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How does a person find out what they want to do in life?
I am trying to figure out what I want to do but am having trouble because I like to do a lot of things. I just don't know which one is the right one for me.
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6 answers
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you have to find out careers you have most interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Okay thank you for your support Rebecca.
Angela
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Finding what you want to do in life can be a journey of self-discovery, especially when you have diverse interests. Start by exploring your passions and strengths—what activities make you lose track of time or feel most fulfilled? Try volunteering, internships, or part-time jobs in different fields to gain hands-on experience. Reflect on the activities that energize you versus drain you. Additionally, talk to mentors or people in various careers to learn about their paths. Over time, you'll find patterns that can guide you toward a satisfying and meaningful direction.
Updated
Roberto’s Answer
Hello Angela!
The essence of life revolves around making decisions. Frequently, you'll find yourself at crossroads, having to choose a path without the luxury of foresight. However, from my experience, the choice itself isn't the constraint as long as you remain dedicated to your chosen path, while also being receptive to other possibilities.
I've remained loyal to my primary field of study, but it has transformed so drastically that it may appear entirely different now. Even those who pursued the same major have diverged onto various paths. My major was in Telecommunications and Electronics, areas that have expanded and developed so much that many of us now resemble IT professionals. Interestingly, I work with talented individuals from diverse fields like Law, Psychology, and even culinary arts! One of my colleagues is a brilliant security engineer who also happens to be a pro at grilling and smoking.
The crux of my message is this: Choose a path that you enjoy and has a good chance of success. Commit to it, but don't shut out other opportunities. As my father used to say, "It's not about the path we choose, but the ones we don't shut behind us."
Best of luck to you!
The essence of life revolves around making decisions. Frequently, you'll find yourself at crossroads, having to choose a path without the luxury of foresight. However, from my experience, the choice itself isn't the constraint as long as you remain dedicated to your chosen path, while also being receptive to other possibilities.
I've remained loyal to my primary field of study, but it has transformed so drastically that it may appear entirely different now. Even those who pursued the same major have diverged onto various paths. My major was in Telecommunications and Electronics, areas that have expanded and developed so much that many of us now resemble IT professionals. Interestingly, I work with talented individuals from diverse fields like Law, Psychology, and even culinary arts! One of my colleagues is a brilliant security engineer who also happens to be a pro at grilling and smoking.
The crux of my message is this: Choose a path that you enjoy and has a good chance of success. Commit to it, but don't shut out other opportunities. As my father used to say, "It's not about the path we choose, but the ones we don't shut behind us."
Best of luck to you!
Updated
Yusoff’s Answer
Hey Angela, remember, you're not alone in this. Just about everyone I know, myself included, has faced the same conundrum. Figuring out your life's direction or career path can be overwhelming, given the multitude of choices available, and the uncertainty about which one will suit you best. The suggestions offered above are excellent strategies that you can explore, and I'd like to contribute one more method to consider. You've mentioned that you enjoy a variety of activities, but I'm sure there's one that stands out as your favorite. When I'm faced with such a decision, I ask myself this simple question: would I keep doing this activity I love, even if there were no rewards? If the answer is a resounding yes, then you've hit the jackpot. Give it a shot. I hope this proves helpful.
Updated
Hitesh’s Answer
Hi Angela
First and foremost, it perfectly okay if you are interested in too many things, it's very common! Most important thing here is to figure out which area of your interests you are (or can become) good at? You can use few well defined models below identify your strength/weaknesses
1. SWOT analysis - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWOT_analysis
2. Ikigai - https://stevelegler.com/2019/02/16/ikigai-a-four-circle-model-of-human-capital/
Wish you all the very best!
First and foremost, it perfectly okay if you are interested in too many things, it's very common! Most important thing here is to figure out which area of your interests you are (or can become) good at? You can use few well defined models below identify your strength/weaknesses
1. SWOT analysis - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWOT_analysis
2. Ikigai - https://stevelegler.com/2019/02/16/ikigai-a-four-circle-model-of-human-capital/
Wish you all the very best!
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Angela -
From my experience, some do experience that "aha" moment but many simply flow into their careers and eventually get comfortable and even like it. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about.
Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that ""epiphany"" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.
Similar to what you shared, I studied electrical engineering but found that I was not too fond of it. I then changed to a general major, not sure where to go.
By the end semester, I decided to speak to an advisor, who simply asked what I (as a person) liked, regardless of whether or not there was an available program. From that, she introduced me to Engineering technology, which I began as it piqued my interest. However, through the program, I learned about process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma)....and at this point, I experienced that "AHA" moment you seek! It is a great feeling indeed, and to date, I shifted from engineering to focus on process improvement full-time, and loving it!
Hope this helps and all the best!
From my experience, some do experience that "aha" moment but many simply flow into their careers and eventually get comfortable and even like it. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about.
Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that ""epiphany"" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.
Similar to what you shared, I studied electrical engineering but found that I was not too fond of it. I then changed to a general major, not sure where to go.
By the end semester, I decided to speak to an advisor, who simply asked what I (as a person) liked, regardless of whether or not there was an available program. From that, she introduced me to Engineering technology, which I began as it piqued my interest. However, through the program, I learned about process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma)....and at this point, I experienced that "AHA" moment you seek! It is a great feeling indeed, and to date, I shifted from engineering to focus on process improvement full-time, and loving it!
Hope this helps and all the best!
I appreciate your support, Afrad
Angela