Select subjects that you are enthusiastic about.
by David K. Moldoff, Founder of AcademyOne. Follow me on Twitter @DavidMoldoff
Our career pathways take many twists and turns and have unpredictable stops and starts. Think of your career as a timeline over three or four decades. It is not a single job. Lot's of things will change over the timeline: disruptive technology, commerce, competition, supply and demand, impact of global trends, etc. Most people won't stay in one profession or job for their entire career. Thus, some will return to College to pursue new areas of study.
We suggest you seed, cultivate and follow your passion because it will offer you the greatest fulfillment and chance for success. Not everyone has something they are passionate about. So, College can help you find out what turns you on. It can help you find your life purpose. Every one of us is created with a unique set of talents and abilities. When you are good at what you do and you love doing it, you feel fulfilled. You know you make a difference. Your life has meaning and direction. You are empowered by your work and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Until you find your purpose, there will always seem to be something missing.
Unfortunately, finding your purpose is much easier said than done. You can't Google it. You won't find it in the want ads. Purpose is something you create from your passions. It’s something you bring forth out of your commitment and determination.
Do you have a passion? The sensation of excitement about a particular idea is often a different sensation than the type of deep passion that drives people into a fulfilling career. Excitement comes and goes. True passion arises after you’ve put in the long hours to really become a craftsman in your vocation and can then leverage this value with impact, to gain autonomy and respect, to control your vocational or professional destiny. Passion could also come from a hobby or something you have experienced meeting people.
According to a recent study by the Phillips Corporation (see below), Job Satisfaction beats Salary: Philips Work/Life Survey finds American workers willing to take pay cut for more personally meaningful careers. What this means is, follow your head and pursue studies that enrich your life - turn you on - and motivate you. The same would be said about selecting a College Major. Find one that turns you on - and everything else will fall into place.
Enroll in College to “Cultivate” your passion. College can help you become what you desire to be. Honing your ability, skills, knowledge and knowhow - and then leveraging your value - to shape your working life toward the type of lifestyle that resonates with you. Following this strategy will provide the rewarding and self-fulling path we all seek.