5 answers
Trintan
Student
Eugene, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
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When should I know what I want to do for my future because as of now I am going into my 10th grade year?
What are some things I should know after graduation and when should I know what I want to do for the rest of my life as a career because right now I am confused? I am in 10th grade
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5 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Honestly, I think many people go through life unsure of what they are doing. It’s ok to still be figuring it out.
Find something you love or are passionate about: for me, I grew up in a rough area and had numerous people support me. I decided early I wanted to give back and help people. I’ve found the ability to do that through selling and donating my time.
If you are not sure what you’re passionate about yet, look at those in your life and see if any of them they have the type of lifestyle you would like to live. Ask questions about what they do.
When I’m doubt, going to college, can be a time of exploration and trying different things while checking off your general study requirements.
Find something you love or are passionate about: for me, I grew up in a rough area and had numerous people support me. I decided early I wanted to give back and help people. I’ve found the ability to do that through selling and donating my time.
If you are not sure what you’re passionate about yet, look at those in your life and see if any of them they have the type of lifestyle you would like to live. Ask questions about what they do.
When I’m doubt, going to college, can be a time of exploration and trying different things while checking off your general study requirements.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I have a simple formula for this.
What do you like to do outside of school? What do you love to do so much, that when you are not in class, that you run to a magazine shelf or a book rack and start reading about it without any motivation?
I have seen psychology majors, who love their subject so much, that I see them outside of class reading Psychology Today and other psychology related manuals. And they have no assignments due or any course related research. They just love the subject and career opportunities.
When you find this subject area, then that is what you are meant to do in life.
What do you like to do outside of school? What do you love to do so much, that when you are not in class, that you run to a magazine shelf or a book rack and start reading about it without any motivation?
I have seen psychology majors, who love their subject so much, that I see them outside of class reading Psychology Today and other psychology related manuals. And they have no assignments due or any course related research. They just love the subject and career opportunities.
When you find this subject area, then that is what you are meant to do in life.
Steven Young
Business Owner
29
Answers
Glen Cove, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
It's never too early once you're in high school to start college and career planning. There are various online tests to help you figure this out. One is the Meyers-Briggs "test." I volunteer with an organization that has 9th graders start thinking about college and their high school trajectory to be able to get into decent schools. That said there is an option for everyone!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Trintan !
There is really no particular thing or time that you "should" know now. The time period in which you don't know what to do is a discovery period and it should be your choice as to whenever you discover it. Your career interest will come to you as time goes on. So there's really no need to put a time frame on when you will discover your major, course of study or career. Try not to think of it as the rest of your life because very frequently, people change careers or start careers later in life. There is no time requirement for whatever you want to pursue. It will come to you in your own time.
One thing that you should consider and decide upon now is whether or not you want to go to college. Get involved in some clubs and school activities and see if you may be inspired by a possible career interest through that. Try new and different activities and you will discover some areas of interest that could possibly be transferred to a career. I would say that it's a safer bet to figure out now what your academic or training plans will be after high school. It will take some reading and maybe talking to people about their careers, but it will be interesting for you to see what training programs and college majors are available for you. You don't have to declare a major right away.
I hope this reassures you that things fall into place for people at different times. You will always get jobs and will always have inspiration so at some point you will begin to realize what career is best for you.
Best wishes in all you do !
There is really no particular thing or time that you "should" know now. The time period in which you don't know what to do is a discovery period and it should be your choice as to whenever you discover it. Your career interest will come to you as time goes on. So there's really no need to put a time frame on when you will discover your major, course of study or career. Try not to think of it as the rest of your life because very frequently, people change careers or start careers later in life. There is no time requirement for whatever you want to pursue. It will come to you in your own time.
One thing that you should consider and decide upon now is whether or not you want to go to college. Get involved in some clubs and school activities and see if you may be inspired by a possible career interest through that. Try new and different activities and you will discover some areas of interest that could possibly be transferred to a career. I would say that it's a safer bet to figure out now what your academic or training plans will be after high school. It will take some reading and maybe talking to people about their careers, but it will be interesting for you to see what training programs and college majors are available for you. You don't have to declare a major right away.
I hope this reassures you that things fall into place for people at different times. You will always get jobs and will always have inspiration so at some point you will begin to realize what career is best for you.
Best wishes in all you do !
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Trintan, according to my crystal ball, you will know your path on March 23, 2025. Just kidding! There is no way of knowing when you will be able to decide the direction your career and life will take, so don't expect it or rush it. It's a process of gaining experiences, experimenting, self-reflection and, often, surprise. Many students entering college still haven't gotten clarity on what they want as their major, which is perfectly find. Exploring the possibilities is one of the purposes of college. Start by considering where your interests, hobbies, skills and values might lead you. There are good quizzes, like the ones on MyPlan.com, that can help with that narrowing down process. You may find yourself fitting in a few elective classes in your first couple of semesters to test the waters of possible majors.
As for what you should know upon graduation, you should be developing your writing, reading, note taking, organizational and time management skills, because they will be needed to maximize your success in college. It might sound trite, but you should know yourself, increasingly well as an independent, unique, capable adult. Confusion is a perfect state to be in, because it demands of one to figure out what they haven't already. Take things one step at a time. Start to take interesting classes, pursue worthwhile hobbies, perhaps do some volunteering, and, when ready, visit colleges, online and in person, and talk to their advisors, as well as the counselor in your school. It will fall into place.
As for what you should know upon graduation, you should be developing your writing, reading, note taking, organizational and time management skills, because they will be needed to maximize your success in college. It might sound trite, but you should know yourself, increasingly well as an independent, unique, capable adult. Confusion is a perfect state to be in, because it demands of one to figure out what they haven't already. Take things one step at a time. Start to take interesting classes, pursue worthwhile hobbies, perhaps do some volunteering, and, when ready, visit colleges, online and in person, and talk to their advisors, as well as the counselor in your school. It will fall into place.