I'm not really talking about the validity of the tests. I'm asking about results and compatibility with current career choices and job satisfication. Because I can clearly see now, that although I don't regret the field i chose for study, i would've probably done better or excelled in other fields if i'd chosen an area recommended by the tests.
I will try again.
When I was younger I always got answers that had to do with the sciences or mathematics. I was horrible at math and science seemed boring to me unless we were talking about theory. I have always held theory close to my heart. I tried to get into the idea of being a Vet because the test told me I'd be good at it but I couldn't wrap my head around all the vocabulary and chemical properties needed to get into a good veterinary program. I'm useless when it comes to remembering things I'm not interested in. I tried to fit into what the test told me I should be and it just left me miserable.
I knew I wanted to be a teacher even when I was telling people I wanted to do other things. I was just scared that they'd tell me that I would suck at it. I love literature so I threw away what the test told me and followed my own path. I think I'm happier because of it. The idea of someday becoming a professor and teaching education theory makes me absolutely giddy.
Nice. I can relate to this. I also hated chemistry, etc. and didn't do well in it at all, but i enjoyed studying theory/abstractions. I struggled with math in elementary and high school. But then again, that could be because of how the class was taught - i had overly strict teachers who made us cry at the blackboard if we didn't get the answer correctly, which can traumatize a kid i think. I didn't mind biology to be honest and physics was meh. But because of grad school, i realized that i was very interested in logic, and maybe I couldn't done well as a math major since i did better than most in the math classes in undergrad. So, you never know.
The focus of the question is the idea that a result may've been right, but it was ignored, and now it makes you wonder whether you would've faired better doing something else.
I'm not arguing that the tests are always right and that we MUST follow them. I'm trying to suggest a different take, since i know most people who decide not to follow a test when making decisions about their life are probably happier than those who try to fit the mold.
My interest is in those rare cases when the tests were right, and unfortunately someone chose an area, which didn't fit their abilities or cognitive preferences, who find that they are not as happy or as successful in their current field, and the reason maybe that they chose an area which did not fit.