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What is the best thing to do if I am unsure about what career I want to pursue?
I am a senior in high school and I’m still unsure about what to do with my future. My family really wants me to be a doctor or doctor adjacent but I don’t think that’s the best choice for me.
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12 answers
Stefania (Mandrin) Revelli, CCSP, CPRW
Editor/Marketing Professional/Career Coach
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Stefania’s Answer
It's OK to be unsure of what you want to do and it's OK to even change your mind in college, in mid-career, etc. Rather than focus on what you want to do as a profession, I encourage you to think about 1) What do you LIKE to do? (example: help people, analyze numbers, build teams that work on a project, oversee projects) and 2) What you DO WELL (ex. what are you good at doing? same as above). You can go in as Undeclared and work with your advisors in higher education if that is what you are pursuing to choose a variety of courses in the beginning to get a feel for what you enjoy learning about.
Take a career assessment - see what skills and roles are called out, use this as a general guide.
Stefania recommends the following next steps:
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Megan’s Answer
The pressure from family can be overwhelming!
Thank you for asking such an important question, I think it shows a lot of self-awareness and consideration on your part.
I would say, breathe. It’s okay to not know what your next step should be.
I agree with other users here: what are you good at? What brings you joy? What do you spend time researching online? These are helpful hints in uncovering what kind of a career you may be interested in.
Ask friends what they see you loving learning about.
Take your time!
Thank you for asking such an important question, I think it shows a lot of self-awareness and consideration on your part.
I would say, breathe. It’s okay to not know what your next step should be.
I agree with other users here: what are you good at? What brings you joy? What do you spend time researching online? These are helpful hints in uncovering what kind of a career you may be interested in.
Megan recommends the following next steps:
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Nathaniel’s Answer
Hey, great question.
I remember when I was graduating high school I was given a few options from family. For me they were: go into the workforce, community college, or a technical school for music production.
I was consistently looking into those three options, and one stuck: the workforce. I decided to take a gap year and figure out what it truly even means to WORK. So I took some trials and tried out a few temporary jobs to feel out different industries. In short, I felt like I made a pressured decision due to financial reasons. So I decided to pursue something that I had found interest in while working: architecture.
School was… hard. After taking a gap year, I fell out of the rhythm that school has and I ended up not doing too well. So after 1 semester, I changed my decision again and landed a really good customer service position.
After getting this position I realized I enjoyed helping people with everyday issues. Whether it was product or technical questions, I loved explaining how to use what we offered as a company.
After many more jobs and job hunting, I was given a really cool production position for sign management/production. We do a lot of really cool creative things, from welding to sewing, and to even small things like packing up the finished products. And it still offers one thing I enjoy; helping people. We give high quality products in a timely manner to companies that need a solution to their problems.
With stating all of this, I hope it explains that it’s totally okay to figure out what kind of position you’ll fit well in over time. It takes a lot of energy to even look into all the different industries out there and can be overwhelming, especially when family seems to be on your back about making a decision. I’d advise some active steps to help you come to a decision.
Hope this helps!
Sit down and write down careers that interest you (even if you don’t really know what they exactly are).
Write down 1 or 2 hobbies that you enjoy that align with those careers on the list.
Go through the list and rate them 1-“?” With 1 being your favorite choice.
Write down 3 reasons for why the top 3 are your top 3 choices.
Sit down with your family and come to a solution with them about your top 3 choices and see where it lands.
I remember when I was graduating high school I was given a few options from family. For me they were: go into the workforce, community college, or a technical school for music production.
I was consistently looking into those three options, and one stuck: the workforce. I decided to take a gap year and figure out what it truly even means to WORK. So I took some trials and tried out a few temporary jobs to feel out different industries. In short, I felt like I made a pressured decision due to financial reasons. So I decided to pursue something that I had found interest in while working: architecture.
School was… hard. After taking a gap year, I fell out of the rhythm that school has and I ended up not doing too well. So after 1 semester, I changed my decision again and landed a really good customer service position.
After getting this position I realized I enjoyed helping people with everyday issues. Whether it was product or technical questions, I loved explaining how to use what we offered as a company.
After many more jobs and job hunting, I was given a really cool production position for sign management/production. We do a lot of really cool creative things, from welding to sewing, and to even small things like packing up the finished products. And it still offers one thing I enjoy; helping people. We give high quality products in a timely manner to companies that need a solution to their problems.
With stating all of this, I hope it explains that it’s totally okay to figure out what kind of position you’ll fit well in over time. It takes a lot of energy to even look into all the different industries out there and can be overwhelming, especially when family seems to be on your back about making a decision. I’d advise some active steps to help you come to a decision.
Hope this helps!
Nathaniel recommends the following next steps:
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Allison’s Answer
Hello! It is completely fine to not know what you want to do with your career choices. You are still in high school and have plenty of time to figure out what would be a great fit for you.
I didn't know what I wanted to do. My family wanted me to go into teaching, which I did for a while. I wasn't feeling joyful or happy in that choice but I tried. Now I know that was the wrong choice for me.
What brings you joy? What are you passionate about? What are you good at? Think of those things when you are making a career choice. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You can even start college as an Undecided Major and choose later.
You got this! :)
I didn't know what I wanted to do. My family wanted me to go into teaching, which I did for a while. I wasn't feeling joyful or happy in that choice but I tried. Now I know that was the wrong choice for me.
What brings you joy? What are you passionate about? What are you good at? Think of those things when you are making a career choice. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You can even start college as an Undecided Major and choose later.
You got this! :)
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Quoc Nhut’s Answer
Embrace a career that brings you joy and fulfillment. Sure, being a doctor can bring in a hefty income, but remember, a balanced life is equally crucial. I'm acquainted with a doctor who spends every day, including weekends, confined to his office. Unfortunately, he's not a happy man. He barely has time for his family or even himself. So, if you're considering a medical career, do it out of a passion to help others, not merely for the financial gains. Picture yourself in a less lucrative job, but with ample time to explore the world and indulge in self-care.
Furthermore, there's a wealth of free online resources available to help you discover the perfect career path. Take your time, explore these resources, and see if a particular industry resonates with you.
Furthermore, there's a wealth of free online resources available to help you discover the perfect career path. Take your time, explore these resources, and see if a particular industry resonates with you.
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Mindy’s Answer
Ask around to people you might know or your parents might know to shadow someone during their working day. I'd go to your parents with what kinds of things interest you and propose what I mentioned above a mentoring session or shadowing so that you can rule out what you don't want to do and identify what you might like to do. If your parents won't help, ask any trusted adult who they might know and what contacts they might have to be able to help you. What you might discover you want to do might surprise you through this exercise. Hope this helps & best of luck!
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Amritpaul’s Answer
Remember that it's okay to take some time to figure things out. Choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's essential to be patient with yourself during this process. Keep an open mind, be proactive in exploring different options, and trust that with time and effort, you will find the right path that aligns with your interests and goals.
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Christiana’s Answer
I agree with Stefania answer above, know what your interest are. What you enjoy doing and what you think you do well. Then try are get a volunteer job I'm that field just to see what the job look like in the real life. This will help you decide and male a better choice. Good luck
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Gabrielle’s Answer
Hello Marnayt!
I would strongly suggest not just undertaking a career assessment but also considering doing some volunteer work if you can. Doing volunteer work in a prospective career field provides an excellent platform to connect with professionals in that area. It offers you a glimpse into a regular day in that field, and presents a chance to ask them any questions you might have.
As you navigate through the journey of identifying the right career for you, I would also advise enrolling in a few courses that pique your interest at a local community college. This is a more cost-effective alternative compared to a university, and it will help you understand not only what your strengths are, but also what you find enjoyable to learn.
Remember, feeling uncertain about the best career choice for you is something that many high school (and even college) students experience, so rest assured you're not alone in this!
I would strongly suggest not just undertaking a career assessment but also considering doing some volunteer work if you can. Doing volunteer work in a prospective career field provides an excellent platform to connect with professionals in that area. It offers you a glimpse into a regular day in that field, and presents a chance to ask them any questions you might have.
As you navigate through the journey of identifying the right career for you, I would also advise enrolling in a few courses that pique your interest at a local community college. This is a more cost-effective alternative compared to a university, and it will help you understand not only what your strengths are, but also what you find enjoyable to learn.
Remember, feeling uncertain about the best career choice for you is something that many high school (and even college) students experience, so rest assured you're not alone in this!
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Jamie’s Answer
I would encourage you to find your passion. It may very well be in the medical profession but it may not be and that is okay.
I encourage you to speak with your guidance counselor they can give you a list of different career paths, you can research each of those and see if you have any interest in them.
There are also many career assessment test you can take to help you narrow down to where your passion may lay.
Here is one I have used before: https://www.jobtest.org
As an adult who went into a career to please someone, I will stress that I think it can be very important to do something you have passion for. This is work you will be doing for the rest of your life and when you find a career you are passionate about it is no longer a job, it becomes a blessing.
So take this time to really explore all your options before making that decision.
Also remember it is okay to pick one career path and then change your mind if you find it is not for you. Find something that truly lights your soul on fire and go out there and shine!
I hope this finds you well and that you are able to find what makes you passionate!
Jamie
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Jason’s Answer
There's an amazing book you should check out titled From Paycheck to Purpose by Ken Coleman. It's packed with handy strategies to help you land your dream job. One of the quickest ways to gain insight is through conducting interviews. You'll find that most people are more than willing to lend a hand, and they usually enjoy sharing their personal experiences and stories. In Coleman's book, there's a section (I think it's chapter 3) that provides a set of career interview questions you can ask individuals who are already in the job you're aspiring to have one day. Besides conducting interviews, consider seeking opportunities that align closely with your career aspirations. This could mean finding apprenticeships or internships. It's a practical way to get your foot in the door and gain some valuable experience.
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Brad’s Answer
Be honest with yourself and find your passion. What do YOU want?
Research what education/training is needed.
Create a plan on how to obtain that education/training. This may or may not require a traditional 4 year degree (or more). Be open to non-traditional routes. Approach people already in that field for Q &A.
Research what education/training is needed.
Create a plan on how to obtain that education/training. This may or may not require a traditional 4 year degree (or more). Be open to non-traditional routes. Approach people already in that field for Q &A.