Choosing a career path is not always easy. For most people, there is not one right occupation, but several occupations they could do and enjoy. Different occupations will satisfy you in different ways. Different occupations will suit you at different times. Your career is your whole working life, which can be made up of a wide range of occupations and involve many changes in direction.

It is important that you make informed choices. It is wise to base your career decisions on a good understanding of yourself, as well as a thorough knowledge of the occupations and courses open to you. It takes time to think about yourself, to decide what sort of lifestyle you want, to talk to people and to explore occupations. If you want to find work that is satisfying, however, there are no shortcuts and without this knowledge, you may be tempted to react to whatever luck brings your way.

It is important that you take charge of your career. Only you can make career choices that work for you. You are the person best suited to choose work that suits your own unique skills, knowledge, personality and interests. So be positive and act now by taking three small steps.

While you are investigating job possibilities, some of your thoughts and decisions could be influenced by:

1. family advice, pressure or expectations, peer group pressure.
2. 'role models', that is, seeing people you admire or respect doing a particular job.
3. society or community expectations the media.

It is important that you realize the decision is up to you. Remember, it is your individual interests, talents, experience, training, education, skills, values, beliefs and knowledge that need to be considered when it comes to making a choice. Do not give up if someone thinks your dream is foolish, hard to achieve or out of your reach. It is wise to seek advice and help from people who are able to offer it, but make sure that the final decision is yours.

There is always an element of luck or chance in your career directions. Even after spending lots of time researching careers, your plans can be changed by things you were unable to predict. When you start in a certain direction you may be given an opportunity to try something completely different. The employment prospects for your chosen career, or your personal circumstances, might change. Other factors, including future industry and educational changes, may mean that where you plan to work and where you end up working are very different. Regular re-assessment of career directions, options and opportunities is a good idea.

A final note

Not all jobs in the world are in the Job Guide: there are new jobs emerging all the time, so keep your eyes and ears open.

• Get to know yourself.
• Find out which career is right for you.
• Match yourself to a number of jobs within that career area and choose those that are likely to suit you.