If you were to do one thing professionally, what would it be? What is that job that you would really like to do?
Take a second to think. What's on your mind? Well, that is exactly what you should be doing or working towards.
My recent conversations with young people like me who are freshly out of school and trying to find a part way for themselves always leave me sad.
As a Queen of unsolicited advice, I was recently conversing with an acquaintance who did his Compulsory NYSC at the same time I did.
We were catching up when he said he was looking for a job but when I asked what kind of job he was looking for, his response baffled me. “Any job,” he said.
“But any job is no job.” I tried to press on and he said “I just want a job that pays me money”
I said “Okay” and wished him well because I didn't want to push.
I know job hunting can be tough and really stressful. You either don't find something that fits your degree or the pay is not manageable.
In a separate discussion, I asked another friend who I was helping to revamp her CV for the kind of work she was looking for and I got a similar response. I could go on and on…
But it has made me realise that we are so focused on what will pay us that sometimes we forget about happiness and interest.
I understand, country is tough. People are hungry and all…
Of course, everyone can't be a plan freak like me but having a direction is good.
As children, we were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
While I think it's somehow a ridiculous question because most of us end up being different things, in reflection, I believe that the question was not for us to give a definite answer and go on to become that. Rather is to give us a sense of direction.
Is this necessary?
Yes. You are already halfway to getting your dream job if you know what you want. Instead of running helter-skelter or going in circles you already see a path to follow (to the village stream) Just kidding.
But s sense of direction is like a map. You may miss your way, take a couple of wrong turns but the most important thing is that you will get to your destination.
When you have direction, you make better decisions about your career path. You can set specific goals like; the websites you will be searching for jobs, and the number of applications you will send in a month. You will also be able to know the necessary steps to achieve them.
There are so many jobs out there so a sense of direction will help you to not be overwhelmed. Rather, you will stay motivated.
I may be projecting but if we are being practical there are several benefits to understanding what you want. Your career path should align with personal interests, passions, and happiness, rather than solely on financial gain.
It helps you focus your energy
When you understand your interests and what you want to do, it helps you to know where to channel your energy.
The strength you expend in applying for any job under the sun will be channelled towards one niche. This will get you better results.
Rather than applying to any job that comes your way, you can target positions that align with your interests, skills, and career aspirations.
With a better-targeted approach, you will have more chances of finding a role you fit into, which does not just pay the bills, but also brings fulfilment and satisfaction.
Consistent growth
It is not even up for argument, focusing on one thing brings better results in the long run. With a direction, you devote more time and attention to growing the skills and qualifications relevant to your desired field.
Instead of dividing your efforts among various job applications, you can invest time in professional development activities that directly contribute to your career aspirations.
Whether taking courses online to get certifications, applying for and securing internship opportunities, getting opportunities via networking with professionals in your chosen industry, and other things.
You will experience tremendous growth and will be exposed to better job opportunities. Before you know it, unemployment would be dead and forgotten.
What if I don't like to plan?
Okay, I get that some of us are the I-like-to-go-with-the-flow kinda person. Thats okay. Going with the flow doesn't mean you should not know what you want.
Having a sense of direction is different from planning. The former is just having a general understanding or vision of where you want to go or what you want to achieve in the future.
While the latter, is the process of creating a detailed strategy for how you will reach your desired destination or achieve your goals.
Ask those who go with the flow and they will tell you the direction they are going. At least they would know the kind of business they want to engage in, the skill they want to build or the professional career they want to follow.
I hope you take a moment today to ask yourself what you want and tailor your job searches towards that. Work on your CV. Prepare a portfolio. Keep sending out those applications.
Being young can be challenging and confusing. But I believe that you will figure this out. I'm rooting for you always.
Cheers to your continued growth and a fulfilled life.
If you know someone that would benefit from this letter, don't hesitate to forward it to them…
With love and everything beautiful,
Chinonyelum
Media for the week
Books
I finally finished Wahala by Nikki May and truly it was Wahala. I have missed that rush of not wanting to put a book down until you are done. I absolutely love the book. It was the story of three women who were enjoying their friendship, though they had their secrets.
Everything was okay until one other lady joined them and set them against themselves. I felt so sad at the end of the book, but I was glad the women found themselves again.
I love stories that give insights on women's friendship, marriage, and motherhood, and this book was great.
Podcast
Last week, I listened to Episode 40 of the podcast “Feel More, Live Better with Dr Rangan Chattergee. I can't really share everything I picked from it. The guest, Garbo Mate an 80-year-old, was asked several questions on health, lifestyle, and parenting, among other things.
Music
One of the best things I am looking forward to next month is Sia’s Album. One of the singles that came out last year “Gimme Love” and the newly released one “Incredible” live rent-free in my head.
Last week, I also let Spotify choose random songs for me, and some were great. With time, they will grow on me. If you like songs with good poetic lyrics, I recommend you listen to Sia.
You did it!😅
If you made it here, Well done. I’m doing something different for Sunday. I would love you to participate in the poll below. Tell me what you would love to read.