3 answers
Chad
Student
27
Questions
Asked
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"How do I find hope or direction when I feel completely lost and stuck in my career, with no idea where to start or how to move forward" ?
I love animals. I did little military and I want to pursue animal fields but I don't know which field. I have done pre medical subject studies as well a little due to parental pressure on pursuing Doctory. But I feel like I don't know still what to do. I am finishing my fsc soon and what to do right away? I don't want to take gap year to decide but want to do and keep busy before I am pushed to go for Doctory by my parents.
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Alright, Chad. First off, huge respect—you’re not just sitting around waiting for life to decide for you. That’s already a win. So take the credit.
Now,
Chinyere Okafor laid out some fantastic career paths. If you’re unsure, starting with volunteering or short-term courses is golden advice. She’s right—just getting hands-on will help you figure things out.
Rebecca Tang kept it straight to the point—talk to professionals, explore, narrow it down. She’s not wrong! Sometimes, just hearing from people already in the field can flip the switch in your brain.
Here’s the deal—you’ve got military experience and a love for animals. That’s rare. Not everyone can handle high-pressure situations AND want to work with animals. That gives you an edge in careers like:
Wildlife enforcement (basically animal cops, but cooler)
K9 training (military, police, even search-and-rescue dogs)
Wildlife rehabilitation (rescuing injured animals, getting them back in the wild)
Zoo operations (not just feeding, but behavior studies, conservation work, etc.)
Okay so one thing, if you love animals but don’t want to do medical work, there are plenty of non-bloody careers which I can suggest.
Wildlife Photography/Videography (Be the next Nat Geo legend)
Animal Documentary Host (Who doesn’t want to be the next Steve Irwin?)
Animal Rights Activist (Speak for the ones who can’t)
Conservation Project Manager (Save animals while leading cool research projects)
What If I Pick the "Wrong" Career? Whoo chill. Because here is a Spoiler: There’s no such thing. Careers evolve. Even if you start with one path, you can always shift gears. Maybe you start in a zoo but end up training military K9s. Maybe you work with farm animals and later become a wildlife photographer. Every step you take teaches you something valuable.
How to Handle the Parent Situation because I am sure you want to know.
Chinyere and Rebecca gave solid strategies, but here’s a little extra: Present your career choice like a mission brief.
Step 1: “I’ve researched animal-related careers, and I’m going to explore [insert option].” (Confidence is key.)
Step 2: “This isn’t just a ‘hobby’—people make real money doing this. Here’s proof.” (Parents love stability.)
Step 3: “If I don’t like it, I can pivot. But I’m not blindly jumping into medicine just because.” (Shows you’ve thought it through.)
Just start doing something in the animal field, and clarity will come. You got this, Chad! Now go be the guy who saves animals and makes a badass career out of it. Goodluck and stay amazing my friend!
Now,
Chinyere Okafor laid out some fantastic career paths. If you’re unsure, starting with volunteering or short-term courses is golden advice. She’s right—just getting hands-on will help you figure things out.
Rebecca Tang kept it straight to the point—talk to professionals, explore, narrow it down. She’s not wrong! Sometimes, just hearing from people already in the field can flip the switch in your brain.
Here’s the deal—you’ve got military experience and a love for animals. That’s rare. Not everyone can handle high-pressure situations AND want to work with animals. That gives you an edge in careers like:
Wildlife enforcement (basically animal cops, but cooler)
K9 training (military, police, even search-and-rescue dogs)
Wildlife rehabilitation (rescuing injured animals, getting them back in the wild)
Zoo operations (not just feeding, but behavior studies, conservation work, etc.)
Okay so one thing, if you love animals but don’t want to do medical work, there are plenty of non-bloody careers which I can suggest.
Wildlife Photography/Videography (Be the next Nat Geo legend)
Animal Documentary Host (Who doesn’t want to be the next Steve Irwin?)
Animal Rights Activist (Speak for the ones who can’t)
Conservation Project Manager (Save animals while leading cool research projects)
What If I Pick the "Wrong" Career? Whoo chill. Because here is a Spoiler: There’s no such thing. Careers evolve. Even if you start with one path, you can always shift gears. Maybe you start in a zoo but end up training military K9s. Maybe you work with farm animals and later become a wildlife photographer. Every step you take teaches you something valuable.
How to Handle the Parent Situation because I am sure you want to know.
Chinyere and Rebecca gave solid strategies, but here’s a little extra: Present your career choice like a mission brief.
Step 1: “I’ve researched animal-related careers, and I’m going to explore [insert option].” (Confidence is key.)
Step 2: “This isn’t just a ‘hobby’—people make real money doing this. Here’s proof.” (Parents love stability.)
Step 3: “If I don’t like it, I can pivot. But I’m not blindly jumping into medicine just because.” (Shows you’ve thought it through.)
Just start doing something in the animal field, and clarity will come. You got this, Chad! Now go be the guy who saves animals and makes a badass career out of it. Goodluck and stay amazing my friend!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
915
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hey Chad,
First off, it’s completely okay to feel lost. The fact that you’re aware of what doesn’t feel right (medicine) and what does excite you (animals) is already a step forward. You don’t have to have everything figured out at once—just focus on your next right move.
1. Explore Animal-Related Careers
Since you love animals but aren’t sure which field fits you best, consider:
Veterinary Sciences – If you’re okay with medical work but don’t want to be a doctor for humans, you could become a veterinarian or vet tech.
Wildlife & Conservation – Jobs like zoologist, wildlife biologist, or conservationist let you work with animals in natural habitats.
Animal Behavior & Training – You could explore marine biology, pet training, or animal psychology.
Agricultural & Livestock Science – If you’re interested in larger animals, farm vet tech, livestock management, or dairy farming could be options.
Military/K9 Work – Since you have a military background, you could train or work with military dogs, search-and-rescue animals, or police K9 units.
Animal-Assisted Therapy – If you like helping people too, therapy animals (in hospitals, schools, or mental health support) could be a fulfilling path.
2. Take Action Without a Gap Year
If you don’t want to pause before deciding, here are things you can do immediately while keeping busy:
Volunteer or intern – Get hands-on experience at animal shelters, zoos, vet clinics, or wildlife rescue centers. This will help you see what you enjoy most.
Look for short-term certifications – Courses in animal care, first aid for animals, or basic zoology can give you direction.
Network & ask professionals – Talk to people in different animal-related careers to see what their daily work is like.
Take a degree that keeps options open – If you’re unsure, degrees in Biology, Animal Science, or Environmental Science allow you to branch out later.
3. Handling Parental Pressure
If your parents are pushing for medicine, try this:
Compromise with an alternative in animal health – Becoming a veterinary doctor or animal physiotherapist could be a middle ground.
Prove your career has stability – Show them real career paths, salaries, and demand in animal fields.
Stay firm & keep moving – If they see you actively working toward an animal-related career, they might ease up over time.
You don’t need to know your exact path right now—just start exploring. The more you try, the clearer things will become. You’ve already taken the first step by recognizing that you don’t want to be forced into medicine. Now, take the next step: volunteer, research, and get hands-on experience. Your path will reveal itself as you go.
You’ve got this, Chad!
Best wishes!
First off, it’s completely okay to feel lost. The fact that you’re aware of what doesn’t feel right (medicine) and what does excite you (animals) is already a step forward. You don’t have to have everything figured out at once—just focus on your next right move.
1. Explore Animal-Related Careers
Since you love animals but aren’t sure which field fits you best, consider:
Veterinary Sciences – If you’re okay with medical work but don’t want to be a doctor for humans, you could become a veterinarian or vet tech.
Wildlife & Conservation – Jobs like zoologist, wildlife biologist, or conservationist let you work with animals in natural habitats.
Animal Behavior & Training – You could explore marine biology, pet training, or animal psychology.
Agricultural & Livestock Science – If you’re interested in larger animals, farm vet tech, livestock management, or dairy farming could be options.
Military/K9 Work – Since you have a military background, you could train or work with military dogs, search-and-rescue animals, or police K9 units.
Animal-Assisted Therapy – If you like helping people too, therapy animals (in hospitals, schools, or mental health support) could be a fulfilling path.
2. Take Action Without a Gap Year
If you don’t want to pause before deciding, here are things you can do immediately while keeping busy:
Volunteer or intern – Get hands-on experience at animal shelters, zoos, vet clinics, or wildlife rescue centers. This will help you see what you enjoy most.
Look for short-term certifications – Courses in animal care, first aid for animals, or basic zoology can give you direction.
Network & ask professionals – Talk to people in different animal-related careers to see what their daily work is like.
Take a degree that keeps options open – If you’re unsure, degrees in Biology, Animal Science, or Environmental Science allow you to branch out later.
3. Handling Parental Pressure
If your parents are pushing for medicine, try this:
Compromise with an alternative in animal health – Becoming a veterinary doctor or animal physiotherapist could be a middle ground.
Prove your career has stability – Show them real career paths, salaries, and demand in animal fields.
Stay firm & keep moving – If they see you actively working toward an animal-related career, they might ease up over time.
You don’t need to know your exact path right now—just start exploring. The more you try, the clearer things will become. You’ve already taken the first step by recognizing that you don’t want to be forced into medicine. Now, take the next step: volunteer, research, and get hands-on experience. Your path will reveal itself as you go.
You’ve got this, Chad!
Best wishes!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1996
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in animals.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore more animal related careers, e.g. Vet, Zoologist, Park Ranger, Dog Trainer, etc. You can find out more animal related careers online
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 counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subject in colleges and have an open discussion with your parents
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore more animal related careers, e.g. Vet, Zoologist, Park Ranger, Dog Trainer, etc. You can find out more animal related careers online
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 counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subject in colleges and have an open discussion with your parents
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!