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How do you know you found your dream career?
I’m a freshman in high school and have been trying to figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life. I don’t have any ideas of what I could be good at either.
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7 answers
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Angela’s Answer
Hi Kya! It is great to hear that you're thinking about this even as early as a freshman! If I were you, I'd start thinking about what you actually like doing, which may change as you get older and that is ok! In my experience, I knew I liked working with and being around other people, which is what I do now (I'm 31). I think it's helpful to talk to adults in your community about what they do. That could be family members, your friends parents or family members, teachers, etc. They can often offer some support on this, especially since they know you.
It is ok that you don't know exactly what you want to do yet. Honestly, a lot of people are full grown adults and still haven't figured it out. Keep that in mind!
It is ok that you don't know exactly what you want to do yet. Honestly, a lot of people are full grown adults and still haven't figured it out. Keep that in mind!
Updated
Ashton’s Answer
Hello!
Not knowing what you want to do for your whole life is so totally okay. I know it doesn't feel like it, but you have so much time. Chances are, your interests and skills will change as you go along through school and into the workforce. You can also have multiple "dream jobs". Maybe you have a more realistic one like working in a museum, but then you have a "shoot for the moon" type one like designing for New York Fashion Week. Neither are impossible and you might even combine them and find a job working in a museum dedicated to fashion!
As far as not knowing what you might be good at, it can be hard to identify your skills and interests. Ask your friends and family what you like or what you are good at. They have probably noticed things you haven't and can help you form a better picture of yourself and what you may want your future to look like. You're also growing up in a time where you have access to tons of information. Browse around on YouTube or TikTok and check out some videos of people talking about their job. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and stay curious because you never know what you might find.
Not knowing what you want to do for your whole life is so totally okay. I know it doesn't feel like it, but you have so much time. Chances are, your interests and skills will change as you go along through school and into the workforce. You can also have multiple "dream jobs". Maybe you have a more realistic one like working in a museum, but then you have a "shoot for the moon" type one like designing for New York Fashion Week. Neither are impossible and you might even combine them and find a job working in a museum dedicated to fashion!
As far as not knowing what you might be good at, it can be hard to identify your skills and interests. Ask your friends and family what you like or what you are good at. They have probably noticed things you haven't and can help you form a better picture of yourself and what you may want your future to look like. You're also growing up in a time where you have access to tons of information. Browse around on YouTube or TikTok and check out some videos of people talking about their job. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and stay curious because you never know what you might find.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
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Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Kya, I'm not sure one ever finds a "dream career." All careers have imperfect realities. It's great to be a dreamer when one is young, and you should hold on to as much of that throughout your life as you can. There are probably a number of careers that might not be dreams, that will take lots of work and some compromise, but that you would find personally fulfilling and meaningful. Start with your interests, hobbies, skills, values and experiences. What do they tell you about the things you could or should do with your life? There are quizzes online, such as those on MyPlan.com, that can help with the process of narrowing down the options. As for what you'll be good at, that will change as you try out new things, develop new skills and learnings, and develop more confidence and maturity. You needn't rush the process; you're in a perfectly good place right now. Even if you enter college still unsure, that's okay, one of its purposes is exploring possibilities. It won't come to you magically, but you will discover goals that suit you and you'll work to achieve them. Take it one step at a time. The journey matters at least as much as the destination.
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hello Kya,
"Dream" careers can be as diverse as dreams themselves, each unique and shaped by your personal vision. Are you inspired by the idea of making a significant impact in the world or in someone's life? If so, consider fields like teaching, social work, healthcare, or psychology. These careers may demand more of your time and may not always be the most lucrative, but the fulfillment you derive from making a difference can be priceless.
Perhaps your dream revolves around entrepreneurship? Remember to consider the importance of work-life balance, which often gets overlooked in our early career planning. Do you envision a career that allows you the flexibility to work from home, schedule appointments, exercise, or spend quality time with your family in the future?
Or maybe your dream career involves traveling, or allows you to unleash your creativity? The key is to first define what your dream looks like, and what you hope to gain from your career. Then, you can start exploring the paths that lead there.
And remember, it's perfectly normal for your dreams to evolve as you grow older. I've known lawyers who've transitioned into teaching after two decades, and business owners who've returned to school to become physician assistants. Ultimately, the choice is yours. You have the power to shape your career according to your evolving dreams.
"Dream" careers can be as diverse as dreams themselves, each unique and shaped by your personal vision. Are you inspired by the idea of making a significant impact in the world or in someone's life? If so, consider fields like teaching, social work, healthcare, or psychology. These careers may demand more of your time and may not always be the most lucrative, but the fulfillment you derive from making a difference can be priceless.
Perhaps your dream revolves around entrepreneurship? Remember to consider the importance of work-life balance, which often gets overlooked in our early career planning. Do you envision a career that allows you the flexibility to work from home, schedule appointments, exercise, or spend quality time with your family in the future?
Or maybe your dream career involves traveling, or allows you to unleash your creativity? The key is to first define what your dream looks like, and what you hope to gain from your career. Then, you can start exploring the paths that lead there.
And remember, it's perfectly normal for your dreams to evolve as you grow older. I've known lawyers who've transitioned into teaching after two decades, and business owners who've returned to school to become physician assistants. Ultimately, the choice is yours. You have the power to shape your career according to your evolving dreams.
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hello there! It's fantastic that you're already considering your dream career as a high school freshman! What brings you joy? What activities make time fly by for you? What are your inherent talents and skills? I can pose these questions all day, which are likely the same ones you're asking yourself. However, keep in mind that life is full of unexpected twists and turns. So, whatever career path you choose, ensure it's flexible. What does flexibility mean? For instance, if you're interested in a career like oceanography, you'll likely need to live near the coast. Does that suit your lifestyle, or do you prefer to stay local? Are there opportunities for oceanographers in your area? I'm using oceanography as an example, but the principle applies to any profession. Most places need doctors, nurses, teachers, insurance agents, firefighters, paramedics, and so on. These professions are flexible and can be pursued anywhere you decide to live or stay. You've received many insightful responses already, and my suggestion of flexibility adds another perspective to consider.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello!
That's an excellent question.
Discovering Your Perfect Career Path
Begin by understanding your personality type. Next, think about what truly interests you.
Being honest about your traits is crucial.
Imagine your perfect workday...
Develop a plan for the long haul...
Determine the education you'll need...
Do comprehensive research...
Finally, make a visual decision chart.
That's an excellent question.
Discovering Your Perfect Career Path
Begin by understanding your personality type. Next, think about what truly interests you.
Being honest about your traits is crucial.
Imagine your perfect workday...
Develop a plan for the long haul...
Determine the education you'll need...
Do comprehensive research...
Finally, make a visual decision chart.
Updated
Shelisa’s Answer
Good Morning!! Diamonds on the inside !!!!
Thank you!! For your Question!!!
It is An Extra!.Extra!! Read All About it!!
Happiness Everyday!! .is a good indicator that you found your dream job!! Having the freedom to work when you want too
And having the freedom to choose where you want to work also.maybe a signs of a dream job!! I want you to be something Awesome in Life! So maybe you. can think about the career Child Psychology!!! Think about!! You could be good at helping Children with unpleasant life situations!! Remember it is your choice!! This is Just perhaps maybe a start!!
Hope this helps!!!!
Good luck!!!
Shelisa🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
Thank you!! For your Question!!!
It is An Extra!.Extra!! Read All About it!!
Happiness Everyday!! .is a good indicator that you found your dream job!! Having the freedom to work when you want too
And having the freedom to choose where you want to work also.maybe a signs of a dream job!! I want you to be something Awesome in Life! So maybe you. can think about the career Child Psychology!!! Think about!! You could be good at helping Children with unpleasant life situations!! Remember it is your choice!! This is Just perhaps maybe a start!!
Hope this helps!!!!
Good luck!!!
Shelisa🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞