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How do I find my perfect future career?
I'm unsure of what I want to do with my life
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10 answers
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Rosselin!
You might've heard this a lot, but I'm going to say it again here:
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.
No one has their entire life figured out. Most people who are content with their lives don't even know about their "perfect future career."
That's because it is impossible to predict the future.
Breathe. Remind yourself it's okay.
There are some suggestions you can do. Try these tips:
#𝟏 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐭?
You're likely good at something right now.
Writing? Talking to people? Problem solving & using logic?
If you're thinking, "I'm not good at anything", chances are that's inaccurate.
Take a step back and 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 think about it. Ask your family, friends, teachers what they think you're good at too.
Also - know that it is possible for you to learn anything you want. (Which I'll touch on later).
#𝟐 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫? (𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐨)?
There's a lot of things people will give you money for.
It's a good idea to look at real life examples of people making money in the skills you have (or plan to learn). Some good places to look are YouTube and LinkedIn.
➜ If you're good at writing, search for "writers" or "writing careers".
➜ If you're good with technology, search for "tech jobs."
➜ If you're good at science, search for "science jobs" or "scientists".
Pro Tip: If you're on LinkedIn and have a college in mind, go to the "Alumni" page and look up people in the subjects you're good at (Writer, Coder, Banker. Usually job titles will appear under their name). Read their biographies.
That way, you can have a realistic idea of what jobs you can get.
Also, looking at people helps, because you can see whether you'll like the nature of their jobs. For example, after looking at v-logs of Doctors on YouTube for a couple of weeks, you'll have a better idea if you want to do that or not.
#𝟑 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 (𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰)?
I think it's a good idea for you to feel open to life long learning.
A lot of information and industries change. But if you're open to learning new skills - programming, graphic design, writing, marketing, illustration, as examples... - and dedicating time to getting proficient at it?
You'll develop a tool set of skills that are unique to you. Even cooler: you'll have a lot of transferable technical and soft skills that you can use for different fields.
#𝟒 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰 (𝐥𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟖), 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤-𝐢𝐧-𝐭𝐡𝐞-𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮?
Here's some hypothetical questions... Visualize with me here:
➜ Are you traveling?
➜ Are you into fitness and want to work out a lot, Tues and Thurs?
➜ Do you need time in nature? Do you time for your family?
➜ Are you enjoying having summer break off, or are you working year-round? Are you in the city, on a beach, or in the woods?
➜ Are you happy running a small business, or happy in a office with a friendly team?
➜ Maybe you're at home... spending lots of time with pets.
Grant yourself time to visualize and imagine what lifestyles you'll enjoy.
Write them down. Write a lot of details. Keep your notes in mind.
#𝟓. 𝐔𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬, 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧.
After taking into account:
✶ What you're good at (skills)
✶ What you're willing to learn
✶ What lifestyles interest you
✶ What types of work you might like, or be able to handle.
You can plan next steps. Now, you can start thinking about majors. Now, you can start learning stuff & gain the experience you need;
For careers that will provide the life you want, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 that will provide work that you feel confident in doing.
Lastly...
#𝟔. 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟.
The biggest mistake that some people make is placing limits on themselves.
Some people close themselves off to new opportunities, or careers because they think " I am only capable of doing X."
A lot of people make career changes, even if they were 100% confident in their majors.
It doesn't mean they we're "confused" or that they didn't have a plan. It means that they 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝.
Your needs and wants will change as you grow up. And that's okay. :)
Have a plan. Yes. But be open & flexible with yourself.
Many people have self doubt & feel unsure way into their 40s - and again, that is OK!
You are not alone.
Just focus on the steps you can take now.
Sending you lots of encouragement :)
You might've heard this a lot, but I'm going to say it again here:
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.
No one has their entire life figured out. Most people who are content with their lives don't even know about their "perfect future career."
That's because it is impossible to predict the future.
Breathe. Remind yourself it's okay.
There are some suggestions you can do. Try these tips:
#𝟏 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐭?
You're likely good at something right now.
Writing? Talking to people? Problem solving & using logic?
If you're thinking, "I'm not good at anything", chances are that's inaccurate.
Take a step back and 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 think about it. Ask your family, friends, teachers what they think you're good at too.
Also - know that it is possible for you to learn anything you want. (Which I'll touch on later).
#𝟐 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫? (𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐨)?
There's a lot of things people will give you money for.
It's a good idea to look at real life examples of people making money in the skills you have (or plan to learn). Some good places to look are YouTube and LinkedIn.
➜ If you're good at writing, search for "writers" or "writing careers".
➜ If you're good with technology, search for "tech jobs."
➜ If you're good at science, search for "science jobs" or "scientists".
Pro Tip: If you're on LinkedIn and have a college in mind, go to the "Alumni" page and look up people in the subjects you're good at (Writer, Coder, Banker. Usually job titles will appear under their name). Read their biographies.
That way, you can have a realistic idea of what jobs you can get.
Also, looking at people helps, because you can see whether you'll like the nature of their jobs. For example, after looking at v-logs of Doctors on YouTube for a couple of weeks, you'll have a better idea if you want to do that or not.
#𝟑 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 (𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰)?
I think it's a good idea for you to feel open to life long learning.
A lot of information and industries change. But if you're open to learning new skills - programming, graphic design, writing, marketing, illustration, as examples... - and dedicating time to getting proficient at it?
You'll develop a tool set of skills that are unique to you. Even cooler: you'll have a lot of transferable technical and soft skills that you can use for different fields.
#𝟒 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰 (𝐥𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟖), 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤-𝐢𝐧-𝐭𝐡𝐞-𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮?
Here's some hypothetical questions... Visualize with me here:
➜ Are you traveling?
➜ Are you into fitness and want to work out a lot, Tues and Thurs?
➜ Do you need time in nature? Do you time for your family?
➜ Are you enjoying having summer break off, or are you working year-round? Are you in the city, on a beach, or in the woods?
➜ Are you happy running a small business, or happy in a office with a friendly team?
➜ Maybe you're at home... spending lots of time with pets.
Grant yourself time to visualize and imagine what lifestyles you'll enjoy.
Write them down. Write a lot of details. Keep your notes in mind.
#𝟓. 𝐔𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬, 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧.
After taking into account:
✶ What you're good at (skills)
✶ What you're willing to learn
✶ What lifestyles interest you
✶ What types of work you might like, or be able to handle.
You can plan next steps. Now, you can start thinking about majors. Now, you can start learning stuff & gain the experience you need;
For careers that will provide the life you want, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 that will provide work that you feel confident in doing.
Lastly...
#𝟔. 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟.
The biggest mistake that some people make is placing limits on themselves.
Some people close themselves off to new opportunities, or careers because they think " I am only capable of doing X."
A lot of people make career changes, even if they were 100% confident in their majors.
It doesn't mean they we're "confused" or that they didn't have a plan. It means that they 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝.
Your needs and wants will change as you grow up. And that's okay. :)
Have a plan. Yes. But be open & flexible with yourself.
Many people have self doubt & feel unsure way into their 40s - and again, that is OK!
You are not alone.
Just focus on the steps you can take now.
Sending you lots of encouragement :)
Updated
Faraz’s Answer
Hi Rosselin, first off I want to say that it is completely normal to feel this way. Not everyone has this figured out and some people truly never do fully figure it out.
I would say reflect on what your strengths are and what you in general enjoy doing. In addition, consider what else do you want to learn or become better at. What type of work environment would you want, one where you work more directly with people so more human interaction or something else?
On top of this, give yourself the flexibility to change careers in the future if you need to. We go through different stages in our lives where interests change over time. I personally went through a few different majors and even jobs before I finally found what I love to do. It takes time.
The perfect career also will have its good and bad days like any job, so remember that as well as you evaluate your options.
Another thing I can add is the concept of Ikigai that the Japanese have is great for this too. You can look it up, but it basically sums up into finding the balance between the following 4 things:
1. What are you good at.
2. What do you love to do.
3. What the world needs.
4. What you can get paid for.
I would say reflect on what your strengths are and what you in general enjoy doing. In addition, consider what else do you want to learn or become better at. What type of work environment would you want, one where you work more directly with people so more human interaction or something else?
On top of this, give yourself the flexibility to change careers in the future if you need to. We go through different stages in our lives where interests change over time. I personally went through a few different majors and even jobs before I finally found what I love to do. It takes time.
The perfect career also will have its good and bad days like any job, so remember that as well as you evaluate your options.
Another thing I can add is the concept of Ikigai that the Japanese have is great for this too. You can look it up, but it basically sums up into finding the balance between the following 4 things:
1. What are you good at.
2. What do you love to do.
3. What the world needs.
4. What you can get paid for.
Thanks for the help.
Rosselin
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
Hey there! Picking a career can be a bit challenging, but don't worry, I've got some advice to help you consider what might be the best path for you. It's important to look at things like job growth, opportunities, salary, and satisfaction to see if a career is a good fit.
For instance, my son loved photography in high school. I suggested he could keep it as a hobby, but maybe look into a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for more opportunities and better pay. I encouraged him to chat with professionals in different fields which led him to find his passion for Graphics Information Technology. Now he's studying it in college!
Talking to people who work in the fields you're considering can give you a great idea of the pros and cons of each career. And remember, it's okay to try different things until you find your perfect fit! You'll want to find a balance between happiness and financial stability in your chosen career.
While making money is important in the early stages of your career, personal happiness becomes more significant as time goes on. A lot of people pursue hobbies and passions outside of work to have a balanced life.
One fun tool to help guide you towards a potential career is called me3 by Arizona State University. It's a cool, interactive tool that matches your interests with different careers through a series of visual choices. You can give it a try here: https://me3.careers/asu/onboarding/education
I hope this helps you in finding the right career path for you, and I wish you the best of luck in all you do!
For instance, my son loved photography in high school. I suggested he could keep it as a hobby, but maybe look into a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for more opportunities and better pay. I encouraged him to chat with professionals in different fields which led him to find his passion for Graphics Information Technology. Now he's studying it in college!
Talking to people who work in the fields you're considering can give you a great idea of the pros and cons of each career. And remember, it's okay to try different things until you find your perfect fit! You'll want to find a balance between happiness and financial stability in your chosen career.
While making money is important in the early stages of your career, personal happiness becomes more significant as time goes on. A lot of people pursue hobbies and passions outside of work to have a balanced life.
One fun tool to help guide you towards a potential career is called me3 by Arizona State University. It's a cool, interactive tool that matches your interests with different careers through a series of visual choices. You can give it a try here: https://me3.careers/asu/onboarding/education
I hope this helps you in finding the right career path for you, and I wish you the best of luck in all you do!
Thanks for the help.
Rosselin
Updated
Sasha’s Answer
In addition to the other respondents' ideas, I recommend reflecting on three things:
1) Consider your strengths - What are you good at? What is easy for you, and may not be easy to others? What do people seek you out for help with?
2) Reflect on your aspirations - What is important to you? What are your values? What is fulfilling or meaningful to you?
3) Identify opportunities - What kind of career or job opportunities are available which allow you to combine your strengths and aspirations?
Make a list of the above and consider which jobs (or even types of job) will help you pinpoint the intersection of all three.
I'd also encourage you to consider that a "perfect" career may be quite elusive. First, what suits you today might not be as appealing in 2, 5, or 10 years. That's perfectly normal and it's a part of your evolution as an individual and professional. You may also not be able to dive into the "perfect" career from day one. Most careers don't look like a straight line or ladder, but instead they might be a series of lateral moves interspersed with vertical progression.
No matter what, the closer you can get to the intersection of strengths, aspirations, and opportunities, the more satisfied and engaged you are likely to be.
1) Consider your strengths - What are you good at? What is easy for you, and may not be easy to others? What do people seek you out for help with?
2) Reflect on your aspirations - What is important to you? What are your values? What is fulfilling or meaningful to you?
3) Identify opportunities - What kind of career or job opportunities are available which allow you to combine your strengths and aspirations?
Make a list of the above and consider which jobs (or even types of job) will help you pinpoint the intersection of all three.
I'd also encourage you to consider that a "perfect" career may be quite elusive. First, what suits you today might not be as appealing in 2, 5, or 10 years. That's perfectly normal and it's a part of your evolution as an individual and professional. You may also not be able to dive into the "perfect" career from day one. Most careers don't look like a straight line or ladder, but instead they might be a series of lateral moves interspersed with vertical progression.
No matter what, the closer you can get to the intersection of strengths, aspirations, and opportunities, the more satisfied and engaged you are likely to be.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Rosselin
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hello Rosselin,
A lot of people start off not knowing exactly what they want as a career! People even change their minds as they get older. So, you are definitely not alone in that feeling. The best advice I can offer is to find something that truly interests you, gives you joy, and provides a salary that can maintain your lifestyle. It is totally okay to change your mind later in life!
It is also very important to understand what type of environment you would like to work in and what type of people you would like to work with. Some people are more introverted than others and that can determine what kind of career they may pursue too.
I encourage you to try a few different things and see which ones you like! This can be done via volunteering, ghosting a professional, taking classes, or by getting a job in a certain field.
I wish you the best of luck!
A lot of people start off not knowing exactly what they want as a career! People even change their minds as they get older. So, you are definitely not alone in that feeling. The best advice I can offer is to find something that truly interests you, gives you joy, and provides a salary that can maintain your lifestyle. It is totally okay to change your mind later in life!
It is also very important to understand what type of environment you would like to work in and what type of people you would like to work with. Some people are more introverted than others and that can determine what kind of career they may pursue too.
I encourage you to try a few different things and see which ones you like! This can be done via volunteering, ghosting a professional, taking classes, or by getting a job in a certain field.
I wish you the best of luck!
Updated
Gary’s Answer
Don't worry, there are lots of amazing opportunities out there for you to discover your true passion! One great option is to explore various fields by job shadowing professionals during the summer break. This hands-on experience will give you invaluable insights and help you make informed decisions about your future career.
Additionally, many employers offer internships and volunteer positions that can help you get a real feel for the work environment and potential growth prospects. By immersing yourself in these experiences, you'll be well on your way to finding a career path that truly excites and fulfills you. Remember, the journey of self-discovery is an exciting one, and the more you explore and learn, the closer you'll be to finding your perfect fit. Keep going, and stay positive - your future is bright!
Additionally, many employers offer internships and volunteer positions that can help you get a real feel for the work environment and potential growth prospects. By immersing yourself in these experiences, you'll be well on your way to finding a career path that truly excites and fulfills you. Remember, the journey of self-discovery is an exciting one, and the more you explore and learn, the closer you'll be to finding your perfect fit. Keep going, and stay positive - your future is bright!
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
Hey there! It's so exciting to think about discovering your perfect future career! To start this amazing journey, grab a pen and jot down all your current hobbies, interests, and skills. Don't forget to reflect on your current job and pinpoint what it is you're seeking in your ideal role. Next, consider the industries that fascinate you most and imagine your perfect company - envision yourself working there, and how fulfilling it would be.
Embrace this adventure, and I have no doubt you'll be on the path to uncovering the most incredible career meant just for you! Keep pushing forward and remember that you have unique talents and passions to contribute to this world.
Embrace this adventure, and I have no doubt you'll be on the path to uncovering the most incredible career meant just for you! Keep pushing forward and remember that you have unique talents and passions to contribute to this world.
Updated
Jonny’s Answer
Jump right into anything that grabs your attention. If it doesn't make you happy, feel free to check out other things. If those don't seem right too, keep looking. Finding your real passion isn't a quick thing. It needs real-life experiences and a strong desire to succeed. So, don't hold back, just go for it. This adventure will help you reveal your true purpose.
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Hi!
It can be challenging deciding on a career. Instead of focusing on finding the perfect career, I challenge you to find a role that serves you now, approaching your career as a growth opportunity and learning experience. To figure out where to start, I’d suggest reflecting on what you naturally love to do. What lights you up, brings you energy and a feeling of purpose? The answer to this question will steer you in the right direction. If you’re still unsure, start with helping others. If you could help someone, what would you choose to help them with? Exploring this question will guide you to your purpose and a career that will bring you happiness. It will also allow you to leverage what you are truly great at to make a significant impact.
Wishing you success on your journey!
It can be challenging deciding on a career. Instead of focusing on finding the perfect career, I challenge you to find a role that serves you now, approaching your career as a growth opportunity and learning experience. To figure out where to start, I’d suggest reflecting on what you naturally love to do. What lights you up, brings you energy and a feeling of purpose? The answer to this question will steer you in the right direction. If you’re still unsure, start with helping others. If you could help someone, what would you choose to help them with? Exploring this question will guide you to your purpose and a career that will bring you happiness. It will also allow you to leverage what you are truly great at to make a significant impact.
Wishing you success on your journey!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Rosselin
Updated
Shreyasee’s Answer
Hi Rosselin, I would like to recommend that you take the career aptitude test which will help you determine possible areas of interests for you. Good luck!