7 answers
jaymie
Student
Port St. Lucie, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
792 views
How do I find a career that fits me when I want to be/try so many different things in life?
I like the creative side like art, animals, architecture, photography, writing, but I'm not sure what should be my main 'thing'
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7 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Exploring a wide range of interests is a valuable part of self-discovery, and it's perfectly okay not to have a single "main thing" right away. Here are some steps to help you find a career that fits your diverse interests:
1. **Self-Reflection:** Take time for introspection. Consider what aspects of your interests resonate with you the most. Is there a common theme or underlying passion among your creative pursuits?
2. **Strengths and Skills:** Identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? Understanding your strengths can guide you toward careers that align with your abilities.
3. **Personality Assessment:** Consider taking a personality assessment like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Holland Code assessment. These can provide insights into career paths that suit your personality traits.
4. **Explore Career Options:** Research various careers related to your interests. Look into professions that allow for creativity, such as graphic design, writing, architecture, or even careers in the arts or animal-related fields like veterinary medicine.
5. **Talk to Professionals:** Reach out to professionals in fields that intrigue you. Conduct informational interviews to gain insights into their careers, responsibilities, and daily routines. Hearing about others' experiences can help you narrow down your options.
6. **Volunteer and Intern:** Gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work in areas that interest you. This can provide a taste of what it's like to work in different fields.
7. **Education and Training:** Depending on your chosen path, consider pursuing relevant education or training. This might involve enrolling in courses, workshops, or degree programs that align with your interests.
8. **Combine Interests:** Sometimes, you can blend multiple interests into a single career. For example, you could become a multimedia journalist who combines writing, photography, and videography.
9. **Set Short-Term Goals:** Rather than choosing one main thing right away, set short-term goals. Pursue different interests to see which ones truly resonate with you over time.
10. **Network:** Build a diverse network of contacts across different fields. Networking can open up opportunities and introduce you to potential mentors who can guide your career choices.
11. **Be Open to Change:** Remember that career paths can evolve. It's okay to change direction if you discover a new passion or interest along the way.
12. **Lifelong Learning:** Embrace lifelong learning. Your interests may evolve over time, and being open to acquiring new skills and knowledge can lead to exciting career shifts.
Finding the right career fit when you have diverse interests can be a dynamic and evolving process. It's okay to explore and try different paths until you discover what truly fulfills you. Ultimately, your career should be a reflection of your passions and values, and it may encompass multiple facets of your diverse interests.
1. **Self-Reflection:** Take time for introspection. Consider what aspects of your interests resonate with you the most. Is there a common theme or underlying passion among your creative pursuits?
2. **Strengths and Skills:** Identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? Understanding your strengths can guide you toward careers that align with your abilities.
3. **Personality Assessment:** Consider taking a personality assessment like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Holland Code assessment. These can provide insights into career paths that suit your personality traits.
4. **Explore Career Options:** Research various careers related to your interests. Look into professions that allow for creativity, such as graphic design, writing, architecture, or even careers in the arts or animal-related fields like veterinary medicine.
5. **Talk to Professionals:** Reach out to professionals in fields that intrigue you. Conduct informational interviews to gain insights into their careers, responsibilities, and daily routines. Hearing about others' experiences can help you narrow down your options.
6. **Volunteer and Intern:** Gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work in areas that interest you. This can provide a taste of what it's like to work in different fields.
7. **Education and Training:** Depending on your chosen path, consider pursuing relevant education or training. This might involve enrolling in courses, workshops, or degree programs that align with your interests.
8. **Combine Interests:** Sometimes, you can blend multiple interests into a single career. For example, you could become a multimedia journalist who combines writing, photography, and videography.
9. **Set Short-Term Goals:** Rather than choosing one main thing right away, set short-term goals. Pursue different interests to see which ones truly resonate with you over time.
10. **Network:** Build a diverse network of contacts across different fields. Networking can open up opportunities and introduce you to potential mentors who can guide your career choices.
11. **Be Open to Change:** Remember that career paths can evolve. It's okay to change direction if you discover a new passion or interest along the way.
12. **Lifelong Learning:** Embrace lifelong learning. Your interests may evolve over time, and being open to acquiring new skills and knowledge can lead to exciting career shifts.
Finding the right career fit when you have diverse interests can be a dynamic and evolving process. It's okay to explore and try different paths until you discover what truly fulfills you. Ultimately, your career should be a reflection of your passions and values, and it may encompass multiple facets of your diverse interests.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hello Jaymie,
It's good that you have so many interests. So your task is to choose from! It would be a good idea to take part in internship programs. The practical experience can help you better understand yourself and decide which career path is right for you.
Also, consider your talents and academic strengths. Your chosen field should reflect your talents and creative abilities.
It's good that you have so many interests. So your task is to choose from! It would be a good idea to take part in internship programs. The practical experience can help you better understand yourself and decide which career path is right for you.
Also, consider your talents and academic strengths. Your chosen field should reflect your talents and creative abilities.
Thank you, Amalya!
jaymie
Afzaal Khan
10
Answers
Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Updated
Afzaal’s Answer
Hi Jaymie from Port St. Lucie, Florida,
It's completely natural to have a wide range of interests and passions, and it's okay not to have a single "main thing" right away. In fact, your diverse interests can be a strength, as they can open up various career possibilities. Here are some steps to help you find a career path that fits you:
Self-Exploration: Take some time for self-reflection. Think about what aspects of your interests you're most passionate about and could see yourself doing long-term. Consider your values, strengths, and what makes you happy.
Explore Educational Opportunities: Pursuing higher education can help you refine your interests and gain specialized skills. Since you mentioned an interest in architecture, you might want to consider taking courses or even pursuing a degree in architecture or a related field. Additionally, there's an opportunity available from a community member to teach you architecture-related software skills like AutoCAD, SketchUp, Lumion, and Unreal Engine, which can significantly boost your skillset in this field.
Skill Development: Learning software tools related to architecture, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Lumion, and Unreal Engine, can be immensely beneficial in your pursuit of a career in architecture or a related field. This hands-on experience can give you a taste of what working in the field is like and help you decide if it's the right fit.
Internships and Volunteering: Consider internships or volunteer opportunities in fields related to your interests. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and help you decide if a particular field is a good fit.
Networking: Connect with professionals in various fields through networking events, online forums, or informational interviews. Hearing about others' career journeys can provide guidance and inspiration.
Combine Interests: Sometimes, you can create a career that combines multiple passions. For instance, if you enjoy both architecture and writing, you might explore architectural journalism or writing for architectural firms.
Career Counseling: Consider seeking guidance from a career counselor. They can help you explore your interests, assess your skills, and align them with potential career paths.
Set Short-Term Goals: You don't have to decide your entire career path right now. Setting short-term goals can help you gain clarity. Focus on the next steps you want to take and reassess as you go.
Stay Open-Minded: Keep in mind that careers can evolve. What you choose today may not be what you do for the rest of your life. Be open to change and new opportunities.
Follow Your Passion: Ultimately, choose a path that genuinely excites and motivates you. Passion is a powerful driver of success and fulfillment.
Remember, it's okay to explore your interests and try different things. Many people have varied career journeys, and sometimes the "main thing" emerges naturally over time as you gain experience and insight. Embrace your diverse interests as assets that can lead you to a fulfilling and unique career path.
It's completely natural to have a wide range of interests and passions, and it's okay not to have a single "main thing" right away. In fact, your diverse interests can be a strength, as they can open up various career possibilities. Here are some steps to help you find a career path that fits you:
Self-Exploration: Take some time for self-reflection. Think about what aspects of your interests you're most passionate about and could see yourself doing long-term. Consider your values, strengths, and what makes you happy.
Explore Educational Opportunities: Pursuing higher education can help you refine your interests and gain specialized skills. Since you mentioned an interest in architecture, you might want to consider taking courses or even pursuing a degree in architecture or a related field. Additionally, there's an opportunity available from a community member to teach you architecture-related software skills like AutoCAD, SketchUp, Lumion, and Unreal Engine, which can significantly boost your skillset in this field.
Skill Development: Learning software tools related to architecture, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Lumion, and Unreal Engine, can be immensely beneficial in your pursuit of a career in architecture or a related field. This hands-on experience can give you a taste of what working in the field is like and help you decide if it's the right fit.
Internships and Volunteering: Consider internships or volunteer opportunities in fields related to your interests. This hands-on experience can provide valuable insights and help you decide if a particular field is a good fit.
Networking: Connect with professionals in various fields through networking events, online forums, or informational interviews. Hearing about others' career journeys can provide guidance and inspiration.
Combine Interests: Sometimes, you can create a career that combines multiple passions. For instance, if you enjoy both architecture and writing, you might explore architectural journalism or writing for architectural firms.
Career Counseling: Consider seeking guidance from a career counselor. They can help you explore your interests, assess your skills, and align them with potential career paths.
Set Short-Term Goals: You don't have to decide your entire career path right now. Setting short-term goals can help you gain clarity. Focus on the next steps you want to take and reassess as you go.
Stay Open-Minded: Keep in mind that careers can evolve. What you choose today may not be what you do for the rest of your life. Be open to change and new opportunities.
Follow Your Passion: Ultimately, choose a path that genuinely excites and motivates you. Passion is a powerful driver of success and fulfillment.
Remember, it's okay to explore your interests and try different things. Many people have varied career journeys, and sometimes the "main thing" emerges naturally over time as you gain experience and insight. Embrace your diverse interests as assets that can lead you to a fulfilling and unique career path.
thanks so much for thiss, I'll absolutely keep this in mind for the future
jaymie
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1860
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have wide variety of interest. However, you may need to shortlist1-2 to be your major and minor in the college.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identify the careers related to your interests
Eg if you like writing, would you like to be an author, journalist, reporter, teacher, etc
If you like art, would you like to be a painter, artist, designer, art teacher, etc
2. Find our more in these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers your would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identify the careers related to your interests
Eg if you like writing, would you like to be an author, journalist, reporter, teacher, etc
If you like art, would you like to be a painter, artist, designer, art teacher, etc
2. Find our more in these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers your would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Niha D
Physical Therapist
60
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Niha’s Answer
There is one big question to ask yourself: Do you want your thing to decide your career?
Some people are fine with their career just being a job. Others want their career to be their passion. Figuring out that first step will help you figure out the next ones.
If you want your career to be your passion, I suggest narrowing down your interests, or finding intersections between them (ie, if you like animals and art, would doing custom portraits on Etsy be a good start? Or becoming an expert on artists in history that did a lot of artwork on animals to work in a gallery later?). College can be a good time to try new things. Take a few electives that have these interests, or shadow people with jobs in those fields to get an idea of what life is like. Take time off of course, but think about spending a few breaks on job training to get a better sense of the career you plan on.
If you're okay with your job just being a job, and your passions being a part of your personal life, I recommend looking into jobs that will afford you the hours, money, and/or vacation time to do so. For example, looking into fields with 9-5s and good days off like banking/business so you can spend as much time as possible with your passion.
Some people are fine with their career just being a job. Others want their career to be their passion. Figuring out that first step will help you figure out the next ones.
If you want your career to be your passion, I suggest narrowing down your interests, or finding intersections between them (ie, if you like animals and art, would doing custom portraits on Etsy be a good start? Or becoming an expert on artists in history that did a lot of artwork on animals to work in a gallery later?). College can be a good time to try new things. Take a few electives that have these interests, or shadow people with jobs in those fields to get an idea of what life is like. Take time off of course, but think about spending a few breaks on job training to get a better sense of the career you plan on.
If you're okay with your job just being a job, and your passions being a part of your personal life, I recommend looking into jobs that will afford you the hours, money, and/or vacation time to do so. For example, looking into fields with 9-5s and good days off like banking/business so you can spend as much time as possible with your passion.
Thank you for the advice. I most def will consider these
jaymie
Amy C.
Director of Strategic Communications
35
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Your job is not the end all, be all. You can find something you're interested in and keep time open in your life to try hobbies and find new passions. Lives are long and you can have multiple careers over the course of the 40+ years you'll work!
Laura Grathwol
Copywriter
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Great question, Jamie! And don't fret: my 31-year-old son with a Master's Degree still doesn't really know what he wants to do. You have time; you're young!
I work as a copywriter in advertising. I knew I had a flair for writing creatively from a young age...but pursued elementary education. Student teaching helped me see that was not the right choice for me, but helped qualify me for an entry-level job in educational publishing. That's when I got my first real opportunity to write, and I've been doing it now for more than 30 years. It can take some time, and trial/error, to figure it out.
With an interest in both art and writing, perhaps think about graphic designer/art director and/or copywriter with an ad agency or in-house creative department. This industry is filled with people from many college majors and with a host of cool interests.
Check it out--maybe look at job descriptions and see if they appeal.
Ask around to see if anyone you know (or even vaguely know) works in this field and get their advice.
If you were to decide on this path, begin putting together a portfolio of samples of your writing (even fake ads!), art, and photography.
Good luck! And remember, the world is your oyster. :)
I work as a copywriter in advertising. I knew I had a flair for writing creatively from a young age...but pursued elementary education. Student teaching helped me see that was not the right choice for me, but helped qualify me for an entry-level job in educational publishing. That's when I got my first real opportunity to write, and I've been doing it now for more than 30 years. It can take some time, and trial/error, to figure it out.
With an interest in both art and writing, perhaps think about graphic designer/art director and/or copywriter with an ad agency or in-house creative department. This industry is filled with people from many college majors and with a host of cool interests.
Laura recommends the following next steps: