You might be very unsure of your career and thinking, what is the right career for me? Your future does not have to be uncertain, you can think about.

What does Kelly Holmes and Michael Owen got in common apart from the obvious that is?

Well they’ve both taken the icould.com/buzz test and they’re both Polar Bears! Or in personality terms they are strong and determined and enjoy being the boss. Polar Bears enjoy working independently and are happy in their own company.

There may be many situations where you may not have completed your school quals or have not obtained the marks you hoped to get. The reasons can include things like:

It may come as no surprise that at some point in your career you will have to work in a team. So it is an important life skill to be able to get on and work with others, and communicate effectively.

To help you do this, here are a few handy tips to guide you through team working:

I think ‘having a plan’ is a phrase that either  brings comfort to people who like to be organised or, alternatively, strikes fear in to those who like to ‘go with the flow’. People constantly wonder: What am I supposed to work towards? What if I change my mind? How do I do it? Why should I bother? These are all perfectly normal and understandable questions to ask.

Some young people I meet and work with tell me they want a job, any job, anywhere, doing anything!  This is great and you need to keep up that positive attitude, but......

It is worth thinking about the future too and where a job or career may lead.  You can always find out more about careers on this website www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk.

I can’t tell you how many times I have had the “what career is right for me?” discussion with one of my 17 year old clients. The answers have ranged from a Vet - until she found out the intensity of some of the examinations she would have to do - to a Hairdresser, but then she decided that she didn’t want to stand up all day - to a photographer, because she likes taking “selfies”.

In reality there is only one person that can come to a real conclusion - YOU!

Let’s face it, you are going to need a job at some point! There is only so far that living on benefits can get you, and having a steady career is a sure fire way to success and happiness in other aspects of your future.

Why should you budget?

Whether you are living with parents or in your own housing, it is important to learn how to budget in order to keep on top of finances. It is one thing that all adults must learn to do, some of you may already be doing it. It is particularly important if you already have to look after someone else, such as a baby.

When it comes to choices about what career to follow, this can often be a difficult thing to do. The decisions we make when we are 16 and 17 years old can affect the rest of our lives, so it is important to think long and hard about the type of work you might enjoy and what steps you are going to take to get there.