3 answers
Adorable
Student
Vienna, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
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How do you know if you’re in the right career path?
I struggle often mentally pondering on whether or not I am making the right decisions with my academics. I ask myself “Is this what God wants for me?”. I don’t want to waste my life in a field I hate. I don’t want to limit my potential by playing it safe. How and when did YOU know you were on the right career path? What made you so sure of that? Any feedback or advice will greatly be appreciated! #Spring25
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3 answers
Mary A
Consultant
7
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Hi Adorable,
That’s such a real question, and honestly, so many people ask themselves the same thing, even well into their careers. It’s totally normal to have doubts, especially when you care about making the right choice for your future. It sounds like you’re really thinking deeply about your path, which is a good sign that you want something meaningful.
One thing that helps is paying attention to how you feel when you're doing the work. Do you feel curious, challenged, or excited to learn more? Or do you feel drained and disconnected? You don’t have to love every part of it, but if you never feel fulfilled or inspired, that might be a sign to explore other options.
Also, try to take small steps outside your comfort zone. Internships, side projects, shadowing someone in a different role, or even having conversations with people in different fields can give you a better idea of what might be a better fit. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Sometimes clarity comes through trying, failing, and adjusting.
When it comes to your faith, prayer and quiet time for reflection can help bring peace and direction. Trust that God can use every step you take, even the ones that feel uncertain. You’re not behind, and you’re not stuck. Keep moving forward with honesty and openness, and the path will become clearer with time.
That’s such a real question, and honestly, so many people ask themselves the same thing, even well into their careers. It’s totally normal to have doubts, especially when you care about making the right choice for your future. It sounds like you’re really thinking deeply about your path, which is a good sign that you want something meaningful.
One thing that helps is paying attention to how you feel when you're doing the work. Do you feel curious, challenged, or excited to learn more? Or do you feel drained and disconnected? You don’t have to love every part of it, but if you never feel fulfilled or inspired, that might be a sign to explore other options.
Also, try to take small steps outside your comfort zone. Internships, side projects, shadowing someone in a different role, or even having conversations with people in different fields can give you a better idea of what might be a better fit. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Sometimes clarity comes through trying, failing, and adjusting.
When it comes to your faith, prayer and quiet time for reflection can help bring peace and direction. Trust that God can use every step you take, even the ones that feel uncertain. You’re not behind, and you’re not stuck. Keep moving forward with honesty and openness, and the path will become clearer with time.
Seana Lee Wyman
Lawyer
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Seana Lee’s Answer
Hello Adorable - what a great name you have by the way! I am many years older than you and I struggle with this question a lot. It is very hard to know if you are on the right career path. Somedays I feel like I am, and other days I feel really off track. But the good news is that careers are LONG and you will have many opportunities to change your path in your life. Try and take it one day at a time. Your gut will tell you when it's time to shift or move on from something. A Career is not a static thing - it's evolving and is affected by your life and commitments. I had one career before I had kids and another after my children were born. Now that my children are older, I am contemplating a different career path. Choose something that you LOVE (or at lease LIKE) and work with people who respect you and who you can learn from and who may want to be like. I found that my best career days were days when I really felt connected to my colleagues and the work I was doing. Don't be afraid to take a chance! Life is long and it's all ahead of you - good luck!
Mariana Palacios-Valderrama
Corporate Responsibility and Social Impact
6
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Mariana’s Answer
Hi Adorable!
Thank you for this question, you are not alone and this is a very real and valid concern.
I agree with all Mary shared and will add that, although today it may feel incredibly uncertain, life is not linear. What I have experienced in my journey is that for most of the time I have been figuring it out as I go. As Mary said, seeing how I feel as I do the work, and slowly I got to a place of identifying what I loved. But I also got there after seeing a lot of things I did not enjoy, which were not failures, but learning and part of my journey!
Be nimble and stay alert to what you enjoy!
Thank you for this question, you are not alone and this is a very real and valid concern.
I agree with all Mary shared and will add that, although today it may feel incredibly uncertain, life is not linear. What I have experienced in my journey is that for most of the time I have been figuring it out as I go. As Mary said, seeing how I feel as I do the work, and slowly I got to a place of identifying what I loved. But I also got there after seeing a lot of things I did not enjoy, which were not failures, but learning and part of my journey!
Be nimble and stay alert to what you enjoy!