5 answers
Zahiyyah
Student
Jersey City, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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How do you know u made the right choice?
How do i make the career choice i choose be the best outcome even though i'm having a hard time settling with it?
Zahiyyah .P , 18. Culinary Arts, Grade 13
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
John Wooden, the coach and teacher from UCLA once addressed this question when discussing his Pyramid of Success.
When it came to success and making decisions he said that:
"Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self satisfaction, in knowing that you did the best to become the best that you are capable."
He also stated that no one else can really determine this, only you will be able to determine if you have achieved this, and done the best that you are capable in your life.
It sounds like you feel like you have not achieved this level of success. In this case it is best to do self reflection, and determine if you need more education, technical training, or other positive changes to help you achieve the level of success you desire.
When it came to success and making decisions he said that:
"Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self satisfaction, in knowing that you did the best to become the best that you are capable."
He also stated that no one else can really determine this, only you will be able to determine if you have achieved this, and done the best that you are capable in your life.
It sounds like you feel like you have not achieved this level of success. In this case it is best to do self reflection, and determine if you need more education, technical training, or other positive changes to help you achieve the level of success you desire.
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
80
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Zahiyyah!
It's great that you're thinking about this early and have a few paths in mind. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that "epiphany" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.
On the other hand, spend time thinking about what it important to you. What about a job or career do you value most? Money, impact (making a difference), low demanding, being famous, etc. Once you know what's most important to you, that will help you further narrow down the best career for you.
From my own experience, I studied electrical engineering but found that I did not like it. I then changed to a general major, not sure where to go. By the end semester, I decided to speak to an advisor, who simply asked what I (as a person) liked, regardless of whether or not was an available program. From that, she introduced me to Engineering technology, which I began as it piqued my interest. However, through the program, I learned about process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma)....and at this point, I did experience that "AHA" moment you seek! It is a great feeling indeed, and to date, I shifted from engineering to focus on process improvement full-time, and loving it!
Hope this helps, best of luck! "
It's great that you're thinking about this early and have a few paths in mind. I recommend trying to experience as many of the things you're even remotely interested in. This will provide you a better understanding of how they are in the real world, vs what you hear or may read about. Take opportunities to do internships, site visits, volunteer, or anything that would allow you to witness employees in the field. Youtube has a lot of videos on almost any field or job, that can shed light as well. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed formula to give you that "epiphany" that you seek, but would greatly increase the probability.
On the other hand, spend time thinking about what it important to you. What about a job or career do you value most? Money, impact (making a difference), low demanding, being famous, etc. Once you know what's most important to you, that will help you further narrow down the best career for you.
From my own experience, I studied electrical engineering but found that I did not like it. I then changed to a general major, not sure where to go. By the end semester, I decided to speak to an advisor, who simply asked what I (as a person) liked, regardless of whether or not was an available program. From that, she introduced me to Engineering technology, which I began as it piqued my interest. However, through the program, I learned about process improvement methodologies (such as Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma)....and at this point, I did experience that "AHA" moment you seek! It is a great feeling indeed, and to date, I shifted from engineering to focus on process improvement full-time, and loving it!
Hope this helps, best of luck! "
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Zahiyyah, it's very possible that you won't know the outcome until it actually happens. A lot is learned during the process of taking classes, talking to advisors, participating in clubs, doing volunteering, and, in many cases, actually being out in the field. But you have to start somewhere, with your best instincts about where your interests, hobbies, experiences, skills and values could best lead you. Try to narrow down the possibilities accordingly, and, in your first couple of semesters, take an elective class that would introduce you to the fields you're considering. There might be several good outcomes for you, or, like many people, myself included, you might decide later on to change course. Most young people have a "hard time settling" on one definitive path, and that's one of the purposes of college, to help you explore the possibilities.
Elizabeth (Betsy) Kvedar, CPTD®
Learning Consultant
75
Answers
Shelburne, New York
Updated
Elizabeth (Betsy)’s Answer
Hello Zahiyyah,
I know how important it is for you to be sure about the decisions you're making. However, the concept of a "perfect choice" is fluid and changes with time. Even the choices that seem wrong can give us crucial insights about what we truly don't want, so they're not entirely negative.
Instead of worrying about making the right choice, why not concentrate on the direction you want your life to take in the near future? Consider the steps you need to take to progress along that path, and bravely pursue it. Remember, it's completely normal to consider changing careers or jobs in the future, as many of us do.
The key is to make decisions that feel right for you in your present situation.
I know how important it is for you to be sure about the decisions you're making. However, the concept of a "perfect choice" is fluid and changes with time. Even the choices that seem wrong can give us crucial insights about what we truly don't want, so they're not entirely negative.
Instead of worrying about making the right choice, why not concentrate on the direction you want your life to take in the near future? Consider the steps you need to take to progress along that path, and bravely pursue it. Remember, it's completely normal to consider changing careers or jobs in the future, as many of us do.
The key is to make decisions that feel right for you in your present situation.
I agree with Betsy's statement above, Zahiyyah. Building a plan for the future is important but life changes and YOU change and your career will follow suit.
Jessica Jasper
Enise Agel
144
Answers
Updated
Enise’s Answer
Hello there,
It is a tricky one that we should know when we did the right choice. Well, if you have chosen which major you would like to learn more. For me, those were English and Literature, so in the past I had chosen Creative Writing to study in the UK. You can choose one from your interest. If you have completed your volunteering and/or internship, you ought to gain your soft and hard skills as well as emotional intelligence - and you must know which career was the best major you could do. In other words, you would make a choice if you could make a decision which career you would like to choose. If you have not found your interest yet, you must give a try to extracurricular activities in middle school or in high school (before you graduate). You may join the club you wanted for long, or you may interested to learn more about (exp. Photography), and you can be a volunteer for a charity, so you can test yourself which interest is fit for you.
I hope this helps
It is a tricky one that we should know when we did the right choice. Well, if you have chosen which major you would like to learn more. For me, those were English and Literature, so in the past I had chosen Creative Writing to study in the UK. You can choose one from your interest. If you have completed your volunteering and/or internship, you ought to gain your soft and hard skills as well as emotional intelligence - and you must know which career was the best major you could do. In other words, you would make a choice if you could make a decision which career you would like to choose. If you have not found your interest yet, you must give a try to extracurricular activities in middle school or in high school (before you graduate). You may join the club you wanted for long, or you may interested to learn more about (exp. Photography), and you can be a volunteer for a charity, so you can test yourself which interest is fit for you.
I hope this helps