“My son, the doctor” has been the pride and joy of many Jewish parents back in the day, and has no doubt been a motivating factor for many “sons” who have entered the field of medicine. The goal: do something society views as respectable and make my parents proud.

Today this trend has taken on a new face. It’s going for a degree in Special Ed when you’d be more interested in a career in interior design, or doing hishtadlus (read: protektsia) to get a job as a 10^th grade Rebbe when you are more suited for the younger set. The goal: do something society views as respectable and make your parents proud.

But did you know? You will be spending an average of 90,000 hours at work in the course of your lifetime (Happiness at work, Jessica Pryce-Jones, 2010), and will invest many hours and quite a bit of funds on training. Do you really want to spend all that on fulfilling society’s dream, and not your own?

Why Do You Work?

Ask any professional why they work, and they will answer: to earn money, of course.

But consider this: While an 18-wheeler truck driver earns up to $67,000, the average accountant earns just short of $61,000. People may think that money is the only reason they choose their career, but in reality, how many of us are ready to ditch that suit?

Depending on your personality, you may have chosen your particular job for career advancement, structure, or the opportunity to make a difference.

According to the Employment Security Commission (1999), the primary reinforcers are:

• Achievement: That “ahaa” feeling of accomplishment most often found in results-oriented jobs,

such as financial analysts, web administrators, and compliance managers.

• Independence: Jobs that allow for autonomy and decision–making, like electricians, plumbers, and

personal financial advisors, will most likely attract those who don’t enjoy being told what to do.

• Recognition: Prestige and career advancement are the motive of some of the most hardworking

professionals. Examples of prestigious jobs include lawyers and surgeons.

• Relationships: If you’ve always liked to help people, make it a career and spend 40 hours a week

doing so. Job examples include: patient representatives, school psychologists, and registered nurses.

• Support: Being backed by the management is definitely reassuring. Examples of careers with strong

support include: pharmacists, judicial law clerks, and graduate teaching assistants.

• Working Conditions: Good working conditions, such as job stability, pensions, and paid vacations

provide the fuel to keep you going your after year. Careers considered to have great working conditions include jewelers, actuaries, and machinists.

As religious individuals, there is an additional reinforcer we need to consider which influences both career choices and job satisfaction, and that is an environment of modesty which is friendly to religious values and accommodative of the Shabbos and Yom Tov schedule. 

A Career Made in Heaven

The Gemara in Shabbos states that someone born under the mazal of maadim will be involved in bloodshed. But if you don’t aspire to become the world’s greatest bandit? Don’t fret. Use your inclination to perform a mitzvah such as being a mohel.

The Gra says on the passuk of “Chanoch lana’ar al pi darko,” (Mishlei 22:6) that it is not possible to change a child’s intrinsic personality. Yet while one cannot eradicate any traits, one can channel it in a positive direction. So, no, you cannot change your fundamental personality traits to suit the “in” career, but you may want to consider selecting a career to suit your innate characteristics.

Sara was one of the lucky few to be offered a teaching position in the school she graduated from, an offer she gladly accepted. After some time, she started feeling discontent. Having a remarkable aptitude for the younger set, she left her job and opened a daycare. She is now happy, fulfilled, and is very successful.

Hashem imbued you with an innate preference for a particular profession or business above any other. (Chovos Ha’levovos, Shaar Habitochon, perek gimmel). You just need to do some soul searching to identify your preferences. Some sound financial advice: do so before you invest in that Special Ed degree all your friends are going for.

Occupational Characteristics

Human beings are not the only ones with innate characteristics; occupations possess unique characteristics, too. Dr. John Holland has identified 6 basic personality types shared by both people and occupations. According to Holland, people are happiest when their occupation best matches their personality type.

Your profile can be described as a three letter code, which is an acronym of the first letters of your interest types ordered by dominance. If you are very conventional but also realistic and somewhat enterprising, your Holland code would be CRE. Conversely, if you a hardcore realist, fairly enterprising, and a bit conventional, your Holland code would be REC.

Considering the Facts

Say that you are enterprising, are interested in recognition, and law appeals to you. But you are thirty years old, have four children, and six bills that were due yesterday. Should you pursue a degree in law?

A career decision cannot be based on your interests alone. Some of the practical considerations to weigh include: What is the average salary of the profession? Does it offer the potential for growth and advancement? How difficult is it to obtain an entry-level job in the profession? How many years of education and training are needed?

There may also be a need to balance the quest for a lucrative profession with immediate cash flow needs. One way to do so is to accept an entry-level position to provide immediate cash flow and experience in the field, while attending school at night. For example, if you aspire to become a nurse, you may work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) by day in order to obtain both experience and immediate cash flow.

Esther enjoyed working a 9-to-5 job – until she had a baby. Since her job lacked the flexibility she needed as a mother, she opted to turn her hobby of writing into a career. This was something she enjoyed, did well, and allowed for much needed flexibility.

Time for Introspection

Yes, it may be true that “everyone” is going for Special Ed. Yes, it may be the path of least resistance. But you are not “everyone.” You have needs, you have interests, and you have practical considerations.

Evaluate your personality and preferences and then research your options. You may choose to do so with a career counselor, or you may choose to do so on your own. Regardless, be sure to do so before you sign the dotted line. Your future and job satisfaction depend on it.

Dr. Michael Simcha Lax, a licensed NY psychologist, earned his PsyD from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has over 7 years of experience as a school psychologist in public high school settings,​and has also completed a career development facilitation course accredited by the National Career Development Association (NCDA). To contact Dr. Lax, email careerplanningandtransitions@gmail.com or call 347-598-9646.​