12 answers
Brittany
Student
Durham, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What if what im interesting in now can be confusing and changes when im growing up and wont be able to fulfill my dream career if it don't work out!
actress and business enterprenur and in miltary
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12 answers
Jennifer Alonzo Reule, CPRW
Senior Writer & Editor
3
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
It's not uncommon for people's career interests and aspirations to change over time. There's no law that says once you pick a career you have to stick with it forever, and it's never too late to try something new. If your "dream" career doesn't work out and you find another career that interests you down the road, do your research and, as someone else mentioned, reach out to people who currently work in that field to learn more. Sometimes you can even find volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on exposure without fully committing to a job. You don't have to have everything figured out by a certain age, and there's nothing wrong with changing directions at various points during your career journey.
Keiko Roy-Carey
SaaS Sales Professional
1
Answer
Glen Allen, Virginia
Updated
Keiko’s Answer
Hi Brittany,
It's more likely than not that your interests will continue to evolve as you experience new environments, read more books, keep learning new topics, fall in love and meet many inspiring people. I've had many jobs from waitressing, being an assistant to a wedding planner, teaching English in South Korea, managing teams, working as a sales professional in the travel industry, founding a startup and more. But when I was younger and throughout high school, I just knew I'd have a career in the performing arts. It didn't turn out like I thought, but my journey has been even more exciting than I could have ever imagined.
In my experience, the people who are most fulfilled in their life have remained open to changing their mind (they even welcome it!). There are some people who know exactly what it is they want to do for a career and follow that path, but as I've lived more, I've found that most of the people I know stumbled into their current jobs. Very few have actual careers that they plan on or even desire to keep doing forever. So my most honest advice to you would be to collect as wide of a variety of experiences as possible and do so with an open mind and heart. Reflect on how those experiences impact the way you think and view the world around you (journaling is a great way to do this). You can take all of that real-world data, and that'll be your competitive advantage in whatever jobs you land in while you build a career. As with life, your career is a journey you can live into!
There's an excerpt from one of my favorite books by Rainer Maria Rilke, "Letters to a Young Poet" and in it, he writes,
“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”
Lean into your interests, let your curiosities guide you and learn as much as you can about topics you enjoy, connect with people who share those same interests, and crowdsource wisdom from those who are further along in their journey. Learn to love the questions and you'll live your way into the answer...
It's more likely than not that your interests will continue to evolve as you experience new environments, read more books, keep learning new topics, fall in love and meet many inspiring people. I've had many jobs from waitressing, being an assistant to a wedding planner, teaching English in South Korea, managing teams, working as a sales professional in the travel industry, founding a startup and more. But when I was younger and throughout high school, I just knew I'd have a career in the performing arts. It didn't turn out like I thought, but my journey has been even more exciting than I could have ever imagined.
In my experience, the people who are most fulfilled in their life have remained open to changing their mind (they even welcome it!). There are some people who know exactly what it is they want to do for a career and follow that path, but as I've lived more, I've found that most of the people I know stumbled into their current jobs. Very few have actual careers that they plan on or even desire to keep doing forever. So my most honest advice to you would be to collect as wide of a variety of experiences as possible and do so with an open mind and heart. Reflect on how those experiences impact the way you think and view the world around you (journaling is a great way to do this). You can take all of that real-world data, and that'll be your competitive advantage in whatever jobs you land in while you build a career. As with life, your career is a journey you can live into!
There's an excerpt from one of my favorite books by Rainer Maria Rilke, "Letters to a Young Poet" and in it, he writes,
“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”
Lean into your interests, let your curiosities guide you and learn as much as you can about topics you enjoy, connect with people who share those same interests, and crowdsource wisdom from those who are further along in their journey. Learn to love the questions and you'll live your way into the answer...
madhuri latha prathikantam
Data Engineer
4
Answers
Dublin, California
Updated
madhuri latha’s Answer
Hello Brittany, you're certainly not alone in this. Believe me, almost everyone has, at some point, considered one career path and then switched to another, either by accident or by design. And that's perfectly okay! The important thing is to keep searching for what truly ignites your passion and gives you a sense of fulfillment. Make sure you're making decisions based on your own desires and not simply because of outside influences. At the end of the day, it's you who will carry on this journey and meet the expectations that come with it, not anyone else. So, make a thoughtful choice that brings joy to your heart.
Melody Robertson
Business Transformation
2
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Hello Brittany!
In your career journey, you'll probably come across some twists and turns. That's perfectly fine! It's all part of the process and it's important to remember that it's completely okay to make adjustments and pursue what truly sparks your interest. I highly suggest spending some time job shadowing individuals who are already in your dream job or field of interest. This will give you a firsthand glimpse of what a typical day looks like in that role, helping you decide if it's the right path for you. Don't hesitate to ask the person you're shadowing detailed questions - they'll be instrumental in guiding you.
Remember, changes are a natural part of life. Embrace them and use them to carve out your own unique path. Keep going, Brittany!
Find a person in your dream job role.
Reach out to dream job professional and schedule time to chat and job shadow.
Interview dream job professional. If it seems to align to what you are interested, ask for a reference for an internship or job lead.
Reflect on the job shadowing and make a plan for your next steps.
In your career journey, you'll probably come across some twists and turns. That's perfectly fine! It's all part of the process and it's important to remember that it's completely okay to make adjustments and pursue what truly sparks your interest. I highly suggest spending some time job shadowing individuals who are already in your dream job or field of interest. This will give you a firsthand glimpse of what a typical day looks like in that role, helping you decide if it's the right path for you. Don't hesitate to ask the person you're shadowing detailed questions - they'll be instrumental in guiding you.
Remember, changes are a natural part of life. Embrace them and use them to carve out your own unique path. Keep going, Brittany!
Melody recommends the following next steps:
Levi Bimba
Revenue Assurance Analyst
7
Answers
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Updated
Levi’s Answer
It is totally normal to have changing interests throughout your life. Sometimes the interests you have earlier on won't be what you end up with but it'll be a bridge to finding out what you actually want to do for a career. I changed my major several times while in college until finally settling on a finance degree. So, be patient, try out different things, and do thorough research on particular interests you have now to see what the day-to-day of that career is like.
Dhimant Korant
IT Product Manager
50
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Dhimant’s Answer
Hello Brittney,
In my view, everyone experiences this cycle of change, and it's entirely possible that your dream job preferences may evolve over time. I encourage you to passionately pursue your dream job, regardless of what it may be. Dedicate some time each week to immerse yourself in that role (for instance, as a business entrepreneur) and see how it resonates with you.
Moreover, try to engage with a diverse group of people who are already in that field. Listen to their experiences, learn from their journeys. It's important to gather insights from a variety of individuals - this is the wisdom of the crowd - to form a more comprehensive understanding. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to realizing your dream. Keep going!
In my view, everyone experiences this cycle of change, and it's entirely possible that your dream job preferences may evolve over time. I encourage you to passionately pursue your dream job, regardless of what it may be. Dedicate some time each week to immerse yourself in that role (for instance, as a business entrepreneur) and see how it resonates with you.
Moreover, try to engage with a diverse group of people who are already in that field. Listen to their experiences, learn from their journeys. It's important to gather insights from a variety of individuals - this is the wisdom of the crowd - to form a more comprehensive understanding. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to realizing your dream. Keep going!
I agree with this as well. Sometimes we feel that since we said we were going to do something and set a goal, we must achieve that goal. However, life is fluid. We change all the time, and if I held myself to achieve the goals I set for myself as a child, I would be unhappy. What is most important is not the goal itself, by being able to understand your motivation for that goal and that is is fulfilling.
Michelle Shields
Ana Anaya
International Marketing Manager, CRM
3
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Ana’s Answer
Hi Brittany,
Great question! I understand how and why not fulfilling your dream career can seem scary right now. The good news is that your perspective on what you dream career should be could change and that is exciting. It means you found something else you can pursue that maybe you didn’t know about or didn’t think you could do; but is now how you’re carving your way forward and that’s exciting.
All my life I wanted to be a lawyer. I did all the precertification and was sure nothing would steer me off my path. That is, until I discovered psychology and my entire world view changed. I took classes that ignited my passion and interest. I loved going to school and I loved learning more than ever before. Sure enough, I ended up with a career in marketing far away from a doctor’s office.
The point is, who you are and the things that matter to you a couple years down the line can change. Maybe should change. The best advice I can give you is to not fear but embrace change. Change your mind often and change your mind wisely. Don’t stick to only one track because of the amount of time you’ve embraced that idea, let your experiences and growth guide you every step of the way. Despite this highly perpetuated idea that you need to have your entire career mapped out as a teenager or young adult, I’m here to tell you that you don’t. It’s never too late to change your mind and follow a new dream.
Great question! I understand how and why not fulfilling your dream career can seem scary right now. The good news is that your perspective on what you dream career should be could change and that is exciting. It means you found something else you can pursue that maybe you didn’t know about or didn’t think you could do; but is now how you’re carving your way forward and that’s exciting.
All my life I wanted to be a lawyer. I did all the precertification and was sure nothing would steer me off my path. That is, until I discovered psychology and my entire world view changed. I took classes that ignited my passion and interest. I loved going to school and I loved learning more than ever before. Sure enough, I ended up with a career in marketing far away from a doctor’s office.
The point is, who you are and the things that matter to you a couple years down the line can change. Maybe should change. The best advice I can give you is to not fear but embrace change. Change your mind often and change your mind wisely. Don’t stick to only one track because of the amount of time you’ve embraced that idea, let your experiences and growth guide you every step of the way. Despite this highly perpetuated idea that you need to have your entire career mapped out as a teenager or young adult, I’m here to tell you that you don’t. It’s never too late to change your mind and follow a new dream.
Andrew Petrie
Corporate Strategy
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
This is a great question and one that many people grapple with over time. As you go through life, you will meet people who seem to have it all figured out and have achieved the dream career they set for themselves when they were a kid. You will also find people who are still searching for their "thing." Neither of these paths is right; what matters is that you are pursuing things in life that you find interesting and have meaning to you. Many of the people out there who are in their "dream career" didn't start out thinking that would be their dream career - they weren't afraid to go forward and figure out what that was, and make a pivot to discover the path they wanted to be on. This is a journey and over time you will get more clarity on the path you want to go down. Be flexible and open to new ideas and experiences, you never know where you will end up. That being said, if you have high conviction on a path, work your tail off to make that a reality! A lot in life can be achieved with the combination of being 'all in' and hard work.
Sumabala Nair
IT Architect
10
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Sumabala’s Answer
Hey Brittany, great question.
I can completely relate. What you feel is completely normal and does not reflect negatively on you in any way. It is perfectly fine to have multiple interests, some that seem to have nothing to do with one another. Every human being is multi-faceted, we are after all, not two dimensional cardboard cutouts :)
Remember that life is a journey and there are milestones aplenty on the way. My advise to you would be to try out the things that catch your fancy. You don't necessarily need to commit to them completely at first. Maybe volunteer for something in a space that interests you, maybe take a free class to see if you still like it... in today's world, there are many ways to dip your toes without jumping right in. As you do this, you may find yourself more drawn to some things than others, this will help you narrow things down. And if you still are drawn to many differnt things, that is cool too - just figure out what you need to do asa. career (interest, opportunity, remuneration, growth options etc are all factors) and what can be hobbies. I work in IT as a Solution Architect, but I also sing, paint, do crafts and trek.
Even in your chosen career there will be different things that interest you - I find myself surrounded by Blockchain, AI, Quantum, Sustainability and so many other equally interesting technologies. Apply the same logic if you can.
Sometimes, also know that you will find some interesting intersections and convergences in your interests. That may also help you solidify your choices.
Another thing to keep in mind - your interests and career may change over time -perhaps new technologies or ideas surface - that is ok too. It is a journey,a fter all
I can completely relate. What you feel is completely normal and does not reflect negatively on you in any way. It is perfectly fine to have multiple interests, some that seem to have nothing to do with one another. Every human being is multi-faceted, we are after all, not two dimensional cardboard cutouts :)
Remember that life is a journey and there are milestones aplenty on the way. My advise to you would be to try out the things that catch your fancy. You don't necessarily need to commit to them completely at first. Maybe volunteer for something in a space that interests you, maybe take a free class to see if you still like it... in today's world, there are many ways to dip your toes without jumping right in. As you do this, you may find yourself more drawn to some things than others, this will help you narrow things down. And if you still are drawn to many differnt things, that is cool too - just figure out what you need to do asa. career (interest, opportunity, remuneration, growth options etc are all factors) and what can be hobbies. I work in IT as a Solution Architect, but I also sing, paint, do crafts and trek.
Even in your chosen career there will be different things that interest you - I find myself surrounded by Blockchain, AI, Quantum, Sustainability and so many other equally interesting technologies. Apply the same logic if you can.
Sometimes, also know that you will find some interesting intersections and convergences in your interests. That may also help you solidify your choices.
Another thing to keep in mind - your interests and career may change over time -perhaps new technologies or ideas surface - that is ok too. It is a journey,a fter all
Garroch Neil
Sr. Director of Product Management
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Garroch’s Answer
It's natural for your interests to evolve over time! Some things will stick around forever, but other interests will come and go as you grow and change. When I first started college, I wanted to major in physics because I was loosely interested in cosmology and quantum mechanics. That was before I took my first calculus class, which was absolutely not my cup of tea. Things changed pretty fast after that, because there is no physics without calculus! I ended up majoring in Economics (*without* a calculus focus :D) and minoring in Computer Science, both of which I found interesting and fulfilling--but I didn't declare my major until my junior year.
Professionally speaking, at first I wanted to be a recording studio engineer because I was passionate about music and playing/recording music was a huge part of my high school career. But through several on- and off-campus jobs in live sound and recording studio engineering, and talking to people in the industry, I realized that it wasn't the kind of lifestyle I saw myself leading after college. I wanted a desk job.
My first job was in operations management at a large industrial supply company. It was a great experience and I learned a lot, but the work that I found most interesting there was that which was related to systems and technology, and linking the needs of the end users of our website and back-end systems with the teams that are building them. I didn't know it at the time, but I had already caught the bug for product management, which ultimately became the career path I settled on for the long term a few years later.
The thing is, through all of this, I took something valuable from one interest and applied it to the next. My interest in musicianship helped me be a better recording studio engineer as I worked with performing artists. My interest in physics and the way the world worked set me up with an inquisitive and analytical mindset that helped me be a better operations manager. And my experience managing an operation helped me become a better product manager, where my knowledge about running teams and processes helped me deliver better products for my company & our customers.
My advice is to pursue what you're passionate about and pursue it fully, but never lose sight of how you can stitch those interests together in complementary ways and how you can apply what you learn from your interests over the long term. At some point in your career, years from now, it'll benefit you to "pick a lane" and specialize deeply in a field, but that time isn't right now. For now, just explore your interests and be intentional about what you seek out and what it teaches you about career interests and the world around you. And as the previous poster mentioned, surround yourself with interesting, passionate and driven people who can help you learn, grow, and stay motivated to find your ideal path.
Professionally speaking, at first I wanted to be a recording studio engineer because I was passionate about music and playing/recording music was a huge part of my high school career. But through several on- and off-campus jobs in live sound and recording studio engineering, and talking to people in the industry, I realized that it wasn't the kind of lifestyle I saw myself leading after college. I wanted a desk job.
My first job was in operations management at a large industrial supply company. It was a great experience and I learned a lot, but the work that I found most interesting there was that which was related to systems and technology, and linking the needs of the end users of our website and back-end systems with the teams that are building them. I didn't know it at the time, but I had already caught the bug for product management, which ultimately became the career path I settled on for the long term a few years later.
The thing is, through all of this, I took something valuable from one interest and applied it to the next. My interest in musicianship helped me be a better recording studio engineer as I worked with performing artists. My interest in physics and the way the world worked set me up with an inquisitive and analytical mindset that helped me be a better operations manager. And my experience managing an operation helped me become a better product manager, where my knowledge about running teams and processes helped me deliver better products for my company & our customers.
My advice is to pursue what you're passionate about and pursue it fully, but never lose sight of how you can stitch those interests together in complementary ways and how you can apply what you learn from your interests over the long term. At some point in your career, years from now, it'll benefit you to "pick a lane" and specialize deeply in a field, but that time isn't right now. For now, just explore your interests and be intentional about what you seek out and what it teaches you about career interests and the world around you. And as the previous poster mentioned, surround yourself with interesting, passionate and driven people who can help you learn, grow, and stay motivated to find your ideal path.
Christina Zappel
Senior Manager, Vendor Operations
3
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Christina’s Answer
It's absolutely okay for your career goals to evolve as you grow. Finding a career that satisfies all your needs can be challenging, especially if you have diverse interests. Remember, it's not necessary to have everything sorted out instantly. Instead, have faith in the journey.
Creating a list of essentials, the things you absolutely want in your career, is an effective strategy to stay focused. Consider this as the broad path you're following.
Another key element is the willingness to explore and experiment with new opportunities. These can be seen as the small detours off your main path. Stay adaptable and discover what you enjoy. If you embrace this approach, you're bound to find your path. Remember, shaping your career is an ongoing process. As long as you're aware of the broad direction you're heading in, you're on the right track.
Best of luck!
Creating a list of essentials, the things you absolutely want in your career, is an effective strategy to stay focused. Consider this as the broad path you're following.
Another key element is the willingness to explore and experiment with new opportunities. These can be seen as the small detours off your main path. Stay adaptable and discover what you enjoy. If you embrace this approach, you're bound to find your path. Remember, shaping your career is an ongoing process. As long as you're aware of the broad direction you're heading in, you're on the right track.
Best of luck!
Layne Buckley
Human Resources
42
Answers
Salinas, California
Updated
Layne’s Answer
Great question, and one that many of us have at your age (and throughout our lives)! The best advice I can give is to always keep an open mind, and don't feel you need to lock yourself into a specific career, especially at an early age. We now live in the age of the "pivot" where people are completely changing careers because they've decided they have outgrown one and are ready for another. The most important thing right now is that you pursue things that interest you and apply yourself to those, and then embrace opportunities when they arise. There are very few people who are doing what they thought they would do at age 16. I know many lawyers, who invested years of education and years of work, who have completely changed careers. Don't fear that you may someday change your mind. Instead, embrace it, and be true to yourself.
Keep an open mind
Don't fear later changing your mind
Give yourself flexibility to changes paths as your interests change
Layne recommends the following next steps: