to find joy and satisfaction at work. Don't ever think you are stuck. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big