How do you find a lifelong career that you will love and be passionate about?
I'm still young, in my early twenties asking for advice or helpful insight on finding the right path for me. I'm currently enrolled in a Jobcorps Center and am pursuing Pharmacy technician and or other trade work training. I have several small interests that I enjoy but none that I feel confident building into a lifelong career. I graduated from high school during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, and I feel it's stunted my growth into a career. I'm interested in STEM, Language studies, Anatomy Physiology, forensics, Physical fitness, Chemistry, Woodworking, and Medicine. I'm artistic and investigative and wish to do a career that I find challenging and rewarding. I've traveled to Europe, Studied French in southern France, and interned as a sales associate in Ireland with a Designer Exchange Company; all of which were wonderful experiences but I'm unsure how to turn them into a career for my future. So how do I narrow down my interests into a career I will find fulfilling in my later life?
29 answers
Michelle’s Answer
You have had some wonderful experiences and I can see why now is a time to think about a life's career choice.
One way that you can discover what career to study for would be to enroll in college. Pharmacy Tech is a great position but you seem to be wondering if there is anything else out there for you and there probably is. College is a great way to get a feel for the subjects that you are interested in because you are fortunate to have many interests and skills. You do not have to settle upon one, you can pursue more than one if you choose. But being in college will greatly help you explore this in a way that you haven't done before.
I would advise looking into both community colleges and Universities in your local area. Visit the campuses in person and see if you could have an orientation. Read their websites for the majors that they offer and narrow the colleges down. This experience could possibly spark inspiration for you if nothing else has already. We all figure out our life career at different times in our lives and sometimes we transition from one field of work to a completely different field or do two at the same time. So, you see, you have many options.
You seem to be special in that you've put your heart into everything you have done so far. You have a rich work experience background and seem to be highly motivated, responsible and conscientious. I think that by reading up on colleges and than visiting them can be a step you can take to perhaps narrow down one or two career paths.
I hope this has been a help and I wish you all the best !
Nick’s Answer
Your exploration is on the right track. Get meaningful internships as soon as possible and a path will open before you.
This is based on my actual experience in my 44 year career which I look back on fondly and a lot of good to look forward to in retirement.
Best wishes to you.
Jacquelyn Poticny
Jacquelyn’s Answer
hi. You are still young and have time to decide what is really your passion. I would recommend taking some different classes at the local community college to get your feet wet and then this might give you an idea of what you would like to do. Most people (for whatever the circumstances) end up changing their careers at some point throughout their life. The important thing is to keep learning and develop yourself so that you can see what other things might interest you. Whatever formal education you get provides a foundation for you to be able to pursue your passions while exposing you to a bunch of different areas. I wouldn't limit myself at this point, just continue to grow and learn developing different skills , which will then give you an opportunity to really decide what career you might like to try. Notice I said "try" as you don't need to limit yourself.
You are asking the "right" questions...so now give yourself the opportunity to try different paths before you fully choose your lifetime destiny.
All the best as I know you will go off and do great things in your lifetime!
JP
Jim’s Answer
Your question is indeed a fantastic one, and it's something nearly everyone ponders at some point in their lives. In my case, it's a question I revisit every few years.
There are already many insightful responses here. I'll keep my advice straightforward: If a job feels like the right fit, don't hesitate to pursue it. If you're a person of faith, let that guide you. One valuable piece of advice I've received is this: "Don't stress over making the right decision, instead focus on making your decision right." Approaching any situation with this mindset will surely yield positive results.
Since my early 20s, I've held about seven different positions. It's quite rare for someone to stick with a single career from their 20s until retirement. So, whatever your heart and mind are compelling you towards at this moment, chase it. Sure, there might be a few detours along the way, but remember, you can always find your way back to the path.
Wishing you all the best!
Jim
Ramsey’s Answer
Your current approach to determining your career path is commendable. I'd like to offer some insights that could be beneficial to your journey.
During your research and dialogues with prospective employers, consider applying the S.Q.U.A.D. Model. Here's what it stands for:
S = Skilled: Identify your inherent talents. These are your natural abilities that you've successfully applied in your career, forming your strengths.
Q = Qualified: Reflect on your experiences and the skills you've gained from them, which make you an ideal candidate. Aim to expand these experiences and emphasize them in your conversations.
U = Unique: Remember, there's no one quite like you. What sets you apart? What unique value can you contribute?
A = Agile: Change is inevitable, as the COVID pandemic has shown us. How well can you adapt and respond effectively to change?
D = Driven: What fuels your drive towards success? Stay curious and eager to reach new heights.
Understanding this model will help you evaluate job opportunities based on three fundamental pillars:
1. Aligns with your passions.
2. Matches your strengths so you can be the BEST as per the SQUAD framework.
3. Fulfills your financial aspirations. Ensure your choice provides a satisfactory compensation.
I hope this guidance assists you in shaping your approach towards finding the right career path for you.
Ryan’s Answer
Keep in mind that your career journey is distinctly yours, and there isn't a universal formula to discover a lifelong career that brings joy. Stay faithful to who you are, pursue your passions, and keep your heart and mind open to fresh opportunities that come your way. Wishing you the best of luck!
Jacklyn’s Answer
Donna’s Answer
Manuel’s Answer
for me, the answer can be quite simple: look for a job that does not seem like a job for you. That way you will be enjoying at least 8 hours a day.
Good luck,
Manuel
Doreen’s Answer
After you create your list of let's say 8-10 loves and 3-5 loathes, use them to ask questions of people who are doing jobs that you think you might be interested in. Ask them, "how many of THESE activities do you do in your work and how often?" This can then help you to compare jobs to each other, in the hopes of finding the one that will have the MOST of your loves, and the LEAST of your loathes.
Hope that helps!
Gabrielle’s Answer
Brandon’s Answer
Karen’s Answer
Most people end up having more than one career in their lifetime. I managed a travel department, led a training program, managed a nonprofit and now being retired am involved in quite a variety of volunteer activities doing things I've never done before. During each of these, I was passionate about what I was doing and when that passion seemed to decrease, I moved on to something else. So where you begin will not necessarily determine where you end up.
With your adventurous spirit, you can choose one that sounds appealing and go for it. Take time to enjoy life and give back to others.
With every good wish.
Dominic’s Answer
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George’s Answer
George recommends the following next steps:
Matthew’s Answer
Your question is a good one and the same one I've struggled with. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do in college so I took a wide variety of subjects to try to help narrow it down. I started off with Genetics (pre-med) but after digging through the course work and talking to other people at different places on the pre-med journey decided becoming a doctor wouldn't be the best fit for me. I then shifted to Computer Science which I really enjoyed but didn't want to be stuck in front of a computer all day for a job (especially when I enjoy playing around with computers in my spare time) so I shifted away from that. Then I decided I wanted to live in Madrid (previously took years of Spanish) so pivoted to a Spanish major and studied abroad in Madrid. While there I decided I really wanted to do International Business but by that point I wasn't able to change major over to business so decided to just graduate in 4 years with a Spanish degree.
I graduated in 2009 and the job market wasn't great so finding a job with a Spanish degree was very difficult. To pay for my student loans, I ended up bar tending at a country club. While there one of the members there convinced me to try a Sales job and put a plan together to go get an MBA if I truly wanted to pursue business. I started off in Retail sales for Verizon and have been with the company ever since. I went back and did my MBA while still doing sales for them, once I completed it I ended up moving to a headquarters role managing Systems for Agents. I've continued to learn and grow through the different career opportunities.
I give all of that background to say that there is no right answer. You'll need to make the tough decision of which path to start down but be open and confident to pivot if you no longer feel that your current journey is the one you want to be on long term. There are so many things that have impacted my journey, and/or things that I said I'd never do that later in life I end up doing. Be open to opportunities & experiences, give them your best shot and follow your gut.
I hope that's helpful and best of luck,
-Matt
Laura’s Answer
Kim Bauerlein
Kim’s Answer
One way to narrow down your interests is to think about what you enjoy doing the most and what comes naturally to you. Consider taking a career assessment test or working with a career counselor to help identify your strengths and interests.
Another approach is to research different careers that align with your interests. Look into job descriptions, required education and training, and potential career paths. You can also reach out to professionals in those fields to learn more about their experiences and gain insight into the industry.
It's also important to consider your values and what is important to you in a career. Do you value work-life balance, job security, or making a positive impact on society? These factors can help guide you towards a career that aligns with your values and goals.
Remember, your career journey is unique to you and may take time to figure out. Don't be afraid to try new things and explore different career paths. With dedication and hard work, you can find a fulfilling career that incorporates your passions and interests. Good luck!
Jeff’s Answer
Great question! It's wonderful that you are thinking about your career and future! My first bit of advice is to not put that kind of pressure on yourself! At your stage, you should be trying to figure out what interests you and what you like to do. College is a good way to get the broad exposure. At a four year college, your first two years are mainly liberal arts and foundational classes. It's what got me into my career in computer science. I started in biology ( marine biology as the ultimate goal) and happened to take a programming class.
Keep in mind that whatever path you choose is not cast in concrete. A vast majority of people, as their careers progress, change career paths along the way. The jobs change over time and you will, as well. I always recommend that if someone is not happy in their career, look at other options. You can always switch careers. It might cost a bit as far as level and salary but it's much more important to enjoy what you do.
Relax, enjoy the search and you will find your career and your passion!
Best of luck!
Kajal’s Answer
You're definitely heading in the right direction by merging your enthusiasm for STEM, Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry into a pursuit of a pharmacy tech career. When contemplating a career, it's crucial to ponder over a few key questions:
1) Do you enjoy social interaction and does it energize you?
2) Are you intrigued by research or academia?
3) How much does lifestyle matter to you?
4) Would you find joy in a career involving outdoor activities and travel?
5) How vital is a fixed schedule to you, like a daytime job or one that could involve night shifts?
6) Would you be open to a physically demanding job or would you prefer a desk job?
I suggest creating a weighted matrix based on these questions.
Next, I recommend seeking out volunteer roles, internships, or part-time jobs in a few areas you've shortlisted. Sometimes, our perception of a profession from the outside can differ greatly from the reality of the job. Maintaining a journal of your experiences, what you've learned, and how it aligns with your identified priorities can be beneficial.
Moreover, try to connect with individuals who have 5, 10, or 15 years of experience in your fields of interest. Engaging with these professionals can provide insight into career progression, challenges, and the aspects of their job that bring them joy. Don't hesitate to ask them if they would be willing to mentor you.
I hope you find this advice beneficial.
Best of luck,
Kajal
Craig’s Answer
Self-Assessment:
Identify your interests, values, skills, and passions. What activities do you enjoy? What subjects in school do you excel in? Reflect on what matters to you in a career.
Research Occupations:
Look into different careers to understand their responsibilities, required education, and potential salary. Use online resources, career websites, and speak to professionals in various fields.
Job Shadowing:
Arrange to shadow professionals in fields you find interesting. This hands-on experience can give you a real sense of the day-to-day tasks and environment of a particular job.
Internships and Volunteering:
Participate in internships or volunteer work related to your areas of interest. This provides practical experience and helps you build a network in the industry.
Talk to Career Counselors:
Seek guidance from your school's career counselors. They can provide valuable information, resources, and advice tailored to your interests and abilities.
Take Career Assessment Tests:
Consider taking career assessment tests or personality tests that can provide insights into suitable career paths based on your traits and preferences.
Explore College Majors:
Research different college majors that align with your interests. Many careers have specific educational requirements, so understanding the academic paths can be helpful.
Networking:
Attend career fairs, workshops, and networking events. Connect with professionals and ask them about their career paths. Networking can open doors to opportunities and insights.
Online Courses:
Take online courses or workshops in areas you find intriguing. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of specific fields and enhance your skills.
Stay Informed:
Stay updated on industry trends, advancements, and the job market. Being informed can help you make decisions based on current and future demands.
Set Goals:
Establish short-term and long-term goals. This can help you stay focused on your aspirations and make informed decisions about your education and career path.
Remember, it's normal for career interests to evolve over time. Stay open-minded, explore different options, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, teachers, and professionals.
Bhupendra’s Answer
Reflect on your experiences: Think about the activities, internships, and travel experiences you mentioned. What aspects did you enjoy most? What skills did you use or develop during these experiences? How did they make you feel?
Identify common themes: Look for patterns among your interests. For example, STEM, anatomy, physiology, and medicine all relate to healthcare. Language studies and woodworking may speak to your creative side.
Explore career options: Research careers that align with your interests and themes. Look into job descriptions, required education or training, and growth prospects. You might find some unexpected career paths that combine your interests in unique ways.
Job shadow or intern: Try to gain hands-on experience in your desired fields. This will help you gain insight into day-to-day tasks and determine if a particular career feels right for you.
Talk to professionals: Network with people in your desired fields. Ask about their experiences, challenges, and advice. This will give you valuable insights into the realities of different careers.
Consider personality traits: In addition to your interests, think about your personality traits. Are you introverted or extroverted? Do you enjoy working independently or as part of a team?
Take career assessments: Utilize online resources like personality tests (e.g., Myers-Briggs) and career assessments (e.g., Holland Occupational Themes). These can help identify potential career paths that fit your interests and personality.
Keep exploring and learning: Don't feel pressured to settle on one career path immediately. Continue learning and exploring through online courses, workshops, or volunteering. This will help you refine your interests and develop new skills.
Remember, finding the right career path is a journey, and it's okay to take your time. Embrace your curiosity and passions, and don't be afraid to pivot or explore new opportunities as you grow. Good luck!
Jerome’s Answer
I’m recommend deciding what is important to you. Is it making money? Is it giving back? Is it learning and growing? From there, attend career fairs and interview people regarding their jobs. With so many options out there, you are bound to find something you’ll enjoy.
Mary Ann’s Answer
Choosing a career can be a tricky thing. The reason I say that is because the world is always changing and new careers become available on a regular basis. And, as you grow and experience more of the world, your interests will change too. So, for now, I recommend you think about the next 5 to 7 years. What are the things you enjoy doing now and what are the skills you want to use on a regular basis? If you're not sure, here's an exercise that might help.
Think about three experiences where you believe you showed up as your best self and are really proud of what you did. They can be personal, work related, a group activity. Once you have your 3 experiences, for each experience, describe what happened, what was accomplished, what your role was and the specifics about what you did. Once you have completed this, compare the three experiences to see what skills show up in all three examples. Maybe you'll notice things like working with a group, analyzing a situation, creating something. Whatever you notice, these are likely the kinds of things you would enjoy doing on a regular basis at a job. Knowing this information can help you to look for careers where you get to use these kinds of skills.
Also, remember, whatever you decide to do, you can change your mind. As I said, the world is always changes and your interests will likely change over time too. So, if you decide you want to pursue Pharmacy Tech now, maybe you also spend some time doing woodworking on the side. And then, after building your wordworking skill, maybe you decide to work part-time in Pharmacy and start a woodworking business where you design and build furniture. My point is, you can do more than 1 thing in your life.
Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Maria’s Answer
Take my journey as an example. I started off as a teacher, then went back to school and transitioned into Human Resources. The beauty of working in a field like HR, especially in a diverse company like mine, is the multitude of career paths available. It's entirely possible to switch and explore new roles!
One effective way to figure out if a career is right for you is through internships or informational interviews. Reach out to people in your network or even on LinkedIn, and ask them about their jobs and a day in their life. This could provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.
I'm rooting for you, Jessica, and wish you nothing but success on your career journey.
Brad’s Answer
Great question. Personally when I started my career out of college, I was in a similar space. I chose to learn technology and pursue sales. I liked that everyday is different and it gives me continuous learning opportunities. I would say do not hesitate to learn something new and spend time with mentors to take in feedback and apply it. Make sure whatever path you take you enjoy doing the work, nothing could be worse that not wanting to go to work or put in 100%. It would make you days horrible and I wouldn’t want that for anyone.
Brad recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
This is a great question, Jessica! It's common to feel overwhelmed when trying to choose a career path, especially when you have a wide range of interests. Here's a breakdown of how to approach this, combining practical advice with some introspection:
**1. Self-Reflection is Key:**
* **Identify Your Values:** What's truly important to you in a job? Is it:
* **Impact:** Do you want to make a difference in the world?
* **Creativity:** Do you need a job where you can express yourself?
* **Independence:** Do you prefer working alone or in a team?
* **Security:** Is job stability and a good income a priority?
* **Challenge:** Do you thrive on intellectual stimulation and problem-solving?
* **Skills Inventory:**
* **Hard Skills:** What are you good at? (Pharmacy tech skills, language skills, computer skills, etc.)
* **Soft Skills:** What personality traits do you possess that are valuable in the workplace? (Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability, etc.)
* **Personality Tests:** Consider taking career assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or Holland Code. These can give you insights into your personality type and suggest compatible career paths.
**2. Explore Your Interests Deeply:**
* **Informational Interviews:** Talk to people working in fields that interest you. Ask them about their daily work, the challenges they face, and what they love (or dislike) about their jobs.
* **Volunteer Work:** Volunteer in areas that align with your interests. This provides hands-on experience and helps you understand if you truly enjoy the work.
* **Shadowing:** If possible, spend a day shadowing professionals in different roles to see what their work is like firsthand.
**3. Research Career Options:**
* **Explore Career Resources:** Utilize online resources like Indeed, LinkedIn, and government career websites (like the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US) to research career options, salary information, job growth prospects, and education/training requirements.
* **Consider Your Transferable Skills:** Many of your skills are transferable across different fields. For example, your communication skills developed through language studies could be valuable in healthcare, education, or business.
* **Don't Limit Yourself:** Consider interdisciplinary fields that combine your interests. For example, if you're interested in forensics and chemistry, you could explore forensic chemistry.
**4. Consider Your Learning Style:**
* **Do you prefer hands-on learning or theoretical learning?**
* **Do you enjoy working independently or in a structured environment?**
* **Do you thrive in fast-paced or more relaxed settings?**
**5. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment:**
* **Try different things:** Take on part-time jobs, freelance gigs, or internships to explore different career paths.
* **Be open to change:** Your interests and career goals may evolve over time. Don't be afraid to reassess and make adjustments as needed.
**6. Utilize Job Corps Resources:**
* **Career Counseling:** Take advantage of the career counseling services offered at Job Corps. Career counselors can help you assess your interests, explore career options, and develop a career plan.
* **Skill Development:** Focus on developing your skills in areas that are in demand and align with your interests.
**7. Remember Your Europe Trip!**
* **Language Skills:** Your French language skills could be valuable in a variety of careers, including international business, tourism, translation, and education.
* **Cultural Awareness:** Your travel experiences in Europe have broadened your horizons and enhanced your cultural awareness. These skills are highly valued in many workplaces.
**Finding the "right" career path is a journey, not a destination.** It may take time and exploration to discover what truly fulfills you. Be patient with yourself, embrace the learning process, and don't be afraid to take some risks.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
God Bless You!
JC.
Karthik Kumar’s Answer
Thank you for your thoughtful approach to planning your lifelong career. This proactive attitude is a surefire path to success. Your diverse interests, which span STEM, Language Studies, Anatomy Physiology, Forensics, Physical Fitness, Chemistry, Woodworking, and Medicine, are a testament to your versatility and curiosity.
Each of these fields offers rewarding career paths that are not only financially lucrative but also personally satisfying. For instance, your interest in Physical Fitness could lead you to become a successful entrepreneur by starting your own gym or yoga center. Alternatively, a career in Medicine could allow you to make a difference as a doctor, treating and healing people.
My advice is to identify the field that resonates most with your passion and aligns with your financial and personal aspirations.
You also mentioned your artistic flair. This can be a fantastic avenue for a side venture alongside your primary career. Consider leveraging platforms like YouTube to showcase your artistic talents and fulfill your creative dreams.
I wish you the very best in your career journey!
Warm Regards,
Karthik.
Thao’s Answer
Just like Nick and Michelle suggested, and from my experience of over 13 years in various roles in education - as a teacher, mentor, marketer, admissions officer, recruiter, and as a fellow university graduate - I'm still pondering over that crucial question: how to pinpoint my career passion and create a career that lasts a lifetime.
I guess the answer might be found in what you want to be known for. For instance, after many years mentoring high school students on selecting their university majors, I found that being acknowledged as a "great mentor" gives me a sense of satisfaction and motivation. Therefore, I'm keen on enhancing my skills and knowledge to become an even better mentor at the university level.
The next thing to consider is, what kind of lifestyle do you prefer? This is crucial because certain industries and roles might offer you a hefty paycheck but could also demand a lot of your time, impact your health, and even strain your relationships with family, friends, and significant others. Some jobs, on the other hand, might be less demanding, allowing you to maintain a better work-life balance.
Your efforts to explore and gain experience are commendable, and I urge you to keep going for a certain period (depending on your personal objectives). It's never too late or too early to commit to something, as long as it contributes to your skill development, experience, happiness, and health. So, my advice is to fully immerse yourself in whatever you do. You might not yet know what satisfies you more - financial or emotional rewards, but eventually, you'll reach a point where you understand what truly makes you content.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Thao