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What should I do if I am unsure about what I want to do in the future?
Although I have something I hope to do in the future, I am still uncertain if that is the career I want to choose.
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Jolene’s Answer
Hi Anna!
First thing: understand it's okay to change your mind. The stigma in life is that changing your path is bad, makes you look lazy. But that stigma is very outdated. Many people change their minds, and that's just how it goes! Second: if you do plan on changing your field, make sure you have something to bounce to, another field that interests you. Take your time and research before you leave the field. Talk to people around you that know this field you're interested in, and figure out if it's really for you.
Remember: you're the one that knows yourself best! Trust your decisions, and know that you're doing what's best for you.
Do your research
Trust yourself
First thing: understand it's okay to change your mind. The stigma in life is that changing your path is bad, makes you look lazy. But that stigma is very outdated. Many people change their minds, and that's just how it goes! Second: if you do plan on changing your field, make sure you have something to bounce to, another field that interests you. Take your time and research before you leave the field. Talk to people around you that know this field you're interested in, and figure out if it's really for you.
Remember: you're the one that knows yourself best! Trust your decisions, and know that you're doing what's best for you.
Jolene recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hi Anna,
A teacher once told me (when I was an indecisive high schooler), "There are many doors you'll come across in life, and the trick is to choose the door that has the most doors behind it." There are so many careers out there that are being created as we speak, and it's hard to fully predict what jobs/careers will exist 5 years from now! I'd encourage you to experiment with things that pique your interest, talk to people who are doing things you're interested in, and get as much personal experience as you can with various things to understand what you like to do (or, just as important, what you DON'T like to do). And like others have said, if you realize you like numerous things, or get tired of one path, it's completely okay to pivot between roles. Careers aren't linear these days, and it's often more interesting/valuable to employers to have a wide range of experiences and a strong sense of who you are/what you stand for (of course, you should consider any prerequisites for the career you're interested in; e.g. a career in medicine would require a hefty time investment and wouldn't allow as much jumping, though it still happens!). As an example, I studied international development, and I've worked in everything from education to marketing to research to business consulting and now leadership training -- you'll be surprised by where your career takes you! So approach with curiosity rather than fear, and enjoy the journey!
A teacher once told me (when I was an indecisive high schooler), "There are many doors you'll come across in life, and the trick is to choose the door that has the most doors behind it." There are so many careers out there that are being created as we speak, and it's hard to fully predict what jobs/careers will exist 5 years from now! I'd encourage you to experiment with things that pique your interest, talk to people who are doing things you're interested in, and get as much personal experience as you can with various things to understand what you like to do (or, just as important, what you DON'T like to do). And like others have said, if you realize you like numerous things, or get tired of one path, it's completely okay to pivot between roles. Careers aren't linear these days, and it's often more interesting/valuable to employers to have a wide range of experiences and a strong sense of who you are/what you stand for (of course, you should consider any prerequisites for the career you're interested in; e.g. a career in medicine would require a hefty time investment and wouldn't allow as much jumping, though it still happens!). As an example, I studied international development, and I've worked in everything from education to marketing to research to business consulting and now leadership training -- you'll be surprised by where your career takes you! So approach with curiosity rather than fear, and enjoy the journey!
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi, Anna.
Many people are unsure about their career fields. Sometimes people chose a field and then decide that they want to change that field 20 years later. Sometimes people chose a field and fall in love for the rest of their life. The good part is, you are in charge of your life. You are allowed to change career paths if the one you've chosen does not suit your interests. As someone else mentioned, it may take some effort to change but you may end up 100 times happier if you do put in that effort. Good luck!
Many people are unsure about their career fields. Sometimes people chose a field and then decide that they want to change that field 20 years later. Sometimes people chose a field and fall in love for the rest of their life. The good part is, you are in charge of your life. You are allowed to change career paths if the one you've chosen does not suit your interests. As someone else mentioned, it may take some effort to change but you may end up 100 times happier if you do put in that effort. Good luck!
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
Hi Anna, the good news is that, even If you decide that the career that you chose is not for you, you can always move to another one. Of course, usually, it requires more or less preparation, work, or certification, but it's definitely doable. I saw your other post about taking a gap year. That's also an option; however, you need to check if you can afford it. You still have some time to decide, so, if I were you, I would use to learn as much as possible about that career that you have on your mind. Meet a person who does it, attend a webinar, check apprenticeship/internship summer opportunities, visit a college and talk to students or even professors.