6 answers
Madilyn
Student
Hartsville, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
14606 views
How can I find a career for me when I can't even think of what I want to be?
How can I find a career for me when I can't even think of what I want to be? I'm going to be out of school soon and need to find a career, but nothing comes to mind.
6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Madilyn !
That's okay, we all come to our career choices at different time in our lives and sometimes we switch careers in mid-stream ! So if you can understand that careers happen at different times for everyone, maybe that would help you feel better. But the truth is that you're experiencing this so allow me to offer some advice.
The first suggestion that I have is to take mini steps and figure out what you like. Do you like working alone or around and with other people. Who are some people who have impressed you with their work ? Ask yourself what you're good at and what types of things you like to do. The truth is, you'll always be able to find a job. I would also suggest getting a part time job at first and consider going to college. You could explore various subjects and learn about what careers require the qualities you already have. Don't try to choose something just because others already know their career plans. It will eventually unfold for you.
I once presented an employment workshop and asked, "What job would you never want to do ?" The young adults loved this and when everyone took turns talking about the type of work they are not suited for it was inspiring. It was the start of trying to figure out what you indeed do want in a career. Eliminating the types of careers you absolutely wouldn't want may help.
Another thing that may help is to talk with different people about their jobs and ask what they like and don't like about it and what a typical day is like for them.
I hope that this has been an additional help to the wonderful advice already given and I wish you well on a calm journey towards your decision for a career.
That's okay, we all come to our career choices at different time in our lives and sometimes we switch careers in mid-stream ! So if you can understand that careers happen at different times for everyone, maybe that would help you feel better. But the truth is that you're experiencing this so allow me to offer some advice.
The first suggestion that I have is to take mini steps and figure out what you like. Do you like working alone or around and with other people. Who are some people who have impressed you with their work ? Ask yourself what you're good at and what types of things you like to do. The truth is, you'll always be able to find a job. I would also suggest getting a part time job at first and consider going to college. You could explore various subjects and learn about what careers require the qualities you already have. Don't try to choose something just because others already know their career plans. It will eventually unfold for you.
I once presented an employment workshop and asked, "What job would you never want to do ?" The young adults loved this and when everyone took turns talking about the type of work they are not suited for it was inspiring. It was the start of trying to figure out what you indeed do want in a career. Eliminating the types of careers you absolutely wouldn't want may help.
Another thing that may help is to talk with different people about their jobs and ask what they like and don't like about it and what a typical day is like for them.
I hope that this has been an additional help to the wonderful advice already given and I wish you well on a calm journey towards your decision for a career.
Bharath Anche
Senior Salesforce Engineer
11
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Bharath’s Answer
Dear Madilyn,
Thank you for reaching out with your question.
Are you someone who has a myriad of hobbies, interests, and passions? If so, kudos to you! Being a well-rounded individual is a commendable trait. However, it can sometimes lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed, especially when it comes to choosing a career path. Unlike those who have a single-minded passion or who have known what they want to do since childhood, your journey may be a bit more complex. But don't fret, I'm here to provide some guidance that might help.
1) Compile a List (Differentiate Between Hobbies and Potential Careers)
Your first step should be to get organized. List down all your hobbies and interests, no matter how long the list might be. Once you have everything down, start identifying which of these interests could be just hobbies and which ones could potentially translate into careers.
2) Identify Your Skills and Working Style
Understanding what you excel at can make this process easier. Think about what tasks make you happiest. For example:
- Do you enjoy working alone or in a team?
- Do you prefer conducting research or engaging in hands-on work?
- Are you more comfortable presenting or writing?
3) Consider a Career Aptitude Test
This is another effective way to identify your career path. Such tests can help you understand your working style, your strengths, and what drives you.
4) Explore Various Industries
Don't let your education limit your exploration. For instance, if you're passionate about music, you might find fulfillment in being an entertainment lawyer or designing websites for record labels.
5) Try It Out
The best way to know if you'll enjoy turning a passion into a career is by experiencing it firsthand. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Job Shadowing: This provides a practical understanding of what it's like to work in a specific role or industry.
- Informational Interviews: These can offer valuable insights into different careers or industries. You can also connect with people who have multiple interests and learn how they manage to stay satisfied.
- Internships: Gaining experience in an industry can help you decide if an interest could be a viable career or if it's better as a hobby.
Best Wishes,
Bharath Anche
Thank you for reaching out with your question.
Are you someone who has a myriad of hobbies, interests, and passions? If so, kudos to you! Being a well-rounded individual is a commendable trait. However, it can sometimes lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed, especially when it comes to choosing a career path. Unlike those who have a single-minded passion or who have known what they want to do since childhood, your journey may be a bit more complex. But don't fret, I'm here to provide some guidance that might help.
1) Compile a List (Differentiate Between Hobbies and Potential Careers)
Your first step should be to get organized. List down all your hobbies and interests, no matter how long the list might be. Once you have everything down, start identifying which of these interests could be just hobbies and which ones could potentially translate into careers.
2) Identify Your Skills and Working Style
Understanding what you excel at can make this process easier. Think about what tasks make you happiest. For example:
- Do you enjoy working alone or in a team?
- Do you prefer conducting research or engaging in hands-on work?
- Are you more comfortable presenting or writing?
3) Consider a Career Aptitude Test
This is another effective way to identify your career path. Such tests can help you understand your working style, your strengths, and what drives you.
4) Explore Various Industries
Don't let your education limit your exploration. For instance, if you're passionate about music, you might find fulfillment in being an entertainment lawyer or designing websites for record labels.
5) Try It Out
The best way to know if you'll enjoy turning a passion into a career is by experiencing it firsthand. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Job Shadowing: This provides a practical understanding of what it's like to work in a specific role or industry.
- Informational Interviews: These can offer valuable insights into different careers or industries. You can also connect with people who have multiple interests and learn how they manage to stay satisfied.
- Internships: Gaining experience in an industry can help you decide if an interest could be a viable career or if it's better as a hobby.
Best Wishes,
Bharath Anche
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Most people I work with weren’t sure what they wanted to be until well into college. Those who thought they did would change their major.
I would offer that you should take a deep breath and know that there is plenty of time. I used my time at a junior college to explore different disciplines and see what jobs were out there. You have two full years of college where you can do general studies before needing to select a major.
Make sure to take advantage of job fairs in your town and talk to people in your life about what they do. You may find some inspiration.
I would offer that you should take a deep breath and know that there is plenty of time. I used my time at a junior college to explore different disciplines and see what jobs were out there. You have two full years of college where you can do general studies before needing to select a major.
Make sure to take advantage of job fairs in your town and talk to people in your life about what they do. You may find some inspiration.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Madilyn,
No worries, you have already made the first step: You know the importance of choosing a career path.
You can find a relevant option based on your hobbies and interests. Ask yourself: What do you enjoy? What academic subjects are quite interesting to you? How do you imagine your ideal job? Think about it and it will be easier for you to decide.
Good luck and all the best in your career decisions.
Think about your hobbies and interests.
Relate them to an academic discipline which can be enjoyable and useful for you to follow through.
Find good colleges to apply.
Check their application requirements.
Get ready to apply and start your career journey!
No worries, you have already made the first step: You know the importance of choosing a career path.
You can find a relevant option based on your hobbies and interests. Ask yourself: What do you enjoy? What academic subjects are quite interesting to you? How do you imagine your ideal job? Think about it and it will be easier for you to decide.
Good luck and all the best in your career decisions.
Amalya recommends the following next steps:
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Madilyn, there is absolutely nothing wrong or unusual about being unsure about what you want to spend you life doing. Many, possibly most students enter college as liberal arts/general studies majors and switch to a to a more focused major after a year or so of exploring and maturing. In the meantime, what are your interests, hobbies and skills? What do you value or are passionate about? There are surveys, like those on MyPlan.com, which can help you narrow possible career directions down from questions such as these. When you do enter college, be sure to take at least one elective along with required classes in each of your first two semesters that pertain to a possible career, so you can see if you like it and it interests you. Go to open houses and talk to advisors in various departments. A lot of people take time to make a life-defining choice. It's better to do that, assuming you can afford the time and money, than to stay stuck in something you went into for the wrong reasons.
Robert James
Systems Analyst
1
Answer
Gainesville, Virginia
Updated
Robert’s Answer
I think most people have this same thought when thinking about their future. It's normal to imagine different possible career paths when you are young... and this confusion is perfectly ok. Many successful and happy people change their directions for their future even after they have started their careers.
I think the most important part of the answer to this question is that you ultimately end up doing something that you enjoy doing (at least at some level). It is so much more difficult to do a job well when you fundamentally don't like it and are not getting some sort of personal feeling of accomplishment.
Another aspect of this question involves potential earnings in the field that you choose. Do you only imagine yourself earning top dollar? Or are other professions which aren't so lucrative perfectly fine?
The only concrete piece of advice that I can offer is to embrace technology. Personally, I had an aptitude for computers at a young age and loved solving puzzles. As the years pass, everyone has to acknowledge that computers or tecnology in general have become more a part of everyday life and that trend will continue. If you look at a car from 20 years ago, you won't find any of the computer technology that we take for granted in today's cars. Phones, toys, shopping experiences, etc.... all have been impacted by technology. Even the arts have changed in this way.
I think the most important part of the answer to this question is that you ultimately end up doing something that you enjoy doing (at least at some level). It is so much more difficult to do a job well when you fundamentally don't like it and are not getting some sort of personal feeling of accomplishment.
Another aspect of this question involves potential earnings in the field that you choose. Do you only imagine yourself earning top dollar? Or are other professions which aren't so lucrative perfectly fine?
The only concrete piece of advice that I can offer is to embrace technology. Personally, I had an aptitude for computers at a young age and loved solving puzzles. As the years pass, everyone has to acknowledge that computers or tecnology in general have become more a part of everyday life and that trend will continue. If you look at a car from 20 years ago, you won't find any of the computer technology that we take for granted in today's cars. Phones, toys, shopping experiences, etc.... all have been impacted by technology. Even the arts have changed in this way.
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