4 answers
Ayden
Student
Centerville, Iowa
7
Questions
Asked
444 views
When do I know/find what the right career is for me?
I know my interests and everything but I still don't have a finite idea of what I want to be.
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4 answers
marie marek
Mortgage Specialist
9
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
marie’s Answer
Hi Ayden!
Dorothea makes a lot of great points! Everyone takes their own path, so it is ok to feel undecided. I have been reading through some of the questions on this platform and searching different tags, and I noticed that there do not seem to be any hashtags for the mortgage industry.
Of course you will want to look into career paths that interest you, but sometimes not all of the options come up in discussion. I just thought I'd share with you that I unexpectedly found a passion in an industry that I had not ever thought of looking into when I was still working my way through High School.
Some things I enjoy about my work:
1. Helping people purchase their first home
2. Being involved in the community / volunteering with the support of my employer
3. Speaking with clients from all over the country and all walks of life
Dorothea makes a lot of great points! Everyone takes their own path, so it is ok to feel undecided. I have been reading through some of the questions on this platform and searching different tags, and I noticed that there do not seem to be any hashtags for the mortgage industry.
Of course you will want to look into career paths that interest you, but sometimes not all of the options come up in discussion. I just thought I'd share with you that I unexpectedly found a passion in an industry that I had not ever thought of looking into when I was still working my way through High School.
Some things I enjoy about my work:
1. Helping people purchase their first home
2. Being involved in the community / volunteering with the support of my employer
3. Speaking with clients from all over the country and all walks of life
Dorothea Emerho
Nursing
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Dorothea’s Answer
Hello Ayden,
Your question is a big one! You say you know what your interests are, and that’s a good starting point but I guess you’re finding yourself unable to plan your life’s work on the basis of your interests. First of all, that’s totally okay! Don’t be hard on yourself because you don’t have a plan. And don’t let other people pressure you or make you feel guilty because they have plans and you don’t.
I didn’t know until I was 23 that I wanted to be a nurse. Up until then I did odd jobs, primarily in retail stores. I also tried out a few manufacturing jobs, both in woodworking and in leather/nylon. While I don’t recommend bouncing from job to job, I am nevertheless grateful for the experience that I got by doing that.
Why am I telling you these things? To show you that if you don’t know what career to pursue by the time you graduate high school, it’s okay. You may have to work harder and differently than your peers, but harder work never made a weaker person. Being different isn’t wrong or bad.
Another encouragement I would give you is to surround yourself with people/friends who encourage you in a good way. People who build you up and don’t tear you down.
My best,
Dorothea Emerho, RN
Your question is a big one! You say you know what your interests are, and that’s a good starting point but I guess you’re finding yourself unable to plan your life’s work on the basis of your interests. First of all, that’s totally okay! Don’t be hard on yourself because you don’t have a plan. And don’t let other people pressure you or make you feel guilty because they have plans and you don’t.
I didn’t know until I was 23 that I wanted to be a nurse. Up until then I did odd jobs, primarily in retail stores. I also tried out a few manufacturing jobs, both in woodworking and in leather/nylon. While I don’t recommend bouncing from job to job, I am nevertheless grateful for the experience that I got by doing that.
Why am I telling you these things? To show you that if you don’t know what career to pursue by the time you graduate high school, it’s okay. You may have to work harder and differently than your peers, but harder work never made a weaker person. Being different isn’t wrong or bad.
Another encouragement I would give you is to surround yourself with people/friends who encourage you in a good way. People who build you up and don’t tear you down.
My best,
Dorothea Emerho, RN
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Ayden
Jason Zeman, MSODL
Talent / Learning & Development
3
Answers
New Rochelle, New York
Updated
Jason’s Answer
It takes time to figure out when you want to be when you grow up and often people switch careers throughout their life. Knowing your interests is a great start so are you able to speak with people that are aligned to your interests, e.g. if you love computers, can you speak with someone that works with computers or IT (information technology), etc.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
478
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
I think the 'problem' is with us adults, not you as a student. We talk to children as young as 3 or 4, asking “What do you want to do when you grow up?", and continue that question in various forms throughout a person's childhood and teen years—and that is wrong. You have no reason to know the answer to that at the point where you are now. My advice is to keep pursuing tough courses in areas of interest, while also keeping on track with core courses. As you get at least one year beyond HS, interests will start becoming more firm, and you will start becoming more aware of career opportunities. For me, I was 25 before I found a career that I enjoyed and that grew to offer more options as I continued in it. You will, in time, find a life direction that gives you satisfaction. For now, focus on where you are now. All the best.