Hands On
HANDS ON people like to figure out how things work and enjoy technology, tools, machines, and equipment. They would rather deal with an object, than a person. Usually choosing to work alone, they love outdoor time, animals, plants, and active pursuits. Others see them as practical and physically strong.
Myth #1
There is a perfect job out there for me!
Fact: There is no one job that will ever fit you perfectly. There will always be things you wish were different or important aspects of yourself that aren’t being fulfilled. Also, these days, job duties are always shifting. We’re living in an era of innovation. Navigating change means being open to new options and on the look out for the "next best step." This website can help you shift from the notion of the "perfect job" to the reality of a "good fit."
Myth #2
Once I make a career decision, it’s for life!
Fact: In the past, people believed in choosing one job and sticking with for life. But, times are different now. Statistics show that people entering the work force today may have as many as 12-15 jobs by the time they retire! More than ever, career decision making is an ongoing process as people continue to develop and transform throughout life. Add to that, the shifts in the economics of our province, nation, and the world, and you’ve got one thing you can count--change!
Myth #3
The right job should give my life meaning and fill all my needs.
Fact: One job is not likely to fill all your needs. That’s why the notion of "work-life balance" is such a hot topic these days. You could love your job but still miss specific interests that are not part of it. Some of us may choose work that provides us with financial security so we can do what we really love in our time away from work. Being happy comes from more than the work you do! Career in Gear can help you figure out what you love to do and where it fits in your life.
Myth #4
You can’t make a living doing what you love.
Fact: Many people make a living doing what they love. They didn’t get there, however, by strictly magical thinking and wishing it to be true. They took the necessary steps to discover what they were passionate about and then create a plan to get there. This is where the rise in entrepreneurship comes from: people rejecting cookie cutter notions of what a career looks like, and instead, crafting their own career based on their unique interests, skills, and dreams. It’s important to remember though that for many others doing what they love happens outside of paid work.
Myth #5
If I wait long enough, luck, chance, or being in the right place at the right time may bring me to the career I want.
Fact: It’s more likely that you’ll fall into a job you end up disliking, then you’ll fall into one that’s a great fit. While being in “the right place at the right time” can definitely happen, there is no doubt that fully investigating different options is a more dependable career plan. Taking the time to assess your own skills, interests, and values in the context of the labour market is the key to finding a good fit. Find out more by entering the website.
Myth #6
Most people are not confused about what they should do with their life.
Fact: Totally not true. In fact, most people go through uncertainty related to what they should do for work or when choosing an education or training program. It’s normal to feel lost, confused, and sometimes overwhelmed. It’s one of the reasons we developed this website. Take a peek inside.
Myth #7
Career advisors and aptitude tests will tell me exactly what career is right for me.
Fact: Many people think that an aptitude test will tell you what to do with your life. This isn’t true. An aptitude test determines your ability in a particular skill area. There isn’t any one test or person who can tell you what you should do with your life. Assessments and career advisors can help you find out what’s important to you and what you’re good at, but they can never tell you what you “should” do. That is entirely your choice.
Myth #8
The best place for me to start looking for work is a list of top jobs in Nova Scotia.
Fact: Nope! The job market fluctuates constantly and the best way to find a job that makes you happy is by figuring out what your interests, values, and skills are. New occupations are being invented all the time. The top jobs of today might not even be on the radar in five years. Instead, there will be a whole raft of new careers, some with names you’ve never heard of: Vulnerability Assessment Consultant, Weather Modification Police, Nano-Mechanic, etc. See what we mean?
Myth #9
It shouldn’t take a long time for me to figure out a good career for myself.
Fact: Trying to decide what to do with your life is a worthwhile investment of your time and energy. The truth is that it does take time to figure out what your interests and values are and what job prospects might be right for you. This will be re-visited again and again throughout life. The good news is that this website will make this journey fun and interesting. We want to give this opportunity to find out about yourself, see what your past experiences have to say about who you are, and open your mind to possibilities.
Myth #10
There’s little I can learn about an occupation without actually doing it.
Fact: There are countless ways to gather information about a career you are interested in. Books, magazines, websites, YouTube videos, social media, career fairs, professional associations, information interviews, job shadowing, and volunteer experience, just to name a few! Career in Gear has a “Field Research” section that helps you explore what work might be a good fit.