1 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。

4 . It is a common question to ask yourself: What do you want to be when you grow up?

In the past it has generally been accepted that a person will follow one career path, but an emerging group of people have changed this idea. By pursuing jobs across several walks, this group has come to be known as “slashers (斜杠青年)”.

There are many reasons why this has become popular, particularly among those under the age of 30. In modern competitive society, having multiple income streams (多种收入来源) is one of the best ways to create financial security.

Zhao Sichen is one follower of the slasher movement. The 34-year-old is an English teacher at Tsinghua University High School. Outside the classroom, Zhao also works as project manager in charge of education programs at the Internet tech company NetEase.

In addition to providing a sense of job security, becoming a slasher reduces boredom and prevents becoming burned out on (不再热衷) focusing on a single path.

According to the Guardian, “Entrepreneurs (创业者) are a typical example of a group that expects to spread their careers across multiple areas.” Erin Albert is a typical slasher in the UK. Apart from having written books, Albert is an assistant professor, an entrepreneur and a law student. Albert often asks his students to think about, “why they can’t both take an immediate job offer they are not sure about as well as work toward their ‘dream’ job”.

Technology has also promoted this choice. Online tools and platforms have allowed people to pursue different interests and career paths as they have promoted the ability to work remotely. Never has it been easier for those who have interests in a variety of careers to pursue them at the same time. It seems that right now the sky is the limit for those who are considering what they want to do in the future.

6 . Accepting a job offer can be exciting.     1     If we feel like we are settling, then it can also bring about a sense of frustration, anxiety, or even sadness.

I have felt the sting (刺痛) of settling many times in my life. Years ago, I took a freelance (自由职业的) role that at first, second, and third glance led to feelings of depression. What was once an expanding universe of potential in my career suddenly contracted.     2     “This is not why I studied mathematics or worked so hard,” I complained. I felt stuck. But the job came with a bonus: business trips to a fascinating city. And once I realized that the job wasn’t entirely gloomy, I started to notice other pluses I hadn’t previously considered.

We will all take roles at various times in our careers that do not tick all our goal boxes. We have a good reason for accepting the job offer, such as the need for a job in a certain location to keep family members together.     3     If we’re currently in this situation, we need to shift our concept of settling. Instead of taking a role with a sense of desperation, we can think about the new skills we’ll develop or the connections we’ll make.

We alone get to decide how to perceive an opportunity. A job is not a destiny. It is simply a step toward a destination. We must be aware of how individual roles, even the most boring, are still useful, relevant, and beneficial.     4     Something is not happening to us; on the contrary, we are making something happen for us.

    5     I expect there will be other jobs that at first glance will seem like I am settling. But I will serve myself even better if I see the situation for what it is: a temporary station on the way to a fascinating and fun career.

8 . If you're not sure what career to pursue, here are some steps that can help you to choose a career.

Tastes and abilities.

To choose a career, you must separate two important concepts: tastes and abilities.    1    But if not, remember that you devote much of your life to the profession of your choice, so it must be something you're passionate about. Make two columns on a sheet of paper; write what you like to do in one column and your talents and abilities in the other. Draw a line to link the skills that relate to what you like to do, so you can clarify your options by identifying the skills you have and how they relate to what you want to do.

Personal decision.

It's your life; only you can choose your career.    2    If they hold different ideas from you, it is good to hear different opinions, but the ultimate decision is yours.

    3    

Find out about the labor sector and the opportunities available for graduates from the career that interests you. It is important to recognize the level of competition you may face and the opportunities that exist.

Salary.

It never hurts to know the wage curve of a professional career. One thing is to choose a profession for the economic benefit and another to choose a career that you like. It is advisable to make a balance between pay and your tastes.    4    

Choosing a career to pursue is a major life decision that must be considered carefully.    5    A college degree is the first requirement for a successful professional future nowadays.

9 . Tips for Choosing a Career

Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Most people spend half or more of their waking hours five days a week at their jobs. While selecting a career can be a difficult process, the following tips can make this process easier for you.

Extensive reading about potential careers is vital.     1     It’s important to collect vital information such as career descriptions, career outlooks, employment statistics, educational requirements, and potential earnings.

    2     Do this frequently since these lists keep changing. A “hot job” today may not be “hot” next year or the year after next year. When evaluating these lists, keep in mind your interests, skills and job satisfaction requirements.

Find a mentor. Many colleges and employers have a formal mentoring program.     3     It is a great way to learn about a career, and a mentor can provide valuable networking opportunities. “Mentworking” is a new trend which combines mentoring and networking, and which has shown good results.

Interviewing people in the field is an excellent way to learn about the various aspects of a career.     4     Informational interviews often change a person’s perspective about an occupation. You can find interview candidates by asking friends, teachers and neighbors. You can also contact relevant professional associations and societies and visit appreciate social and professional networking sites online.

The skills required for a career are an essential factor for an individual’s potential for success in that career. Write a list of the skills needed for a particular field. Place a check next to each skill you possess.    5    

Your skills should be a vital factor in your career selection process. A satisfying career is often built upon a match with what you are naturally good at. Natural strengths allow an individual to work with ease and acquire expertise faster.