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How can I choose what I want to do?

I want to be a doctor but at the same time I love animals and want to be a vet. I'm also really good at doing hair and want a career in that field, but I'm just not sure of what to do.

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Michael’s Answer

Hi McKenzie!

It's great that you have so many interests! To try and narrow down that you'd like to focus your future on, I think you should first reach out to those around you who are in these fields to gauge a better understanding of what those types of jobs entail. You could seek out family members of friends, or even reach out to organizations themselves. You can ask questions about their day to day life, what the challenges are within their position, and what they like most about it. This will give you an idea of what your life would look like if you were to become a doctor, a veterinarian, or a hair stylist.

Once you have the foundations of what these positions are like, you would need to make a determination on what kind of school you'd like to attend, since the three jobs require different levels of schooling. Doctors and veterinarians have a much longer and rigorous school trajectory when compared to cosmetology school. Ultimately, that decision can only be made by you, and what you want to do in the future could depends on the level of education you'd like to strive for. I would speak to your school guidance counselor about college tours and information on specific medical or veterinarian school programs and their requirements. Once you have this information you can make a decision on what schools you would to attend and can focus your studies on ensuring you have the grades necessary to be accepted.

The beauty of the school you choose is that you will be able to try out new topics or specialties that you may not have had the ability to dive into before! You may find that what you originally decided to focus your studies in once you got to whatever school you attend has changed, and that's okay! The beauty of going to college or any other type of university after high school is to help you experiment and find what suits you best. So, I would suggest taking as many classes that interest you as possible. This could help you decide on what type of a doctor, vet, or cosmetologist you'd like to be.

Hope this helps!
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Deniece’s Answer

Hello McKenzie. There are a few activities that you can do to help determine what you want to do. One of the best things to do is to seek out someone who is currently in all of those fields so you can see what a day is like in that field. Also, you can find out about schooling requirements in those fields. Ultimately you want to do what you love so that it never feels like work.
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Marcia Erin’s Answer

Hi McKenzie - what a great question! I'll list a few wider-lens avenues to pursue, along with some closer introspective ways to investigate. For broader lens: going for a summer or part-time weekend role that strikes your interest is great, but, frankly, ANY summer/part-time work you get will be immensely helpful. You'll start to see aspects of that role (whether waiting tables, reception, clerking at grocery store....any and all roles) that you like and that you don't like. For example, maybe you have no trouble doing inventory, you like lists and you like the detail and specificity of that task, but then maybe you avoid customer confrontation and find it draining. That is GREAT insight right there. That tells you which TYPES of tasks are activating (wonderfully positive feeling) vs. draining. Then you expand that onto larger thoughts of career options. What are some careers paths where you will manage databases, lists, important detail or analytics? Next up, for some closer introspective investigation for the question: what are some things that you do with ease, you almost disregard these skills, they're too easy? Maybe the subject at school where you don't need to study, but you're interested in the class? This can also bring you to consider what you do well naturally. You could be like me and disregard your greatest strengths (because they're too easy! you have to do the things that are hard....). But then you find later, those things that comes easily to you ARE your super powers. They're not easy for everyone, but they are for you. Some ideas. I also recommend asking any good family friends or family to let you tag along for a half day to their work, see what you think. What about what they're doing looks boring, what looks interesting. I wish I'd done so much more of that in high school myself. Good luck. Best thing you can do is what you are doing right now -- looking, thinking, and asking. All the best in everything you go on to do!
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david’s Answer

Since these careers are far apart, I encourage you to visualize what a day of each would be like. A hairdresser has the opportunity to demonstrate her styling skills, and must build a clientele to follow her. A doctor spends days evaluating health issues of patients and attempts to find ways to restore or preserve the patient's health. Becoming a hairdresser can be achieved in a calendar year, whereas becoming a doctor may well take you into your 30s before you are ready to practice. The cost is significantly higher to achieve the necessary degrees and certifications, all of which are worth the effort if being a doctor is what you want.
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Daniel’s Answer

Hello McKenzie,

In my opinion, you should get as much exposure in each field as you possibly can at a young age. Internship programs, apprentice programs, if you know a family friend or someone who is in that field you can ask them to job shadow for a little. You can also try to reach out to people you do not know and explain your situation and usually people are open to a conversation and helping.

The more you learn and understand what those professions are like, the easier your decision will be. In the end, try to find what brings you most fulfillment and do not be afraid to try new things. Do not feel too much pressure because in life you can always reinvent yourself especially when you are young. You will find your path and best of luck.
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Gabriel’s Answer

Hello McKenzie!!! That is a great question and one that a number of people ask themselves as they think about their future. I would recommend 2 exercises:

1-List each job on a separate piece of paper and list the pros and cons you think would come with each role, as well as any questions you may have about the specifics of each role.

2-Reach out to adults (if you are under 18, please speak with your parents before you reach out to anyone) that you know that may be in these fields, and let them know you are interested in their field and would like to learn more about each role. You can even share your lists from #1 with them!!

Hopefully this will help you narrow down your choices.

Best of Luck!!!

Gabe
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Tammy’s Answer

I understand your dilemma I found it useful that you have a plan a in a plan b plan a is what you have a passion for doing like if you could not see yourself doing anything else but this that's number one number two would be something that you're not quite as passionate about but something that you could be happy doing. Because we don't know what type of circumstances this world is going to be in over the next 5 to 15 years so you have to look at the fields that you know are going to have a steady rate of growth. And just keep in mind this is not the time to make hard and fast decisions this is the time to explore who you are and the person that you want to be so don't be so dead set on you know I have to find you know exactly what I'm going to be doing right now you have some time because it's better to figure out now what it is that I have to do it at 35.
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Lisa’s Answer

Hi -- When starting with such broad choices, I'd consider taking some career tests. These will ask you questions that guide you based more on your temperament. I took several of these in college and continue to take them to get insights into what I'm suited to as people change. There are basic tests online. Google "career assessment" to find some options. Some require the help of a career counselor. Some are free and some cost. I think when they cost $$ it's probably a good sign and they are likely better. Since you are a student, you might have access to a career center at your school. Or ask your local librarian. Libraries and career centers invest in these resources usually specifically to support you narrowing in on career. So you can find some of the better tests there.

One point to keep in mind is to not take these test results too literally. They are just one data point on your journey to figuring out a good place to start. I think it's really common to continue your whole life to find the perfect fit, but you just need to get started and you will try many things and find out through trial and error. Talking to people, using resources like career centers, etc. all will help guide you.
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Sebastian’s Answer

First of all, get an overview of all topics that you are interested in.
But then also have an realistic look at things that can give you also a financial reward.

Example: You like to play video games and also like to play guitar.

It's extremely difficult to earn money as a professional guitar player, but its pretty
realistic to become a IT professional that is more related to develop video games.

Sebastian recommends the following next steps:

Try several internships in fields you are interested in?
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Richard’s Answer

I'd look for a career were you can make a good living but be generally happy with your career at the same time. If there is limited opportunities in a specific job then that might be the best career path.
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Julian’s Answer

Hi McKenzie! You are asking all the right questions right now. You don't have to get your whole future figured out right now, but it's smart to start considering your interests and strengths and investigating different occupations.

Doctor/Vet and Hair Stylist are very different career paths and very different careers/lifestyles. You can get to know which is the best fit for you by taking some career assessments such as the Self-Directed Search, and learning more about what's involved with each pathway at O*Net online (https://www.onetonline.org).

If you decide to go the Stylist route, check with your advisor at school and ask about training partnerships your school might have with cosmetology and related programs. You could start training while in high school, and in some cases even complete your cosmetology training and certification before you even graduate high school, ready to work full-time in a salon as soon as you graduate.

If you're more interested in the medical route (either doctor or vet), take all the science and math classes you can, and apply to 4-year colleges. At college you can major in Biology, Chemistry, or Bio-Chemistry as well as Pre-Med (connect with the Pre-Med advisor before you begin to find out which classes to take). If you go to a large agricultural university, you might be able to do Pre-Vet; but at schools that don't offer that, Pre-Med will prepare you for both medical and veterinary school. For either, you will need to go to a lot more school after you graduate college.

Good luck!!
Thank you comment icon This was so helpful thank you so much. McKenzie
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Luann’s Answer

For me, I would apply for jobs that I was totally interested in or a company I would like to work for. The best way to move in your career for me was to learn as much as possible about the company and jobs available. After I got a job did not have to be the highest paying or ranking position, then I would work very hard and network within the job to then move around as needed.
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Henry’s Answer

Hi McKenzie,

Knowing your strengths and what you enjoy is a good start. However, how do you want to live? i.e Location, standard of living (money), free time vs. work time. This and other questions like this may help you.

Location - Do you want to live in a big city, in the country, etc.? How many opportunities are in that location?

Standard of living - How much will it cost to live there? There is a big cost difference living in New York City vs. Troy Montana.

Free time vs. work time - Being a doctor, lawyer, business owner, etc. will probably limit your amount of free time. I work in Information Technology and work from home. No commute saves me time and money. I have a broad variety of things to do throughout the day.

Do you like set tasks or variety?

There are many facets to choosing a career other than just the basic career concepts.

I hope this helps.
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Nandini’s Answer

Hello!

I can understand how confusing things must be when we have so many options. Hope the response below helps you!

1. What are you fields of interests? I would go back to a year or two and think about what still interests you. Whatever you choose for your college, you will be studying that subject for a couple years - so I would pick something that you are genuinely interested in.
2. Do you envision a future in that field - Take a reality check. Do you see yourself getting a job in your field of interest and supporting yourself and your family with that income?
3. Affordability - Are there good colleges that can offer your field of study with affordable tuition?

Lastly, talk to people close to you - your friends, family, some of your teachers and/ or guidance counselors. Sometimes, they see things that we don't and might have more options for you.

Best of luck!
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Sarah’s Answer

Depending on where you are in your life, look for opportunities to become more exposed to industries you are interested in. Maybe there is a summer program around veterinary or medical fields that you can participate in, maybe you can look for a part time job at a salon (even just answering the phones and sweeping the floor) to get more exposure to what it's like to work in that business. Another option is to look for volunteer opportunities, maybe at a local animal shelter or a local hospital, to get closer to that industry. While you are looking into those opportunities, take the time to ask your coworkers questions you might have! I personally always find it easier to ask questions of people I know vs. reaching out to people I don't know through social media.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello McKenzie!

Choosing a Career Path: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing a career path can be a daunting task, especially when you have multiple interests and talents. Here’s a structured approach to help you navigate your options:

1. Self-Assessment

Begin by conducting a self-assessment to understand your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. This can involve:

Interests: Reflect on what activities you enjoy most. Since you mentioned wanting to be a doctor, being a vet, and doing hair, consider what aspects of these careers excite you.
Skills: Identify your skills in each area. Are you more inclined towards science and medicine (doctor/vet), or do you have artistic skills that shine in hairstyling?
Values: Think about what is important to you in a career. Do you value helping others (which is common in both medicine and veterinary fields), creativity (important in hairstyling), or work-life balance?

2. Research Career Options

Once you’ve assessed yourself, research the careers you’re interested in:

Medicine (Doctor): Becoming a doctor requires extensive education, including undergraduate studies followed by medical school and residency training. Consider the commitment involved.
Veterinary Medicine (Vet): Similar to becoming a doctor, veterinary medicine also requires significant education but focuses on animal health. Look into veterinary schools and their prerequisites.
Hairdressing/Styling: This field may require less formal education compared to the medical professions but still involves training through cosmetology schools and apprenticeships.

3. Explore Educational Requirements

Understanding the educational pathways for each career is crucial:

For both doctors and vets, you’ll need to complete relevant undergraduate courses (often in biology or chemistry) before applying to professional schools.
Hairdressing typically requires attending a cosmetology program which can vary in length but usually takes less time than medical training.

4. Gain Experience

Consider gaining experience in each field through internships or volunteer opportunities:

Shadowing doctors or veterinarians can provide insight into daily responsibilities and challenges.
Working at salons or assisting experienced stylists can help you understand the hairstyling profession better.

5. Evaluate Job Market Trends

Research job market trends for each profession:

The demand for healthcare professionals remains high due to an aging population.
Veterinary services are also growing as pet ownership increases.
The beauty industry is robust but may fluctuate based on economic conditions.

6. Seek Guidance

Talk to professionals already working in these fields:

Conduct informational interviews with doctors, veterinarians, and hairstylists to gain firsthand insights into their careers.
Consider speaking with career counselors who can provide additional resources and guidance tailored to your situation.

7. Make an Informed Decision

After gathering all this information, weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your self-assessment results, research findings, experiences gained, job market evaluations, and professional advice.

Ultimately, choose the path that aligns best with your passions and life goals while considering practical aspects such as educational requirements and job stability.

In conclusion, choosing what you want to do involves careful consideration of your interests, skills, values, educational paths available for each option, practical experiences gained through internships or volunteering opportunities, job market trends for those professions, seeking guidance from professionals already working in those fields as well as career counselors who can provide tailored advice.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on various occupations including job outlooks, salary information, educational requirements for different careers such as doctors and veterinarians.

2. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
The AVMA offers resources specifically related to veterinary medicine including educational pathways required for becoming a veterinarian along with insights into the profession’s demands.

3. National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS)
NACCAS provides information about accredited cosmetology programs across the United States which is essential for anyone considering a career in hairstyling.

Probability that the answer is correct: 95%

God Bless You!
JC.
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Haley’s Answer

Hi McKenzie! I think it is normal to have many interests in a variety of fields and careers. I would suggest that you find activities or part time jobs that align with your interests and explore as many as you are able to. You don't have to limit yourself to only 1 or 2 career interests. You can also reach out to people who are in a field that interests you and ask them what they like about their job and what they find most challenging about their job. This will help you narrow down what you think makes the most sense for you.
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