When did you realize that the profession you're in/studying for is something you want to do for the rest of your life?
I've had a countless number of dreams as a kid including becoming a chef, a vet, an artist, etc. My hobbies and interests are constantly fluctuating and it can get in the way of my life sometimes. I recently discovered that I enjoy being around kids, and this has made me wonder if choosing a career in education is something that want to do. Specifically elementary education. (I do have experience doing community service in a kindergarten classroom.) What if I end up disliking my job as a teacher and this is just another one of my interests that happens to change? Can I get some advice, preferably from somebody who is a teacher? What was your experience like? :)
5 answers
Cori Coburn-Shiflett
Cori’s Answer
The career I have now it the result of experiencing life. My first college degree is not for my current career, but it allowed me to gain experience so that I began to realize what exactly I wanted to do for an actual career. I ended up returning to college for graduate studies, and now I am working on my PhD now that I am older.
Everything can be a learning experience, so be open to changing and willing to grow. It is VERY rare that people stay in the original careers that the chose when they were younger.
Stay curious, and you will be rewarded.
Cesar Augusto’s Answer
I hope this can help you out.
Ellie’s Answer
See what things stick out for you!
Michael’s Answer
First make a list of what you want your life to look like:
how much money do you want to make
how flexible do the hours have to be
how much education does it take
are you willing to commute, or relocate
on the personal level look at what you are good at; math, people skills, art, animals, what environment do you want to be in: inside, outside, do you like changing situations at work or a more stable work environment doing the same thing well. Are you a people person, or a loner. Do you want travel as part of work. Are you a technological soul, or would you rather use your hands for something else. Like, do you like to make things, fix things. I guess knowing all about you is the most important thing, then go to a career center (most colleges have them) and see what work matches with you.
I am a nurse practitioner so it takes a skill set that I match and I have been really happy with all it offers. Everybody is different.