Friday Link Love

On the third anniversary at my job (yesterday), thoughts from Study Hacks on developing a career you enjoy:

The Career Craftsman Manifesto

Don't Quit Your Day Job, Transform It: Why Following Your Passion is the Wrong Way to Find Occupational Happiness

These two articles address the question of how to find satisfaction in the career you already have, but don't answer the question, "How do I pick a career to begin with?"   Here 10 things I'd suggest a prospective college student trying to pick a major or career consider:

1. Inside or outside? - Are you a delicate flower that will wilt inside with no sunshine or a delicate flower that will wilt in in the heat or cold? 

2. Physical or sedentary? - Are you okay with sitting in front of a computer all day?  Or running around like a crazy person all day?.

3. Service or solitary? - Do you want to interact with people (either serving others or on a team) all day or do you prefer to work independently for the most part?

4. How important is it for you to feel like you are "making a difference"?

5. How important is it for you to see a concrete end product at the end of a project? 

6. Cooperation or competition? - Do you thrive on competing or dread it?

7. Managed or self-directed? -  Do you feel prepared to step out on your own or would you feel more comfortable taking direction from people who are more experienced and knowledgeable.

8. How important are your work hours? - Are you a morning person?  A night person?  Are you okay with working long hours to develop your career or would you really rather be done at 5pm?

9. Are you okay with going into debt to get your training/education?  How much?

10. How important is it to make a lot of money?  How much?

For many people, I think there could be multiple jobs that fit the answers to these questions, but it narrows things down.  After that, you can direct your career choice based on your interests.

What else would you add to the list?  What career advice do you wish you'd been given at 17?