13 answers
13 answers
Updated
Pooja’s Answer
Try New Things!!!
If you haven't started college yet, try a few online courses or videos that span a few different areas. This might help you get a better understanding of what you are interested in vs. what you are not interested in. If you are unsure of a broader career path, look into different options. If you know which direction you would like to head in but don't know exactly what to do beyond that, then look into the specific streams/tracks within that category and see what interests you.
If you have already started college and are still unsure, my advice would be to enroll yourself into different classes and join multiple organizations. During your freshman year if you have a bit of free space in your schedule, talk to your advisor and see if you can fill that space up with a few classes from different majors that might peak your interest. This is a great way to get an understanding of that major!
If you haven't started college yet, try a few online courses or videos that span a few different areas. This might help you get a better understanding of what you are interested in vs. what you are not interested in. If you are unsure of a broader career path, look into different options. If you know which direction you would like to head in but don't know exactly what to do beyond that, then look into the specific streams/tracks within that category and see what interests you.
If you have already started college and are still unsure, my advice would be to enroll yourself into different classes and join multiple organizations. During your freshman year if you have a bit of free space in your schedule, talk to your advisor and see if you can fill that space up with a few classes from different majors that might peak your interest. This is a great way to get an understanding of that major!
Updated
Darin’s Answer
Hello Jessica, in my opinion hobby and career don't always go hand in hand and you really don't need to have hobbies to find a career. Sometimes a career is driven more from wanting to do something. Like being a nurse for example. I have a friend who went into the nursing field, not because it was his hobby but because he wanted to do good, wanted to help people. But I agree with both Pooja and Shiyoung. If you yourself want to find a career based off a hobby but don't have a hobby that you can think of, try new things. If there's something you wanted to try, with everything going on in the world with covid and things shutting down, now is definitely the time. Wishing you the best of luck Jessica!
Updated
Shiyoung (David)’s Answer
Hello Jessica!
You do not have to get pressure to choose your career right now. As time goes on and you learn lessons from various experiences, you might figure out what you are good at and what you like. Thus, at this point, I would recommend you to focus on below things during your high school or college life which could be helpful to figure out who you are.
1. Meet diverse people
Everyone has its own value and characteristic. Same topic and issue could be understood differently by each person. If you could communicate with people having diverse backgrounds and values, it would help you to broaden your horizons.
2. Try new things
You said you have no hobbies yet. However, there are tons of activities you might not experience yet. It could be writing, drawing, or hiking etc. How could you judge that you have no hobbies without experiencing those activities? As you try new things, you could find your hobbies and also your future career. Don't afraid of failure and try whatever it is.
Well begun is half done. At the point you start to think about your career, you are already on the way to figure out yourself!
You do not have to get pressure to choose your career right now. As time goes on and you learn lessons from various experiences, you might figure out what you are good at and what you like. Thus, at this point, I would recommend you to focus on below things during your high school or college life which could be helpful to figure out who you are.
1. Meet diverse people
Everyone has its own value and characteristic. Same topic and issue could be understood differently by each person. If you could communicate with people having diverse backgrounds and values, it would help you to broaden your horizons.
2. Try new things
You said you have no hobbies yet. However, there are tons of activities you might not experience yet. It could be writing, drawing, or hiking etc. How could you judge that you have no hobbies without experiencing those activities? As you try new things, you could find your hobbies and also your future career. Don't afraid of failure and try whatever it is.
Well begun is half done. At the point you start to think about your career, you are already on the way to figure out yourself!
Updated
Angel’s Answer
Hi Jessica!
All of the advice you've been provided with so far is spot-on! I would only add that having hobbies doesn't necessarily need to relate directly to a career choice, but hobbies might help you identify some of your strengths and interests. For instance, I enjoy putting puzzles together and seeing the big pile of pieces start to form a picture with each piece that gets added to it until, one day, it's complete! However, I don't plan on having a career in puzzle-making just because I enjoy seeing the finished product. But, what I have found is that the process of putting the pieces together and seeing the results of my hard work come together in the finished product gives me a great sense of accomplishment, which is something I do in my job everyday. I'm currently working as a paralegal and manage lots of contracts every day. A large part of what I do requires that I'm attentive to the details, which actually comes quite naturally for me (because I'm a puzzle-solver in my spare time!)
So my point is this: You might already have natural strengths that can point you in the right direction toward a variety of career choices best-suited for your interests. I hope this helps you in your journey!
All of the advice you've been provided with so far is spot-on! I would only add that having hobbies doesn't necessarily need to relate directly to a career choice, but hobbies might help you identify some of your strengths and interests. For instance, I enjoy putting puzzles together and seeing the big pile of pieces start to form a picture with each piece that gets added to it until, one day, it's complete! However, I don't plan on having a career in puzzle-making just because I enjoy seeing the finished product. But, what I have found is that the process of putting the pieces together and seeing the results of my hard work come together in the finished product gives me a great sense of accomplishment, which is something I do in my job everyday. I'm currently working as a paralegal and manage lots of contracts every day. A large part of what I do requires that I'm attentive to the details, which actually comes quite naturally for me (because I'm a puzzle-solver in my spare time!)
So my point is this: You might already have natural strengths that can point you in the right direction toward a variety of career choices best-suited for your interests. I hope this helps you in your journey!
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Best bet is to try and find a hobby. First think of someone you respect and ask they how/why they do what they do. You can find out good intel that way. Then...be courageous and try something. You may and likely will fail early and often, but don't give up.
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Jessica,
I would recommend taking an interest survey online. There are many out there that are free and will help you decide what type of work might interest you.
Blake
I would recommend taking an interest survey online. There are many out there that are free and will help you decide what type of work might interest you.
Blake
Updated
Madhu’s Answer
Try to join different types of classes in college. This is your best time to explore what you want. There are so many classes offered in college that lead into career paths that you may never have known existed. Also develop a professional relationship with your professors. They could be your best mentors and help guide you and help you figure out what you may want to do in life.
Updated
Javier’s Answer
Jessica, they are not necesarily related, so think about what moves you, what type of things make you feel good, that you are passionate about. those things may be for example a speciffic topic at school like history, math, biology, etc. and when you make them, time goes by easily, you enjoy, you are good at. those are the signs pointing you to what can be related on the future for you. So be partient and keep going on!!!
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Jessica!
Great question. Similar to some of the other responses you've received, I'd like to reiterate that you don't necessarily need to go into a career that aligns with a hobby. However, I would say that if you can align something that you're passionate about with your career, you're more likely to enjoy it and do well. We spend so much of our lives working so try to do something that you love (as long as you can be financially secure doing so).
In terms of figuring out what you enjoy, maybe just take some time to self reflect and think about those things that bring you happiness, and jot them down on a piece of paper. Don't try to line them up with a career at this point - just think about what you brings a smile to your face. My guess is there is probably some kind of hobby, or even career, that goes along with each of the things you enjoy. (E.g. if you love animals, could you volunteer at a local animal shelter (after COVID of course!)? or could you explore a job as a veterinarian? ). Join groups, even social media groups during this time, with others that enjoy the same thing and see what they do as a profession.
Best of luck!
Great question. Similar to some of the other responses you've received, I'd like to reiterate that you don't necessarily need to go into a career that aligns with a hobby. However, I would say that if you can align something that you're passionate about with your career, you're more likely to enjoy it and do well. We spend so much of our lives working so try to do something that you love (as long as you can be financially secure doing so).
In terms of figuring out what you enjoy, maybe just take some time to self reflect and think about those things that bring you happiness, and jot them down on a piece of paper. Don't try to line them up with a career at this point - just think about what you brings a smile to your face. My guess is there is probably some kind of hobby, or even career, that goes along with each of the things you enjoy. (E.g. if you love animals, could you volunteer at a local animal shelter (after COVID of course!)? or could you explore a job as a veterinarian? ). Join groups, even social media groups during this time, with others that enjoy the same thing and see what they do as a profession.
Best of luck!
Updated
Romy’s Answer
Choosing a career is certainly not something that comes easily and is not necessarily fixed once you have made a choice either. Importantly, in making your initial decisions, consider the specific strengths you have (and I'm sure you have plenty) and the courses or experiences you have enjoyed. Don't be afraid to try new things in your discovery process; check out Udacity.com, which provides Career Coaches and free career guides to explore. Your hobbies can always be separate from your career.
Updated
Theodore’s Answer
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,”
I would sit down and really think about what you enjoy in high school right now and take courses that interest you your first few semesters. Chances are, something will catch your eye that you're interested in and you'll know what you want to do. For now though don't worry, it will all come together in the end. Hope this helps!
I would sit down and really think about what you enjoy in high school right now and take courses that interest you your first few semesters. Chances are, something will catch your eye that you're interested in and you'll know what you want to do. For now though don't worry, it will all come together in the end. Hope this helps!
Updated
Aditi’s Answer
Jessica,
That is totally okay! It sometimes takes time to figure out what you love to do and find related careers. That being said, it is also very important to try new things and see what sticks. We are faced with crazy times right now and given all of the extra time with being quarantined, this is an awesome opportunity for you. Try new things, take free classes online, and see what you enjoy most! It is okay if it takes you a long time to figure this out, but there is truly nothing better than discovering a new passion. Good luck, hope this helps!
That is totally okay! It sometimes takes time to figure out what you love to do and find related careers. That being said, it is also very important to try new things and see what sticks. We are faced with crazy times right now and given all of the extra time with being quarantined, this is an awesome opportunity for you. Try new things, take free classes online, and see what you enjoy most! It is okay if it takes you a long time to figure this out, but there is truly nothing better than discovering a new passion. Good luck, hope this helps!
Updated
sushma’s Answer
Hi Jessica , Its okay if you still haven't figured out your hobby. And its not necessary that your hobby has to be your career path. Try new things. Also try to find out what interests you the most or inspires you.
Keep a journal write what you feel or or make a note of things that are going on in your mind that helps in giving clarity to your thoughts.
Keep a journal write what you feel or or make a note of things that are going on in your mind that helps in giving clarity to your thoughts.