8 answers
Sydney
Student
Westfield, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
488 views
When did you discover what you wanted to do for a living?
I feel like I want to do so many things and I'm not sure how to pick just one. I don't want to have regrets.
Login to comment
8 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
744
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
For me it came in college when I did internships and volunteer work.
The feeling of working with others and making a difference in the lives of people in the community, inspired me to seek a career in public service.
The feeling of working with others and making a difference in the lives of people in the community, inspired me to seek a career in public service.
Daniel Chung
Project Manager
35
Answers
Fort Lee, New Jersey
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
The best advice I can give you on this question is to do as many things as you can early. Some people go through difficulties in finding their personal aspirations, whereas in your case, you have many things you would like to try and haven't chosen one. This definitely is an exciting moment in your life, and you should enjoy putting yourself in the environment to know what fits you the best.
First, start writing down the list of your interests and maybe give them scores based on critical factors (salary, working hours, your interests, difficulties, surroundings, etc...) from a scale of 1 - 10.
Second, ask people around you who have already tried or are in the field you are interested in.
Third, try it yourself by finding an intern position or volunteer if you can.
I hope my advice gave you a set of directions to resolve your concern about choosing your career and interest.
Best luck.
First, start writing down the list of your interests and maybe give them scores based on critical factors (salary, working hours, your interests, difficulties, surroundings, etc...) from a scale of 1 - 10.
Second, ask people around you who have already tried or are in the field you are interested in.
Third, try it yourself by finding an intern position or volunteer if you can.
I hope my advice gave you a set of directions to resolve your concern about choosing your career and interest.
Best luck.
Rogelio Tovar
AGE Craftsman
2
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
Rogelio’s Answer
A lot of people struggle with that. There may be different options for you to explore fields that interest you. Shadowing programs, simple visits or correspondence with professionals in careers that you like.
An important thing is that you continue to progress though life, keep moving forward. Whatever that is will be up to you. For some people, they keep pressing forward and continue school, learn skills, or gain experience in the work force. Give yourself time to think and plan but remember that you won't get anywhere by staying still for long, wondering if your going the right way. Remember that the path in life is not a straight line.
An important thing is that you continue to progress though life, keep moving forward. Whatever that is will be up to you. For some people, they keep pressing forward and continue school, learn skills, or gain experience in the work force. Give yourself time to think and plan but remember that you won't get anywhere by staying still for long, wondering if your going the right way. Remember that the path in life is not a straight line.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1797
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students may have similar question. The most important is to find out what you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest like your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, backer, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you are interested in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, composer, music teacher, etc,
2. Explore more on these careers and identity what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Having said that, your interest may change in your life. So, people may change the career.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest like your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you are interested in Maths, would you like to be an accountant, backer, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you are interested in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, composer, music teacher, etc,
2. Explore more on these careers and identity what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Having said that, your interest may change in your life. So, people may change the career.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Keith Rodgers
Sales Director
108
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Still haven't...but that hasn't stopped me from continuing to learn and grow.
I am very successful in my current career and happy. That said, it isn't what I dreamed about but the life I live because of my career is. The average worker changes careers 7 times. I hope you don't have to go through that many to find what you love.
In the end, you will go through stages of life and they will differ. Things you value will differ along the way, so finding what you what you want to do for a living may find you...not the other way around.
I have been in financial services (insurance and banking) for over 20 years. Believe me, it was not what I planned for my "living" but it has provided a very stable, comfortable life for my family and that is enough for me. When the kids are all grown...that may change.
I started thinking about working in an advertising agency. Changed course Jr. year college. My life plan was something else, but I had a Plan B. Still working my 'B'...will maybe have a Plan C as I get close to retirement.
I am very successful in my current career and happy. That said, it isn't what I dreamed about but the life I live because of my career is. The average worker changes careers 7 times. I hope you don't have to go through that many to find what you love.
In the end, you will go through stages of life and they will differ. Things you value will differ along the way, so finding what you what you want to do for a living may find you...not the other way around.
I have been in financial services (insurance and banking) for over 20 years. Believe me, it was not what I planned for my "living" but it has provided a very stable, comfortable life for my family and that is enough for me. When the kids are all grown...that may change.
I started thinking about working in an advertising agency. Changed course Jr. year college. My life plan was something else, but I had a Plan B. Still working my 'B'...will maybe have a Plan C as I get close to retirement.
Kathryn Foster
Engineer
11
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Kathryn’s Answer
I made my decision in high school. I knew I wanted to major in engineering, but I needed to narrow down the field. The college I chose offered, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. After researching each field, I chose electrical engineering. I chose it because I could see more real world applications and job opportunities.
Don't be discouraged. I knew lots of people with this same challege. Life is for exploring. College is a structured environment to help you explore. College is a good option, but it is not necessarily a requirmement. Make a list of your hobbies and your favorite subjects in school. Look for places to volunteer where you can share your hobbies or your time. Look at the people around you - what are people doing that interest you. Ask them about their career path. Don't be afraid to discuss your thoughts and ideas with your parents, classmates, teachers and your guidance counselor. It is much easier to find your way when you are open for discussion. Best wishes!
Don't be discouraged. I knew lots of people with this same challege. Life is for exploring. College is a structured environment to help you explore. College is a good option, but it is not necessarily a requirmement. Make a list of your hobbies and your favorite subjects in school. Look for places to volunteer where you can share your hobbies or your time. Look at the people around you - what are people doing that interest you. Ask them about their career path. Don't be afraid to discuss your thoughts and ideas with your parents, classmates, teachers and your guidance counselor. It is much easier to find your way when you are open for discussion. Best wishes!
Luke Crockett
School maintenance, hopefully PT aide this summer
1
Answer
Wyoming, OH
Updated
Luke’s Answer
Coming into college I had an idea of the subject that I liked ( anatomy), but really had no idea what I wanted to do with it or if that’s really the subject I want to focus on. It’s totally normal for you to come into college undecided.
College is a time where you can explore different careers and it’s okay to switch.
I switched career paths three times in my sophomore year of college. For me these were still all under the same subject/ major but if you need to switch majors to do something you think you will like better, do it. In the long run you will be happier. I suggest going in and observing the career options you are considering. YouTube and the internet in general is another good way to get a feel of what that job might be like.
College is a time where you can explore different careers and it’s okay to switch.
I switched career paths three times in my sophomore year of college. For me these were still all under the same subject/ major but if you need to switch majors to do something you think you will like better, do it. In the long run you will be happier. I suggest going in and observing the career options you are considering. YouTube and the internet in general is another good way to get a feel of what that job might be like.
Adrian Santos
Marine Security Guard
161
Answers
Lome, Maritime Region, Togo
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
It really depends on what your goals are right now. I joined the military to ultimately grow and it has been everything that I asked for. Yes, you have bad days but its given me the opportunity to continue accomplishing my second goal which is traveling. I hope you progress in life doing what you love!