Everyone must climb the ladder of success, even if it means doing things
that do not interest me.
Truth: Success is subjective. Each individual
creates his or her own definition of success. However, happiness or satisfaction
is often part of the definition of success, and it is difficult to be
happy in a career that is not interesting. If a career is uninteresting
to you, will you really be happy?
If I say no to what others
expect of me, I am insensitive and unlovable.
Truth: You have the right to say no
to others' expectations of you and make your own career choices.
The choice of a major or occupation
is irreversible. Once I make a decision, I cannot change my mind.
Truth: Most people (75%) change their majors
at least once during college.
There is one right career for me.
Truth: There are probably several careers
that match your interests, abilities, personality, and values. Over
half of college graduates obtain employment in areas unrelated to their
college major.
Nobody else is undecided. I am all
alone.
Truth: If you are undecided on a career choice,
you are not alone. This is a big decision that requires time and exploration.
Somewhere there is a test that can
tell me what to do with the rest of my life.
Truth: No test can tell you what career path
to follow. Testing provides
some of the information that aids in career planning, but not all of
it.
Others know what is best for me.
Truth: Only you know what is best for you.
What others say is best for you is often a reflection of their value
system, not yours.
Somewhere there is an expert who can
tell me what to do.
Truth: You are the only expert on yourself.
Career counselors can help you in the planning process, but only you
can determine the best choice for you.
If things do not go the way I expect
or plan, it means that I am a failure.
Truth: Life is full of unexpected events
and set-backs. This doesn't mean you are a failure--only human. Often
what we view as setbacks are opportunities in disguise.
People are either successful or complete
failures in their career pursuits. There is no in-between.
Truth: Success can be viewed as an on-going
process, whereas failure is a single event or experience. In general,
the more successful the person, the more failures he or she has experienced.
If I get away from the pressure to
decide, perhaps by taking a year or two off from college, I will be
able to make a better decision.
Truth: Making a good decision requires time
and research, but not necessarily time away from college. And, the passing
of time by itself will not make the decision any easier to reach. However,
taking away the pressure for an immediate decision is wise. Allow yourself
a semester to take several exploratory classes, conduct information
interviews, and gather the information you need to reach a satisfying
decision.
I must choose between having a career
and having a family.
Truth: You can have both a family and career;
it will require careful planning, setting priorities, time management,
and flexibility.
It is not OK to be undecided because
being undecided is a sign of immaturity.
Truth: Being undecided is normal. Interests
do not become firmly established until you are in your mid-20s. Well-defined
career interests and direction have more to do with experience than
maturity level.
Life is always fair.
Truth: Unfortunately, life is not always
fair. Dealing with the unfairness of life can teach you the skills necessary
to deal with adversity, which is part of the human condition.
Life is always unfair.
Truth: Fortunately, life sometimes is fair.
Generally, effort determines outcome, and you have a reasonable amount
of control over your career success.
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