3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Takieaa ReyFaun’s Answer
Hello Mary,
I am Takieaa. And, you are on the right track! I understand exactly what it’s like to not have a professional plan for the future as a young adult. I didn’t have one, all I wanted to do was become a mother. The fact that you have questions about your future is the the first step in starting on your career path of success.
It might seem like a vast world with many options, but I have found the best way to find what is best for you is to seriously consider the things you like to do and write them down. This is called an outline. There are many forms of outlines, but the easiest for me is brainstorming. Not only can you contribute to this outline, but you can ask your parents/guardian, peers (friends, teammates, church members etc.), counselors, teachers or academic advisors and family/loved ones to share what they notice you enjoy or have an interest in.
Once you have completed a detailed list of all those activities you next should narrow it down to what you find enjoyable. And, ask yourself what you want in life. Write those goals too. Once you have your goals written then see which career paths align with you goals in life. If you are not sure how to do that, you may reach out to me, or as someone else who you trust to inform you of the commonalities between your two lists.
After you have narrowed your list down to the top three, you can then move forward by making a detailed plan (and it’s very important for you to notice while you are making the plan to pay attention to whether or not you are enjoying the process of each of the career paths you’ve chosen. For example, if you put doing hair and makeup on your list were you really excited about possibilities or did you think about having to stand for long periods of time. Or, if you put swimming, did you consider scuba diving and working around marine animals and exploring coral reefs or did you worry about whether you would be getting sunburned? If you are excited about a potential career on your list while you’re writing, put a star by it! That might just be what makes you a millionaire 🤑). For each career path, write the steps you will need to achieve that specific goal. I will give two examples -
Becoming A Doctor
1. Attend a college or university to earn my associates, bachelor’s and master’s and doctoral degrees (8 years but worth every second! I have two siblings who are doctors and they both are very successful. Considering retirement comes around 65 years old, if you start college at 18, when you graduate you will only be around 26 when you become a doctor. One of my siblings was able to start his own practice and buy a mansion immediately after graduating. But, it’s because (like I am informing you) he made the career choice as a child and didn’t let anyone or anything deter him!
2. Get a job to keep my loans low and be able to afford a comfortable college experience.
3. Look for housing with my friends or family to keep my expenses low.
4. Don’t give up, no matter what!!!
Become A Marine (Army, Navy or National/Coast Guard)
1. Don’t hang with people who would ask me to put harmful or illegal substances into my body! If someone does ask me to then tell them no and immediately tell an adult I trust.
2. Don’t associate with people who are criminals or criminal minded (want you to steal, or bully people or break other people’s belongings)
3. Contact a Recruiter and request a site or a booklet to study for the test.
4. Pass the test!
5. Be prepared to travel all over the world for free!
6. Be prepared to not visit home for long durations of time, and possibly not be able to visit for very important holidays.
7. Attend college (college is free when you serve the country). You can become a Doctor while you are earning great money as a Marine, etc. and start your career as a Doctor with zero debt!!!
Once you have completed each Career Plan, choose which one coincides with your goals, desires and aspirations. And, do whatever it takes to complete those tasks efficiently.
Please remember sometimes things may happen. But, regardless of any obstacles, turn them into opportunities that are complements to your journey to achieve your goals. It’s your life and how you live it is your choice, so plan it accordingly. There are a lot of people who don’t make plans for their lives when they are young, for numerous reasons. And, later on in life, it looks like it. If you don’t make a plan to succeed then that is a plan to fail. And, if I may give you one suggestion. It is not fulfilling in life to make your career path to please others. You can make career choices with others, but for your career, your life choose what makes you happy 😊
I am Takieaa. And, you are on the right track! I understand exactly what it’s like to not have a professional plan for the future as a young adult. I didn’t have one, all I wanted to do was become a mother. The fact that you have questions about your future is the the first step in starting on your career path of success.
It might seem like a vast world with many options, but I have found the best way to find what is best for you is to seriously consider the things you like to do and write them down. This is called an outline. There are many forms of outlines, but the easiest for me is brainstorming. Not only can you contribute to this outline, but you can ask your parents/guardian, peers (friends, teammates, church members etc.), counselors, teachers or academic advisors and family/loved ones to share what they notice you enjoy or have an interest in.
Once you have completed a detailed list of all those activities you next should narrow it down to what you find enjoyable. And, ask yourself what you want in life. Write those goals too. Once you have your goals written then see which career paths align with you goals in life. If you are not sure how to do that, you may reach out to me, or as someone else who you trust to inform you of the commonalities between your two lists.
After you have narrowed your list down to the top three, you can then move forward by making a detailed plan (and it’s very important for you to notice while you are making the plan to pay attention to whether or not you are enjoying the process of each of the career paths you’ve chosen. For example, if you put doing hair and makeup on your list were you really excited about possibilities or did you think about having to stand for long periods of time. Or, if you put swimming, did you consider scuba diving and working around marine animals and exploring coral reefs or did you worry about whether you would be getting sunburned? If you are excited about a potential career on your list while you’re writing, put a star by it! That might just be what makes you a millionaire 🤑). For each career path, write the steps you will need to achieve that specific goal. I will give two examples -
Becoming A Doctor
1. Attend a college or university to earn my associates, bachelor’s and master’s and doctoral degrees (8 years but worth every second! I have two siblings who are doctors and they both are very successful. Considering retirement comes around 65 years old, if you start college at 18, when you graduate you will only be around 26 when you become a doctor. One of my siblings was able to start his own practice and buy a mansion immediately after graduating. But, it’s because (like I am informing you) he made the career choice as a child and didn’t let anyone or anything deter him!
2. Get a job to keep my loans low and be able to afford a comfortable college experience.
3. Look for housing with my friends or family to keep my expenses low.
4. Don’t give up, no matter what!!!
Become A Marine (Army, Navy or National/Coast Guard)
1. Don’t hang with people who would ask me to put harmful or illegal substances into my body! If someone does ask me to then tell them no and immediately tell an adult I trust.
2. Don’t associate with people who are criminals or criminal minded (want you to steal, or bully people or break other people’s belongings)
3. Contact a Recruiter and request a site or a booklet to study for the test.
4. Pass the test!
5. Be prepared to travel all over the world for free!
6. Be prepared to not visit home for long durations of time, and possibly not be able to visit for very important holidays.
7. Attend college (college is free when you serve the country). You can become a Doctor while you are earning great money as a Marine, etc. and start your career as a Doctor with zero debt!!!
Once you have completed each Career Plan, choose which one coincides with your goals, desires and aspirations. And, do whatever it takes to complete those tasks efficiently.
Please remember sometimes things may happen. But, regardless of any obstacles, turn them into opportunities that are complements to your journey to achieve your goals. It’s your life and how you live it is your choice, so plan it accordingly. There are a lot of people who don’t make plans for their lives when they are young, for numerous reasons. And, later on in life, it looks like it. If you don’t make a plan to succeed then that is a plan to fail. And, if I may give you one suggestion. It is not fulfilling in life to make your career path to please others. You can make career choices with others, but for your career, your life choose what makes you happy 😊
Updated
Fred’s Answer
There are always options. A four year college is only one. there are both private and state schools to consider.
You could go to community college and get a 2-year associates degree. Courses are usually much cheaper at a community college, so you can often get a lot of your general ed. classes there while you figure out if a 4year college is for you.
There are trade schools. Anything from welding to EMT to radiation tech to many other things.
You could apply for an entry level position at a large company. The will often offer tuition benefits after some period, which lets you get training to advance your career.
You could look into a journeyman trade - electrician, plumber, or construction work.
You could work retail. You'd probably start off as a cashier or stock clerk, but with time could work your way up into management.
If you are in high school, see if you have a career counselor you can talk to. They should be aware of opportunities and various trade schools in your area, as well as give you advice about if college is right for you.
You could go to community college and get a 2-year associates degree. Courses are usually much cheaper at a community college, so you can often get a lot of your general ed. classes there while you figure out if a 4year college is for you.
There are trade schools. Anything from welding to EMT to radiation tech to many other things.
You could apply for an entry level position at a large company. The will often offer tuition benefits after some period, which lets you get training to advance your career.
You could look into a journeyman trade - electrician, plumber, or construction work.
You could work retail. You'd probably start off as a cashier or stock clerk, but with time could work your way up into management.
If you are in high school, see if you have a career counselor you can talk to. They should be aware of opportunities and various trade schools in your area, as well as give you advice about if college is right for you.
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Hello Mary,
I want to encourage you to explore the various alternatives to a conventional 4-year college. It's a great idea to utilize tools like inventories or surveys to discover your passions, and then seek out careers that align with them. Here's an example:
https://elevates.marylandpublicschools.org/secondary-transition-toolkit-interest-inventories/
An Interest Inventory is a valuable tool that helps you identify your likes, dislikes, favorite activities, and personal attributes. This information can then be used to link your interests to a variety of career paths and community options. It's a crucial step in gaining self-awareness and understanding how your interests connect to the world of work, community involvement, and independent living. Interest Inventories are often the starting point in shaping meaningful post-secondary goals.
I strongly recommend using Interest Inventories and transition assessments from various sources to compile and structure information about your students. This will help prepare them for a smooth transition from school to the adult world.
Remember, there's no need to rush. Take your time to discover what truly excites you and then take the first step towards your future. It's a good idea to seek guidance from a counselor or a trusted adult to help you navigate this journey. Wishing you all the best in your future pursuits.
I want to encourage you to explore the various alternatives to a conventional 4-year college. It's a great idea to utilize tools like inventories or surveys to discover your passions, and then seek out careers that align with them. Here's an example:
https://elevates.marylandpublicschools.org/secondary-transition-toolkit-interest-inventories/
An Interest Inventory is a valuable tool that helps you identify your likes, dislikes, favorite activities, and personal attributes. This information can then be used to link your interests to a variety of career paths and community options. It's a crucial step in gaining self-awareness and understanding how your interests connect to the world of work, community involvement, and independent living. Interest Inventories are often the starting point in shaping meaningful post-secondary goals.
I strongly recommend using Interest Inventories and transition assessments from various sources to compile and structure information about your students. This will help prepare them for a smooth transition from school to the adult world.
Remember, there's no need to rush. Take your time to discover what truly excites you and then take the first step towards your future. It's a good idea to seek guidance from a counselor or a trusted adult to help you navigate this journey. Wishing you all the best in your future pursuits.