9 answers
Kaylee
Student
Virginia Beach, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
962 views
What if I don’t like the career I end up choosing at the end of high school.?
What if I don’t like the career I end up choosing at the end of high school.
Login to comment
9 answers
Cameron Harris
Software Engineer
5
Answers
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
*written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE*
This is more the normal case than what it is the exception. When I personally finished high school, I wanted to pursue a career in psychology, I ended up finishing a degree in accounting, and ultimately became a software engineer.
I would recommend investigating practical experiences of the people who work within your chosen industry.
Ask yourself : "What does a full 8 hours of work look like in this industry?" "What kind of problem am I solving in this role? Does that problem fit my values and give me a sense of purpose?"
This is more the normal case than what it is the exception. When I personally finished high school, I wanted to pursue a career in psychology, I ended up finishing a degree in accounting, and ultimately became a software engineer.
Cameron recommends the following next steps:
Rita Chuang
Physician
189
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
If you don't like your job, you change. I know of a woman who was an OB-Gyn. She already went to school and finished training. She decided she did not like it and went back to repeat residency in family practice. It's ok to change. How many people know what they want to do and stick with it for the rest of their lives? As you grow, you also change. My friends and interests in elementary school, high school, college etc have changed and I've lost some friends but gained new ones. This is life.
Laquitta DeMerchant
Account Partner
18
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Laquitta’s Answer
These things can happen. You will not be the first person to experience this dilemma.
All you can do is keep moving forward and whatever you do, give your very best.
After I graduated from college, I realized something that I didn't know while I was in high school. One purpose of college is to give you something constructive to do, while you "find yourself" or "figure out what you want to do".
While taking all those classes, hopefully, you will find one that you love. Then take steps to see what you can do in that focus area.
It's never too late to go back to school.
All you can do is keep moving forward and whatever you do, give your very best.
After I graduated from college, I realized something that I didn't know while I was in high school. One purpose of college is to give you something constructive to do, while you "find yourself" or "figure out what you want to do".
While taking all those classes, hopefully, you will find one that you love. Then take steps to see what you can do in that focus area.
It's never too late to go back to school.
Samjana Rai
4
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Samjana’s Answer
*written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE*
This is normal at the early stage of career sometimes you realise the current job is not the right fit there is always a possibility to change the job
Identity what you dislike in the current job? Is it the job role, company or environment?
Keep yourself motivated if the situation is challenging at work before you decide to change the job
Consider your skills and experience before you choose the next job
This is normal at the early stage of career sometimes you realise the current job is not the right fit there is always a possibility to change the job
Identity what you dislike in the current job? Is it the job role, company or environment?
Keep yourself motivated if the situation is challenging at work before you decide to change the job
Consider your skills and experience before you choose the next job
Derek Thomas
Enterprise Risk Management
5
Answers
Sherwood, Oregon
Updated
Derek’s Answer
** Written on behalf of a group of participants at HPE **
It's not the end of the world, you will have many careers in your life. You can "pivot" at any time during your career, using what you've learned in your prior jobs to make your next move more enjoyable and successful. Use what you've learned in prior jobs or roles in your new career pursuits, to make that pursuit more enjoyable and successful. Think through what you liked about a prior job or role and bring those elements into that next opportunity.
Consider the strengths you have and also think about the development opportunities you need, and find roles and jobs that build both of those in the next career. If you find that you land in a career you don't like, consider doing information interviews and meeting with people who are doing what you want to do, before you make your move, in order to make sure the decision to leave career is as informed as possible.
It's not the end of the world, you will have many careers in your life. You can "pivot" at any time during your career, using what you've learned in your prior jobs to make your next move more enjoyable and successful. Use what you've learned in prior jobs or roles in your new career pursuits, to make that pursuit more enjoyable and successful. Think through what you liked about a prior job or role and bring those elements into that next opportunity.
Consider the strengths you have and also think about the development opportunities you need, and find roles and jobs that build both of those in the next career. If you find that you land in a career you don't like, consider doing information interviews and meeting with people who are doing what you want to do, before you make your move, in order to make sure the decision to leave career is as informed as possible.
Laura Jean Golden
Sales Business Planner
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Laura Jean’s Answer
Don't be afraid and change it. Start applying far and wide and build a network.
3 out of 4 people in a Tech industries, have been laid off at least once in their career. This ranges from Sales, Field Technician, and IT.
Talk to people, be outgoing, try to understand a day in the life of the jobs you look at, and lean into trying to find a mentor for guidance.
Look for Rotation programs (usually available after or during college) that companies may offer so you can try a range of roles.
Understand what you don't like and that way to don't fall into the same pattern or jobs. There are overlapping characteristics that you may want to avoid.
Try to be flexible in your studies and growth, keep yourself open-minded to things you never may have considered.
Nothing is ever set in stone, let alone your limits. That's up to you.
Not everything is a straight line, acceptance of failure is hard, but don't take it to heart, just learn and pivot.
Everyone will be different and have different paths. You can always change if you want to.
3 out of 4 people in a Tech industries, have been laid off at least once in their career. This ranges from Sales, Field Technician, and IT.
Talk to people, be outgoing, try to understand a day in the life of the jobs you look at, and lean into trying to find a mentor for guidance.
Look for Rotation programs (usually available after or during college) that companies may offer so you can try a range of roles.
Understand what you don't like and that way to don't fall into the same pattern or jobs. There are overlapping characteristics that you may want to avoid.
Try to be flexible in your studies and growth, keep yourself open-minded to things you never may have considered.
Nothing is ever set in stone, let alone your limits. That's up to you.
Not everything is a straight line, acceptance of failure is hard, but don't take it to heart, just learn and pivot.
Everyone will be different and have different paths. You can always change if you want to.
Judith-Ann Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at AndeersonCounselingTexas( ACT)
106
Answers
Grapevine, Texas
Updated
Judith-Ann’s Answer
Kaylee, it's a wonderful time for you to be asking these questions. Life is full of questions and answers. You are on the steps of the path of your life and that includes career. I tried my hand at several things before I finally found my calling as a therapist. I started college with one career in mind and left with another one. Then I wondered into several careers just trying to find myself. It's okay to take 2 steps forward, pause, maybe take a step back, and then move forward.
My main focus at some of these transition times was how to pay the bills. I managed to always pay my bills but I had to add some more education or take more exams to get to this most cherished career that I know hold. We are so blessed in America to have these wonderful opportunities when the hardest thing we have to do is decide on a career. Some people have to decide how to get the next meal or where to sleep tonight or how to be safe from bombings.
It helps me to be so grateful for what I have and the decisions I get to make and to look for ways to help others who are less fortunate. I find organizations to feed the poor. I find ways to protest peacefully. I write letters to congress. I write petitions. How fortunate am I that I get to help others.
Kaylee, I would like to leave you with the words of one of my favorite poets:
"I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
(The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost
Life is an adventure!
My main focus at some of these transition times was how to pay the bills. I managed to always pay my bills but I had to add some more education or take more exams to get to this most cherished career that I know hold. We are so blessed in America to have these wonderful opportunities when the hardest thing we have to do is decide on a career. Some people have to decide how to get the next meal or where to sleep tonight or how to be safe from bombings.
It helps me to be so grateful for what I have and the decisions I get to make and to look for ways to help others who are less fortunate. I find organizations to feed the poor. I find ways to protest peacefully. I write letters to congress. I write petitions. How fortunate am I that I get to help others.
Kaylee, I would like to leave you with the words of one of my favorite poets:
"I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
(The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost
Life is an adventure!
Wendy Chivers
Human Resources/Employee Relations
2
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
The career path you embark on after school is merely the first step in what could potentially be a journey through several careers, each with its own unique twists and turns. You might find yourself shifting gears within a single career, like teaching, or even transitioning entirely, such as moving from being a teacher to a corporate in-house trainer. What truly matters is that you immerse yourself in what captivates you and brings you joy (all while earning a living), and let that guide your journey. I've personally navigated through at least four different career changes. Be open to acquiring new knowledge, whether it's within your current career or as you transition into a new one. Having a willingness to learn is arguably the most crucial attitude to adopt. This is a stark contrast to your school days, where you might have been required to study subjects that didn't pique your interest. When you're learning to advance your career, you're driven by interest and motivation! Plus, you get to meet new people, forge new relationships, and expand your network.
Noopur Dubey
PhD research fellow
32
Answers
Graz, Styria, Austria
Updated
Noopur’s Answer
There will be always those opportunities to change your career path. You just need to focus on developing different skills. You definitely learn from your curriculum, and simultaneously you should try to build other skills like communication, presentation of different topics etc. Don't limit yourself. Explore all the possibilities.