What Should I Do for a Living: a Complete Guide

For years, I pondered the question, What should I do for a living?

And if you wonder the same thing, you will love this complete guide, which includes: 

• The only three options to make a living
• 9 Steps to figure out what you should do
• 10 Ways to make a living online from home

Let’s dive in!

The only three options to make a living

No matter what career you choose, you will have to pick one of three options to make a living:

• Work for a boss: great for people who want to build their skills or are happy to work for someone else.
• Work for yourself: perfect for people who already have some skills and want more freedom and flexibility.
• Build a business: the best option for entrepreneurial people who want to build up a team.

Each option comes with its benefits and downsides. And there is no perfect option for everyone. What matters is the option that works best for you.

If you wonder what you should be doing for a living, you may first explore some skills and career options.

But where do you start?

9 Steps to discover what YOU should do to make a living

The keyword is YOU. 

You see, there is no best way to make a living for everyone.

And if you make your career decisions on the promise of wealth or social status, don’t be surprised if you start to hate your job.

Self-discovery is important to figure out who you are and what makes you tick. And then match your superpowers with a gap in the market.

Here’s how to do that:

Step 1: Discover your superpowers

Everyone has superpowers.

You may have natural talents or a set of skills that you developed over the years. But also think about the personality traits that make you unique.

For example, as an introvert, I have always admired the qualities of extroverts and wanted to be like that. However, today I know my strengths and am very happy to be an introvert.

Learn how to find your strengths.

Step 2: What makes you tick?

The next step is figuring out what you would like to use your superpowers for. 

In other words, what is important to you?

Think about your values and life experiences. What are some personal struggles you have faced and overcome?

You can also find purpose by looking at what frustrates you in the world. For example, if you could solve one problem instantly, what would that be?

My motivation for creating this website combines the challenges I overcame and seeing so many others struggle with similar issues.

Having a bigger purpose than just making a living will lead to a more meaningful career and life.

Step 3: Clarify your dreams and aspirations

With renewed self-awareness, the next step is to clarify what you want.

What do you desire?

What are some of your wildest dreams and aspirations? If you could make only one dream come true, what would that be?

Go selfish here.

Whether that means buying your dream house, living as a digital nomad, driving a luxury car, or anything else you desire, put it on your bucket list.

What do you want to do and achieve in your life?

If you struggle to come up with stuff, take some time to audit your life. What are some areas you would like to change?

Either way, creating a bucket list is a helpful exercise to get closer to answering the question, what should I do for a living?

Step 4: Gain insights and options

So far, you have clarified your superpowers, what makes you tick, and your dreams and desires. The next step to determine what you should do for a living is to explore the options in the market. 

Here are some ways to find out:

• Brainstorm
• Check job boards online
• Connect with a career coach
• Take career assessments, such as this online test

Make sure to spend some time doing your research. And list as many different jobs and careers that interest you.

Why?

Because finding your perfect career is a creative process. And a non-judgmental approach may lead to jobs you’ve never heard about or wouldn’t consider as an option in the first place.

For example, I always thought an online marketing job wouldn’t suit me and that learning web development was too complex. Yet, it’s what I now happily do for a living.

The point:

Don’t judge yourself in the brainstorming process. Instead, list anything and everything that piques your interest.

Step 5: Understand the components of each career

Do not get stuck on a career title.

I have made this mistake too.

Some career titles sound fantastic until you achieve it and find out that the actual work sucks.

That’s not always the case, of course.

But it pays off to dig a little deeper into each career you listed. What are the benefits? And what are the downsides?

Some aspects you could think about:

• What would an actual day look like?
• What are the skills you will need to develop?
• What knowledge will you need to acquire?
• What personality traits do you need for the job?
• What is the salary range?
• What are the other benefits of this career?

A couple of Google searches provides many answers. 

Another approach is to connect with people with these job titles on LinkedIn. The number of people that would be happy to share some insights may surprise you.

Step 6: Make a decision

You have figured out all the essential elements to finding the best possible career to pursue. But, even if you don’t feel convinced yet, you’re at a point where you need to get some experience.

Action leads to clarity.

While people wait for perfect information to make a decision, that information often only comes after they decide.

You learn fastest through experience.

Of course, some amount of planning is essential. But at some point, planning becomes an excuse for procrastination.

The same goes for careers.

Take time to think through the first five steps of this article. But if you have been pondering these steps for months or years, your best option is to make a decision.

Decide on which career you want to learn a little more about.

Step 7: Start learning

The two most essential things to create career opportunities are learning skills and developing yourself.

Growth = Success + Happiness.

The more you learn, the more experience you gain, and the more opportunities will present themselves to you.

Not only is this the secret to opportunities and career success, but it also increases self-awareness. And that is the key to finding the perfect answer to the question, what should I do for a living.

You can learn on the job but also during your free time.

Do you lack the qualifications to get the job? Then start upgrading your knowledge and skills at home while you look for ways to get a foot in the door.

Step 8: Getting the job you want

Sometimes, getting the job you want is as easy as sending out a few job applications.

But in most cases, it proves a little more challenging. 

Here are some ways for you to stand out:

1. Build high-income at home that make you stand out. Or perhaps you already have a set of skills, personal strengths, and other abilities that you can lean into.
2. Get help with your resume or interviewing skills.
3. Use methods that no one else does. For example, you can reach out to people on LinkedIn for jobs.
4. According to this LinkedIn survey, existing networks fill 85% of job vacancies, not job boards. In other words, the stronger your network, the more opportunities you have. 
5. Keep upgrading your knowledge and skills if you don’t yet meet the requirements for a specific career.
6. Find a creative way into a specific company. For example, take an admin or service job inside a marketing agency if you desire to become a marketer. Many employers will support a career switch if you prove your value to them.

Besides these tips, keep working on yourself and learn new skills. Or like Call Newport states: become so good they can’t ignore you.

Step 9: Keep evaluating

Once you land the career path you desire, the way forward seems quite obvious. As long as you keep growing, you will succeed. 

But along the way, things may change:

• Your job description may change;
• You may lose passion for your work;
• Your interests may change;
• Your values change;
• And many more things may change.

What is important is that you keep wondering if you’re still on the right track.

That’s why the steps in this guide are not a one-time activity.

Most people are concerned about making the perfect career decision. But perfect doesn’t always exist. There are simply too many unforeseen factors that may change in a lifetime. 

That’s why at least once a year, I like to self-reflect on my current career path, desires, interests, and values.

Bonus step: Experiment

Experience leads to clarity, which leads to better decisions. That’s why you need to experiment.

Are you thinking about starting a business? Why not try one of a couple of side-hustles. 

Perhaps you consider a career switch? Why not experiment by learning some of its skills or shadowing a professional for a day.

Are there too many skills that interest you? 

Try them all.

And if you lack interest, list all the less exciting options and try them out anyway. You may surprise yourself.

The idea is simple: experiment more.

Experimenting is never a waste of time. Especially not if you consider the alternative, which is ending up thinking, what if? 

Besides, wouldn’t it be fun to try more stuff out? It certainly makes for interesting topics of conversation.

10 Ways to make a living online from home

Many people have tasted the freedom of working from home since the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, there has been a steep increase in interest in remote jobs and remote workers.

There are many different skills you can learn to make a living online.

For this list, I used the following criteria:

• Should be 100% location independent;
• Should have relatively good job perks;
• Should be future proof;
• You should be able to start learning it today, from home, if you only have access to a phone and the internet.
• Should have enough opportunity to land a remote job, work as a freelancer, or start a business around it.

Considering these four elements, here are the best careers.

#1: Website developer or designer

Not having an online presence is unthinkable for businesses or freelancing individuals. That’s why this career is in such high demand, including the perks:

• High demand;
• Good salary;
• Lots of growth opportunities;
• Many sub-branches to explore.

I always thought this career was too challenging. And if you feel that way too, take one beginner’s course to prove yourself wrong.

#2: Digital marketing consultant

Becoming a digital marketing consultant is the path I choose and love because of its flexibility. You also learn many essential skills that carry over to other careers.

There’s something in this career for everyone.

Social media marketing, copywriting, conversion optimization, SEO, paid marketing, influencer marketing, and more.

Digital marketing is also a good skill if you ever decide to start your own business.

#3: Photo- or videographer

Photo and video are popular ways to share memories and express yourself, especially with the continuous rise of smartphones and social media.

And there are many options in this career.

Think about specializing in weddings, family events, or perhaps you’re a lover of nature. 

You can also connect this skill with another passion. For example, you may want to work with fitness brands if that’s your jam.

Here is another excellent benefit:

You can display your work on the most popular social media apps today and build a name for yourself.

#4: Video editor

Video editing may pair well with the previous skill in this list. But there is an entire career that focuses on video editing alone.

And since videos leave a huge impact, you can make a real difference with this skill.

So if you wonder what you should do for a living and want to make a more significant impact through image and sound, then this is a career worth exploring.

#5: Writing or editing

While images and video have taken over the web, they have not replaced the written word by any means.

There are still a lot of opportunities here.

You can choose various areas like book writing, journalism, editing, marketing, or sales, to name a few options.

The fun part?

You can combine a writing career with any other passion. For example, write for a travel company if you love to travel.

So if you feel passionate about the written word, then a writing career would be an excellent option for making a living online.

#6: Graphic Design

Humans love beautiful designs.

That said, graphic design is more than that. You can use design to change human behavior and impact lives.

This career does require some creativity.

But if you love to visualize ideas and make them come to life, you will love this career.

#7: Data analyst or engineer

Not too long ago, we didn’t have much data.

Today, we have so much of it that many companies don’t even know what to do with it. That’s why the potential in this career is enormous.

You see, data often gets a bad reputation in the media.

But you can use data in many different ways that benefit the quality of our lives.

So if you wonder what you should do for a living and love to dig into data and find patterns, there is a whole world of opportunities to explore for you.

#8: Teacher or coach

If you have a specific set of skills or knowledge and love to share these with others, teaching or coaching is a great way to do so.

And since we have become so used to online sessions, there are many opportunities to take this career online.

The downside?

You should have some level of expertise and experience before you begin teaching.

That said, if you have no experience but would love to teach, it can serve as a great motivator to learn and grow.

#9: Virtual assistant

Every online entrepreneur and business needs a virtual assistant (VA). And though companies often hire VA’s in low-cost labor countries, there is also a substantial market for national VA’s.

Becoming a VA is also a fantastic way to learn a wild variety of different skills. And if you’re self-motivated and driven, you can stand out from the crowd. 

It’s also an option with many part-time opportunities. So perfect if you want to make a living online and keep free time for other ambitions.

#10: Recruiter

Businesses will always need employees. And finding high-quality people that fit the job is quite a challenge.

That’s where you could step in.

If you enjoy socializing and have some people skills, this career path is perfect for you. You can simply talk to people all day!

Another benefit?

You can often work on a commission rather than a salary, which means your income will reflect your skills and effort.

And as long as you genuinely want to help people, it may lead to some new friendships too.

Closing thoughts

Making a living is essential, and if you can do it online, it can give you a ton of flexibility and freedom.

And I hope that the steps in this article helped you on your way to answer the question, what should I do for a living?

While work is essential for financial stability, it also serves two other human needs: 

• Experience fulfillment by choosing the career that suits YOU in combination with making a positive impact on the people and world around you.
• Experience happiness through consistent growth and by finding joy in the everyday process.

Keep that in mind when making your career decision.

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