how did you decide

If you were torn between 2 careers how did you decide?? I want to start studying but I'm torn between 2 career paths and I don't want to start and realise 1/2 way through its not what I wanted. Not only would I have lost valuable time but also money.

What led you to your career path and if there were more then 1 choice how did you narrow it down?

I chose the one that had the fastest path way to getting me working in my field, and I got there by doing a TAFE course. Now I am able to work in a related field, study more and get all the associated tax deductions. I'm doing the other thing in my spare time but within 1-2 years I will be in a position to devote more time & energy to it and start developing an income stream.

I would do a list of pros and cons, including all the things that are important to you eg. Salary, work location, hours of work, career development and progression opportunities, further education options, family friendliness, opinions of your partner etc.

I find if its all laid out I can make a clearer decision.

I chose my career in high school, and my decision was based on two family friends in the job - I liked their lifestyle and I was good at the basics of the job. Also, it pays well! Honestly, it was a dumb way to choose a career path, I'm not happy with it and constantly wish I'd chosen teaching.

I believe if your job is something you like and makes you happy, you'll be good at it and the money either won't matter or will come in anyway because you're good at it and enjoying it. If I had my time over, that's how I'd choose my degree/career path!

Some more thoughts - it took me some time to arrive at the realisation that I would be much happier doing something else. I'd already fluffed around starting (and dropping out from) a couple of uni courses, so I would say this - don't proceed until you get that strong feeling of "rightness" instead of just excitement/enthusiasm.

Teeki raises a good point - lifestyle. It's all good to have a qualification, but the actual job needs to be a good fit too. So think about this - what sorts of jobs will be available in each of those things, what sorts of flexibility do they have (or not have) to accommodate your lifestyle as it changes over the next few decades? There are very few careers now that lock you into a single stream of employment, but sometimes that's also dependent on where you live. So consider what opportunities would exist for you in each of these areas. If you know someone who works in these careers, schedule a coffee-chat with them about its pros and cons, or even see if you can organise some kind of workplace visit. (Often the reality of the job is very different from what is in our heads when we start out).

Most of all though, it's important to realise that every job/career has its dull moments, and its hard parts. Which of the things that you're interested in has the greatest potential to keep you inspired and enthusiastic, even in the dark days? Sometimes this comes down to how well they relate to your personal value system and your sense of meaning. I would 100% take the option with the greatest sense of value and meaningfulness to YOU - because that is where you will find your energy and sense of purpose.

I chose the career that was going to fit in best with our current lifestyle, that was teaching over hospitality (chef). Also the one I felt I would be the most rewarding.

Thankyou everyone. All this points are very helpful.