Took a career aptitude test and now I'm more confused than before

I paid $150 for a detailed career aptitude test through a local career center last Tuesday, hoping it would point me in a clear direction after 10 years in retail. The results came back suggesting I'd be great at things like social work and data entry, which are completely opposite fields. Has anyone ever got useful advice from one of these tests, or are they mostly a waste of money?

2 comments

2 Comments

wendy_park761mo ago

My test told me I'd make a great librarian despite me being banned from three libraries.

jamiekim1mo ago

Skip the test and just think about what parts of retail you actually liked or hated. I've known people who took those tests and got "florist" or "airline pilot" when their real skill was just being good at yelling at slow walkers (you know, the ones in the middle of the aisle). A $150 test can't measure if you're patient with people or if you'd rather hide in a supply closet than deal with another customer complaint. Maybe you're overthinking this whole thing - just try something new for a month without paying someone to guess for you.