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How do I know if what I choose to be, is what I actually want to do, and not regret it?

If I choose a certain career path but I decide it’s not for me, am I able to change? I don’t really know what I want to do yet, and I don’t want to spend a lot of time and effort into one thing, but then end up regretting it. How do I know a certain career path is what I want to do?

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Talia’s Answer

The great thing about careers is that they are flexible. You learn something from every job. As you expand your skillset, you also expand your possibilities for other jobs. You are never set in stone to one path. Let's take an example from someone who started as a teacher:

- You begin work teaching K-12.
- You move into an administrative role leading operations at the school.
- You get a Master's degree and start teaching at a university.
- You decide to move into a more research-focused role for the university.

While all of these are within the "education" career, they are unique and one role builds into another role. I've also helped a lot of people making a brand new career shift. One recent client I worked with is changing from banking to project management. They got two project management certifications, and have revamped their resume to focus less on finances and more on the projects they helped with.
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Kristin’s Answer

Speaking as someone who changed my major 3 times in college (from aerospace engineering to theatre to English and education), and have changed my career path multiple times, I feel you! For a long time I felt anxious about my non-linear career path (and the 7 years I spent in grad school getting a PhD and then deciding not to pursue a career in that field!). Over the course of my career, I have found ways in which the time I have spent in different areas have broadened my perspective and strengthened how well I perform in my role right now.

I'm encouraged by how many options there are out there to change your path after traditional education (high school and college), whether that is through a software engineering bootcamp, on-the-job education, or apprenticeships. There's a lot of work being done in this area (it's the space I work in now!) especially because of how many people's jobs are going to change again and again over the course of their lives due to the pace technology is progressing.

I know folks who have stayed in the same career for decades and people (like me) who have moved around. And I know very successful people who have followed both routes. Just know both are ok!

And if you identify as having lots of interests like me and that is underlying your question :) , check out this talk on being a multipotentialit : https://www.ted.com/talks/emilie_wapnick_why_some_of_us_don_t_have_one_true_calling?language=en
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Nicolas’s Answer

I had this issue for many years and came to the realization that I should choose something to reinforce what I had been successful in in the past even if I no longer participate or do that thing. I was looking at the overall projection of my life and how I would be viewed before and after. I wanted to solidify my experiences and accomplishments so no one could take them from me or think otherwise. I believed with this degree I could continue doing hobbies, work, and activities in the future that would only tell people I've met that yes I've always done this. Now that I'm writing about it I'm thinking that if I moved on from these activities and did something else, would that make me more well rounded? I don't think so because staying familiar with what you know might be the reason you were put here, so remember to be familiar with your studies. I was fortunate to have experiences, but if you don't, you will gain them. So make sure to garner you interests.
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Adriana’s Answer

This is a great question.

Many people have started off their college careers and then switch their majors. Many people have started careers and then do not want to continue.

As you get older, there are many life decisions/events that may change from what you initially wanted to do to something different. I reason no one can completely answer your questions but my advice to you is to keep yourself current. No matter what you decide to do, keep up with trends in your field or in various fields of interest. Your job may be one thing but a hobby might end up your new career.

There are examples of many who started out with one career and ended up with another.

No one can predict the future but change, don't fear it...embrace it.

Some career change examples:

Rick Riordan - He was a teacher before he wrote, "Percy Jackson & the Olympians - The Lightning Thief "
Ken Jeong - You may know him as a comedian/actor but he is still a licensed doctor (gynecologist/obstetrician)
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Aaron’s Answer

Absolutely, that's a great point to ponder!

The beauty of career paths lies in their flexibility. Fresh out of education, you're in the perfect position to play around with potential career directions. Try to pinpoint what you love, what you excel at, and what piques your curiosity. Then, dive into researching possible routes to follow. Even if you experience 'regret', remember, it's all part of the journey. It's through these experiences that you can discover what you truly enjoy and what you'd rather avoid in the professional world.

Remember, no time is wasted if it brings you wisdom. Every moment is a learning opportunity, so seize it!
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Jerome’s Answer

I think it is helpful to not look at the choice as "right" or "wrong". At different points you will make a choice with the information you have and at different points in life, you might make a completely different choice. Many people switch careers or pivot at some point to things they may enjoy more. Don't be afraid to move forward with something that feels right. You have plenty of time to pivot and still find much success.
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Alex’s Answer

Hi Georgina,

Great question and this is something most adults still question for themselves. The first thing I will say is that you should not have any regrets about any career opportunities you take. Each of them is a learning opportunity that will guide your career path. From personal experience, your own career journey will not be a straight path and will involve various different experiences. That journey will help you learn what you enjoy and what is a great fit for you.

Also, ask yourself what problem you want to solve. Whether it is a problem you or someone you know has experienced (ie. cancer) or something at a larger level (ie. global warming). Then start researching what types of careers exist that could help solve that problem. You will be surprised at how many career opportunities exist that can make an impact. For example, to find a cure for cancer you don't have to be a doctor or scientist. You can be a farmer who makes it their mission to grow and provide pesticide-free food at the lowest cost to low-income populations. You can be a photographer who documents patients' cancer journeys to create more visibility and awareness for the illness. Or work as a financial analyst to evaluate how to reduce the cost of medical care for cancer patients so they are not burdened by huge financial debt.

While each one of those examples will not cure cancer by itself, they will definitely contribute to the larger cause and eliminate barriers that might solve the problem in the lifetime. Latching on to that passion will definitely help you in determining what you want to do in life and you will be able to control when that happens for you.
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