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On average, how many times do people change their career?

As an upcoming freshman to #college, I still don't know what I want to do, and sometimes I fear in the future that whatever I will be doing isn't what I actually want to be doing. But if I get a degree in a job I no longer want to pursue, then what will come out of my future. Sometimes I just fear I'll be lost.

#future-careers #career #career-counseling

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Matthew’s Answer

Thanks for your question Jonathan, I also experienced the fear you are talking about. Some career research (http://www.careers-advice-online.com/career-change-statistics.html) indicates the majority of people will change careers 5-7 times but this number is growing. There are some numbers that suggest 30% of working adults are changing jobs every 12 months (not necessarily careers).

All of that to say, I have changed careers 3 times in 10 years, I started as a Medic in the Army and moved several times since then.

When I was in high school I had no idea what I wanted to do, I wish someone had told me it was perfectly okay to be unsure of what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. There are so many opportunities ahead for you, a huge part of the college experience is exploring the opportunities that are available. I would encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone, explore the extra curricular activities your school offers, take classes that are new and challenging, and get involved with clubs/student organizations. This will provide a great opportunity to meet some awesome people (I bet some of them are asking the same questions you are), but also to gain some other experiences that will go a long way in helping you to decide where you want to start in your career! Getting a degree in one field does not mean you are stuck in that field for the rest of your career. I started my career in healthcare, transitioned into a legal/compliance role, and now work in cyber security, changing careers has had its challenges but it has also been a blast, I have met some incredible friends, learned so much about myself, and continue to learn and develop new professional skills!


Good luck and enjoy!
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Ann’s Answer

Hi Jonathan,


I can assure you that picking a major will not cement you into one specific career. You may need to go on to get additional education or training to jump into something, but that is not always the case. Take me for example. I went to school for business, and most of my work experience was in the restaurant industry as a trainer. After college, I ended up working as a college recruiter and then moved into and Academic Counselor role, and then a management role within the Academic Counseling department. Now I am providing consulting services for restaurants and learning JavaScript from my phone. What I am saying is that as you go through college your interests will grow and change, and that won't stop once you are out of school. That's ok, and it's healthy. Don't be afraid to pick a major. Be more afraid not to. Hope this helps!
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Simeon’s Answer

Most people change their careers a few times, if not more, so I wouldn't be too worried. In college, I changed from music major to writing major to business management, but got a masters in a ministry degree. Then, I started out career-wise as a loan officer, then a water meter reader, then a chaplain, and am now an IT auditor. Focus on graduating and keep teaching yourself new skills. There are more opportunities out there than you might initially believe. You'll just have to do a bit of planning to transition between careers the older you get.
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Belinda’s Answer

Hi Jonathan- I think what you are going through right now as a freshman in college is what most fear, so you are not alone. It isn't easy finding your way in life. I thought I wanted to be an accountant because I loved math but ended up with a nursing degree approx. 3 years later. You would be the exception if you only had 1-2 different jobs/careers in your lifetime. I have been a nurse for 30 years but have changed my field of nursing at least 4-5 times so far. I think burn out has a lot to do with any career choice. You might try working in an industry that you are majoring in to get a feel for how it will be if you chose a certain career. I hope this helps and best of luck!
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Zuzana’s Answer

Jonathan you don't need to worry too much about picking a  "wrong" study area. Surely study something you feel most passionate about however that does not mean that you are tight to one narrow field.

I know studied opera singers working in IT or studied programmers opening bakery. You will develop your whole career, can promise you that.

whether you will change jobs each 2 years or will stick to one for 15 years it is up to you how you develop, vertically or horizontally and how many times you jump from one job to another.

wish you luck whichever route you take !

zuzana
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