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Is it weird that I haven't changed my mind once about what I want to do?
I'm 17 years old right now. I've been certain of what I wanted to be since I was 13 years old, and I haven't changed my mind once. I've researched many different careers, but I keep coming back to this single one. But most of the people I know my age don't really know what they want to be, or they have many different careers they're considering.
Because I was so certain, I've dropped certain subjects like chemistry, which I know is a prerequisite for many different undergraduate courses but not the one I want. I thought, "Why give myself the stress of doing a subject I dislike that I don't need?" But should I have taken it anyway to give myself more opportunities, just in case?
Am I being close-minded? Am I rushing into things? Should I stick on the pathway I've decided, or have I like, doomed myself?
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7 answers
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jolene !
This is a wonderful inquiry and I am happy to give you some advice even though I am not familiar with the school system in your country. I want to assure you that you are on the right track because you do sound certain of a career interest and have already made some reasonable decisions.
You are definitely not weird or doomed as you asked. You know what you want and you should go for it. Chemistry may not be in the picture and that's okay. I would suggest that you go to your intended college's website and see what the admission requirements are. That will be a direct guide for you to know what you will need to enroll in college for whatever major you've chosen. It's all going to depend on which college you choose so look at a few and see which one has a high chance of acceptance for what you have done in your prior school.
It seems like you may be in your last year of what in America is called High School, so this is the time to start getting your questions answered in detail. It is always a big plus to have been inspired with a career interest at a young age. You had/have more time to think about it and that is always a good thing. Everyone figures out a career at different times in their lives and for some people it is at a young age. I can relate because I was set on one of my careers when I was 6 years old and another one when I was 13, too ! I ended up doing both careers. So, it can be done.
That being said, I think your question is more on the technical aspect of being accepted into college based on what you've taken the past four years at your current school. That technical information is available to you and you should explore it. You haven't doomed yourself and you are not rushing anything. You will just need to be certain that a college will accept you and it's based on more than a chemistry class that you've dropped. I assume that when you've dropped the classes you've mentioned, you've replaced them with other classes.
There are specific requirements and tests that one must take in Australia to attend college, however. The link I have provided for you below lists some colleges and what is required in order to attend various universities. This will be a good way to detect whether or not you need to do anything now and which entrance exams you must take. I would also suggest to further look into the college you'd like and read their website for additional information. Whatever you do, don't give up ! Follow your dream. You will see that it is worth it !
I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best. You are making some positive choices and I know that you will be happy during your special journey !
https://ielts.com.au/australia/prepare/article-42-universities-in-australia-for-ielts-score-of-5-5-and-above ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
This is a wonderful inquiry and I am happy to give you some advice even though I am not familiar with the school system in your country. I want to assure you that you are on the right track because you do sound certain of a career interest and have already made some reasonable decisions.
You are definitely not weird or doomed as you asked. You know what you want and you should go for it. Chemistry may not be in the picture and that's okay. I would suggest that you go to your intended college's website and see what the admission requirements are. That will be a direct guide for you to know what you will need to enroll in college for whatever major you've chosen. It's all going to depend on which college you choose so look at a few and see which one has a high chance of acceptance for what you have done in your prior school.
It seems like you may be in your last year of what in America is called High School, so this is the time to start getting your questions answered in detail. It is always a big plus to have been inspired with a career interest at a young age. You had/have more time to think about it and that is always a good thing. Everyone figures out a career at different times in their lives and for some people it is at a young age. I can relate because I was set on one of my careers when I was 6 years old and another one when I was 13, too ! I ended up doing both careers. So, it can be done.
That being said, I think your question is more on the technical aspect of being accepted into college based on what you've taken the past four years at your current school. That technical information is available to you and you should explore it. You haven't doomed yourself and you are not rushing anything. You will just need to be certain that a college will accept you and it's based on more than a chemistry class that you've dropped. I assume that when you've dropped the classes you've mentioned, you've replaced them with other classes.
There are specific requirements and tests that one must take in Australia to attend college, however. The link I have provided for you below lists some colleges and what is required in order to attend various universities. This will be a good way to detect whether or not you need to do anything now and which entrance exams you must take. I would also suggest to further look into the college you'd like and read their website for additional information. Whatever you do, don't give up ! Follow your dream. You will see that it is worth it !
I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best. You are making some positive choices and I know that you will be happy during your special journey !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Mohit’s Answer
- Is it weird that I haven't changed my mind once about what I want to do?
Not at all, it's unique, but certainly not strange.
- I'm 17 years old right now. I've been certain of what I wanted to be since I was 13 years old, and I haven't changed my mind once. I've researched many different careers, but I keep coming back to this single one.
As long as you've weighed the advantages and disadvantages and are actively improving in your chosen field, you're on the right track.
- But most of the people I know my age don't really know what they want to be, or they have many different careers they're considering.
Indeed, many people prefer to keep their options open due to fear of missing out or making the wrong choice.
- Because I was so certain, I've dropped certain subjects like chemistry, which I know is a prerequisite for many different undergraduate courses but not the one I want. I thought, "Why give myself the stress of doing a subject I dislike that I don't need?" But should I have taken it anyway to give myself more opportunities, just in case?
Regardless of the subjects you choose, some career options will inevitably be closed off. However, you can always choose to study those subjects later if necessary.
- Am I being close-minded? Am I rushing into things? Should I stick on the pathway I've decided, or have I like, doomed myself?
As long as you're thoroughly researching and understanding the implications of your choices, there's no need to worry.
Not at all, it's unique, but certainly not strange.
- I'm 17 years old right now. I've been certain of what I wanted to be since I was 13 years old, and I haven't changed my mind once. I've researched many different careers, but I keep coming back to this single one.
As long as you've weighed the advantages and disadvantages and are actively improving in your chosen field, you're on the right track.
- But most of the people I know my age don't really know what they want to be, or they have many different careers they're considering.
Indeed, many people prefer to keep their options open due to fear of missing out or making the wrong choice.
- Because I was so certain, I've dropped certain subjects like chemistry, which I know is a prerequisite for many different undergraduate courses but not the one I want. I thought, "Why give myself the stress of doing a subject I dislike that I don't need?" But should I have taken it anyway to give myself more opportunities, just in case?
Regardless of the subjects you choose, some career options will inevitably be closed off. However, you can always choose to study those subjects later if necessary.
- Am I being close-minded? Am I rushing into things? Should I stick on the pathway I've decided, or have I like, doomed myself?
As long as you're thoroughly researching and understanding the implications of your choices, there's no need to worry.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Jolene,
It's not strange at all that you've known what you want to do since you were 13. It's actually quite remarkable to have such a clear career goal at a young age. While many people your age might still be figuring out their career paths, remember, there's no set timeline for these decisions.
Having a firm idea about your future career is a big plus. It means you can focus your energy and make smart choices about your education and future opportunities. It's clear you've done your homework on different careers and found the one that truly speaks to you.
When it comes to dropping subjects like chemistry, think about what your chosen career requires. If chemistry isn't needed for your career, you might not have to study it. However, a broad education can be useful. Even if you're sure about your career now, things can change, and having a wide range of skills can give you more options.
But remember, it's also key to balance focusing on your goal with staying open to other possibilities. This doesn't mean you have to change your mind, just that you should be open to new opportunities in your chosen field.
Remember, everyone's path is different, and there's no one right way to make career decisions. As long as you've done your research, followed your passion, and made choices based on your goals, it's perfectly okay to be sure about your career at a young age.
Top 3 Reference Publications Used:
Forbes - www.forbes.com
Harvard Business Review - hbr.org
The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
God bless,
James.
It's not strange at all that you've known what you want to do since you were 13. It's actually quite remarkable to have such a clear career goal at a young age. While many people your age might still be figuring out their career paths, remember, there's no set timeline for these decisions.
Having a firm idea about your future career is a big plus. It means you can focus your energy and make smart choices about your education and future opportunities. It's clear you've done your homework on different careers and found the one that truly speaks to you.
When it comes to dropping subjects like chemistry, think about what your chosen career requires. If chemistry isn't needed for your career, you might not have to study it. However, a broad education can be useful. Even if you're sure about your career now, things can change, and having a wide range of skills can give you more options.
But remember, it's also key to balance focusing on your goal with staying open to other possibilities. This doesn't mean you have to change your mind, just that you should be open to new opportunities in your chosen field.
Remember, everyone's path is different, and there's no one right way to make career decisions. As long as you've done your research, followed your passion, and made choices based on your goals, it's perfectly okay to be sure about your career at a young age.
Top 3 Reference Publications Used:
Forbes - www.forbes.com
Harvard Business Review - hbr.org
The Balance Careers - www.thebalancecareers.com
God bless,
James.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Speaking from personal experience, I wish I had done more exploring in high school, where the education was free, rather than waiting for college.
It's okay to know what you want to do (you don't say what that is), but, if it is something that might be difficult to earn a living at, I'd recommend having another idea you are willing to pursue.
I wish I had taken World History and Art Appreciation - both classes I've never been exposed to. I feel like I missed out on getting a well-rounded education, and miss when people make conversational references to things like the Roman Empire.
I hope you are fully exploring your chosen field, because sometimes there are certain aspects of a job we really don't learn about until we are there. Please use this site to reach out to people in that field and see what insights they have to offer!
It's okay to know what you want to do (you don't say what that is), but, if it is something that might be difficult to earn a living at, I'd recommend having another idea you are willing to pursue.
I wish I had taken World History and Art Appreciation - both classes I've never been exposed to. I feel like I missed out on getting a well-rounded education, and miss when people make conversational references to things like the Roman Empire.
I hope you are fully exploring your chosen field, because sometimes there are certain aspects of a job we really don't learn about until we are there. Please use this site to reach out to people in that field and see what insights they have to offer!
Updated
L’s Answer
Hello! You've raised an excellent point! I remember being in your shoes, unsure of my career path while I was still in school. But I was certain of my interest in Marketing and Communications. Over time, I've held various jobs in the marketing field, including database marketing, PR, and influencer marketing among others. So, it's perfectly normal if you haven't shifted your focus yet. However, reflecting on my journey, I initially resisted taking Calculus, thinking it wouldn't benefit me. But in hindsight, I wish I had pursued both a Marketing and Communications degree!
Updated
Mafalda’s Answer
Hello,
There's absolutely no problem here... You're brimming with confidence about pursuing a career in a particular field and you're diligently working towards it. On the off chance that it doesn't captivate your heart as much as you anticipate, don't worry. There are countless avenues to gain experience in diverse fields and you'll have the flexibility to shift to something that fits you perfectly. Remember, you're still in the prime of your youth, so this choice is far from sealing off all your future prospects.
There's absolutely no problem here... You're brimming with confidence about pursuing a career in a particular field and you're diligently working towards it. On the off chance that it doesn't captivate your heart as much as you anticipate, don't worry. There are countless avenues to gain experience in diverse fields and you'll have the flexibility to shift to something that fits you perfectly. Remember, you're still in the prime of your youth, so this choice is far from sealing off all your future prospects.
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
You're fine. Many teens have had a clear goal with what they want to do after graduation. The thing to remember is that you still have your whole life ahead of you and to stay open to other possibilities. Once you enter college don't close yourself off from other possibilities and always be willing to explore any fields or ideas you're curious about. Sometimes you'll find something new that just clicks and draws you in. Other times you may find something that complements your field of study and choose to further explore it.