This or That

How do you typically make choices about your future career or education goals? Do you prefer to do this, or do you prefer to do that? For example, would you like to work in Houston, or are you willing to work anywhere in the State of Texas? Would you like to work anywhere in the United States, or would you be attracted to working in another country? Is it more important to have a high salary, or would you prefer to have a job that you enjoy? Is getting a job right out of high school more important to you, or would you prefer to get a post-secondary degree first? Do you want to go to a local college, or does an out of state university appeal to you?

Your choices are very often made based on your personal preferences, your family dynamic, what interests you, or the knowledge that you have attained so far in your life.

I am at the “sunset” of my career, and as I look back I realize that the career and education choices I made were based on my personal preferences, without having the knowledge about what jobs were in demand – it was completely about what I liked. I chose to get married and start a family instead of going to college. I ended up completing college as my children were in school themselves. When I finally went to college, I chose a field that I was attracted to, and did not receive counseling on other opportunities that could have fit in with my skills and interests that were also aligned with projected high skill, high growth occupations. I feel rather cheated that I did not consider labor market information, and understand how supply and demand can make a difference in a career and/or education path. I hope the following information will help you make informed decisions about your future choices:

• Our Gulf Coast Region has a very useful list of in demand occupations found at Workforce Solutions Career Exploration. Once you have accessed that website, click on link “High-Skill, High-Growth Occupations” to get a list of targeted jobs that offer the best employment opportunities based on projected growth, education requirements, and wages equal to or greater than average.
• If you are in need of basic adult education such as English as a Second Language or High School Equivalency, there are free classes available in our region at local Community Colleges. To find out more, go to Adult Education and Literacy.
• Workforce Solutions offers scholarship assistance for training in some of the high-skill, high-growth occupations. Please visit Training and Education to get more information about career training.
• Visit any of our 24 Workforce Solutions Office locations to discuss your educational goals and career options with one of our knowledgeable Staff. To find an office location near you, go to Workforce Solutions.

This or that – whatever you decide to pursue to achieve your career goals, make your choices based on sound research along with what you like and what is important to you.

Velta Worley is a member of the Regional Navigator Team specializing in training, educating, and assisting community partners, Workforce Solutions staff, and job seekers throughout the 13 county region with employment for people experiencing homelessness. She has over 8 years corporate management experience, with over 7 years with Workforce Solutions as a Facilitator, Technical Assistant, and Office Manager, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University.