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What would be a good pathway for someone that doesn't? know what they want to do
i have no clue what i want to do in life
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8 answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Try out many different things in fields you're interested in, or even ones you don't know about but are curious to hear more. Trying out new hobbies is also a great way to find a passion, and most passions can become careers too if you dedicate enough time to them.
I entered college with my major set to Undecided and only realized after taking a general education Psychology class a year in that I wanted to make that my major. Despite loving the details I learned throughout college, I also realized the career path I was hoping to follow would have required much of my time to be spent doing something I was not interested in, so I graduated and found a career in digital marketing.
Having no clue is not a disadvantage, it is an opportunity to explore everything that comes up and navigate as you go. Embrace it!
I entered college with my major set to Undecided and only realized after taking a general education Psychology class a year in that I wanted to make that my major. Despite loving the details I learned throughout college, I also realized the career path I was hoping to follow would have required much of my time to be spent doing something I was not interested in, so I graduated and found a career in digital marketing.
Having no clue is not a disadvantage, it is an opportunity to explore everything that comes up and navigate as you go. Embrace it!
Updated
Han-Bee’s Answer
It's a pleasure to meet you, Julius! Your question is a brilliant one, and it's something we've all pondered at some point. Let's start by acknowledging that it's perfectly alright to be unsure about your future. It's commendable that you're actively seeking your purpose.
My own journey took me through college, where I earned a degree in communications, fully expecting it to be my chosen path. However, it turned out to be a detour, and I'm currently navigating my way towards my true calling. The most valuable lesson I've learned so far is that finding your path becomes easier when you shift your focus to learning about who you are.
College can be an excellent platform for self-discovery, and discussing your aspirations with an academic advisor could be a beneficial first step. However, I understand that college might not be feasible for everyone.
So, here are some strategies that have helped me pinpoint my passion and purpose:
1. Identify what matters most to you and formulate your personal mission statement.
2. Draft a bucket list of all your aspirations, separating short-term and long-term goals.
3. Make a list of topics/skills you'd like to learn more about and dedicate at least 30 minutes each day to them. Assess how much you enjoy each topic, how well it aligns with your values, and your eagerness to delve deeper. Remove any items that no longer resonate with you.
4. Envision where you want to be in 10 years and outline the milestones you'll need to hit to get there.
The ambiguity of the future can be daunting, but remember, you've already made significant progress by questioning your purpose. We all wish you the very best in your journey and will always be here for support!
My own journey took me through college, where I earned a degree in communications, fully expecting it to be my chosen path. However, it turned out to be a detour, and I'm currently navigating my way towards my true calling. The most valuable lesson I've learned so far is that finding your path becomes easier when you shift your focus to learning about who you are.
College can be an excellent platform for self-discovery, and discussing your aspirations with an academic advisor could be a beneficial first step. However, I understand that college might not be feasible for everyone.
So, here are some strategies that have helped me pinpoint my passion and purpose:
1. Identify what matters most to you and formulate your personal mission statement.
2. Draft a bucket list of all your aspirations, separating short-term and long-term goals.
3. Make a list of topics/skills you'd like to learn more about and dedicate at least 30 minutes each day to them. Assess how much you enjoy each topic, how well it aligns with your values, and your eagerness to delve deeper. Remove any items that no longer resonate with you.
4. Envision where you want to be in 10 years and outline the milestones you'll need to hit to get there.
The ambiguity of the future can be daunting, but remember, you've already made significant progress by questioning your purpose. We all wish you the very best in your journey and will always be here for support!
Updated
Cait’s Answer
Hi Julius! As Han-Bee said, this is a great question and one that we have all encountered at some point in life. The previous answers are full of good advice. When I struggled with this same issue, I was advised to take a few classes at a local community college. I reached out and spoke with an admissions representative, who helped me apply. I selected courses that I thought would interest me, and I dove in head-first! At the conclusion of the first semester, I found I'd been exposed to entire worlds of careers that had never occurred to me! Meeting classmates and learning more about what they enjoyed also helped me to understand what field I wanted to work in--plus, there was a side bonus! I'd already taken some pre-requisites for the major I ultimately landed on (history), and when it was time, I easily transferred them to my chosen university.
Best of luck, Julius! Your curiosity and openness to new experiences will take you far in school, and in life.
Best of luck, Julius! Your curiosity and openness to new experiences will take you far in school, and in life.
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi Julius,
Great question and this is something most adults ask themselves as well. 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.
My recommendation is to 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.
Great question and this is something most adults ask themselves as well. 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.
My recommendation is to 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.
Updated
Liam’s Answer
Hi Julius! I think one important thing to remember here is that it's okay to not know what you want to do! There are SO many different paths you could take in life, and you might even change your mind a few times before landing on something you love. Personally, I was absolutely set on working in the healthcare industry my entire life. First I wanted to be a pediatrician, then I realized I really enjoyed pharmacy, so I was a pharmacy technician for many years. It was a fulfilling job, but like any job, it had challenges that I eventually decided were no longer for me. Even now at 40 years old, I'm currently a Customer Service Supervisor, but working my way into being a Data Analyst. I've always had a passion for data and numbers, but I didn't really learn about analytics until I was much older. You could say even later in life, I'm still not done finding my passions, and that's okay! I love my job because it's fulfilling, and the company I work for (Chegg) is amazing! Find a company that values you, work hard, and you will find your path :)
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Daniel’s Answer
Many individuals are unsure about their career path, and that's perfectly okay. The key is to explore various job roles. I stumbled upon my success in sales quite unexpectedly, after taking a leap of faith. The reason behind my affinity for it is my love for interacting with people and my innate desire to assist them. Sales may not appear to be about helping others, but in truth, it could be about helping someone find a home, choose the right mobile plan, or discover the best advertising strategy for their business.
Start by identifying what you love - be it conversing, working with animals, using your hands, or collaborating with others. Then, venture into entry-level roles in a field that incorporates your interests. Within six months, you'll have a good idea if this is the right direction for you. Don't hesitate to inquire about potential growth opportunities within the company while you're there. It's all about trial and error until you find your perfect fit.
Start by identifying what you love - be it conversing, working with animals, using your hands, or collaborating with others. Then, venture into entry-level roles in a field that incorporates your interests. Within six months, you'll have a good idea if this is the right direction for you. Don't hesitate to inquire about potential growth opportunities within the company while you're there. It's all about trial and error until you find your perfect fit.
Updated
Mercedes’s Answer
Hey Julius!
I totally understand how it can feel a bit too much when you're trying to figure out your future path. Believe me, I've been there. After graduation, I spent a couple of years feeling a bit lost, not quite sure what I wanted to do with my life.
Initially, I went for a degree in Marketing, but soon realized that it wasn't really my cup of tea. So, I took up part-time jobs in retail and used my free time to network with people on LinkedIn. I reached out to those who held job titles that intrigued me and arranged meetings to understand more about their work. It was only a few years back that I stumbled upon my current job, and I can now see myself sticking with it for the foreseeable future.
I know it can seem intimidating right now, trying to find that perfect career path. But let me reassure you, what you're doing at this moment is the initial step towards finding a fulfilling career. Remember, sometimes jobs are just that - JOBS. They don't necessarily have to be a lifelong career that you'll be stuck with until retirement. Our lives and careers are not straight lines, they're more like winding roads. We're constantly evolving, learning more about ourselves, and our interests become clearer as we grow.
So, take it easy, experiment with new things, and keep an open mind to diverse opportunities. You've got this, Julius!
I totally understand how it can feel a bit too much when you're trying to figure out your future path. Believe me, I've been there. After graduation, I spent a couple of years feeling a bit lost, not quite sure what I wanted to do with my life.
Initially, I went for a degree in Marketing, but soon realized that it wasn't really my cup of tea. So, I took up part-time jobs in retail and used my free time to network with people on LinkedIn. I reached out to those who held job titles that intrigued me and arranged meetings to understand more about their work. It was only a few years back that I stumbled upon my current job, and I can now see myself sticking with it for the foreseeable future.
I know it can seem intimidating right now, trying to find that perfect career path. But let me reassure you, what you're doing at this moment is the initial step towards finding a fulfilling career. Remember, sometimes jobs are just that - JOBS. They don't necessarily have to be a lifelong career that you'll be stuck with until retirement. Our lives and careers are not straight lines, they're more like winding roads. We're constantly evolving, learning more about ourselves, and our interests become clearer as we grow.
So, take it easy, experiment with new things, and keep an open mind to diverse opportunities. You've got this, Julius!
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
I totally get where you're coming from, so there's no need for concern!
The best place to begin is by identifying the activities you truly love. What are the things you're really good at? What sparks your curiosity?
This is the ideal moment to explore these various paths. In the end, it's not expected of you to have your whole life planned out. Seek out what brings you joy or presents a challenge, and don't hesitate to try new things.
The best place to begin is by identifying the activities you truly love. What are the things you're really good at? What sparks your curiosity?
This is the ideal moment to explore these various paths. In the end, it's not expected of you to have your whole life planned out. Seek out what brings you joy or presents a challenge, and don't hesitate to try new things.