Future Considerations
Picking a vocation that excites you is essential, but for most people, that isn't the only consideration when choosing a career. There are some practical matters to consider, like the pay range in your chosen field, the time and expense involved in any education required, and the future demand for your services. Some governments publish resources, such as the U.K. government-funded Careers Advice Web site, that can help you see how different types of careers you have in mind stack up. You also need to consider the lifestyle: What hours are you willing to work? If you have children or plan to, will your career choice enable you to raise them the way you want? Do you feel most comfortable working for an employer who provides a steady pay cheque, or would you prefer the independence of the entrepreneurial life—even if it means your income may fluctuate?
In some countries, particularly in the developing world, career guidance is a fairly new concept; the tradition has been for sons to follow in their fathers' professions and for daughters to remain in the home. This is rapidly changing, however—in India, for example, although there are no specific government initiatives, there are a number of independent career counsellors and online services offering advice.
