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How did you realize what you wanted to do for a living?

I honestly love everything and I have trouble deciding what I want to invest my future in.
#indecisive #general-career-advice-for-young-people

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Subject: Career question for you

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John’s Answer

As some of the other people have answered, trial and error helps and also, your interests may change along the way. Sometimes they even change within a specific career. For example, I've always worked in the Technology field... everything from building circuit boards to writing software. I also love to meet and interact with people so today I'm a solutions architect which is actually part of the Sales Organization at my company and I love this job because it lets me be hands on with technology but also leverage my people skills. So I ended up someplace I never anticipated at first.

Another thing to consider is the idea of being a "neo-generalist". That is someone who is interested in many things and loves exploring new ideas and finds away to bring them together in whatever area they are working on. So while you will always need to specialize to some extent, don't be afraid to keep your interests broad and apply them to your chosen field.
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Jenna’s Answer

Hi Hannah. This is a really good question. I started with Verizon 13 years ago and I thought it was gonna just be a job. Fast forward to today, Ive learned this is it. I took my responsibilities serious and built my brand. My brand is who I am and how I show up everyday. I learned how to network and meet to people that helped guide me in the direction to further my steps within the company. I also learned about the company and found out all the benefits they provide.
So to truly answer your question you have to find something that you are passionate about and build from there. Once you find it, build your brand, skills, and knowledge to be successful. Mentors are also a big part of it. Find someone in the company that you trust and that will give you real feedback and advise to help you succeed. Once you get there you will see people reaching out to you for them to be your mentor.
Good luck!
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Paul A’s Answer

Good question! Trial and error! I discovered along my job path that my independent nature worked best when I was going at my speed and not encumbered by company rules, bosses and limiting cultures. Along the way I became a self employed sales training consultant, organizational change consultant, talent and leadership identifier and an individual life catalyst. My current job title is Synergetic Catalyst. I made it up! My point is identify your talents, gifts, interests and passion. Be willing to experiment and stretch as you explore possible career paths. Go to 16 Career clusters on your computer for starters and pick 3 or 4 options that seem the most interesting then put them in order of preference from high to low. Trust your gut! This is a journey not a destination! Enjoy the trip. Don't confuse making a living with living a life that works. The best on your trip!

Paul A recommends the following next steps:

Google 16 career clusters
Pick 3 or 4
Prioritize them from highest appeal to lowest
Go to indeed dot com and put in a job title with no city or state and see what pops up
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Victoria’s Answer

Hi Hanna. You need to be open to different types of classes and jobs to see what you like. If you are going down a path in school that doesn't excite you or makes you feel bored, change it. When I first went to college, I was majoring in the Paralegal field. I found it dull and boring so I switched into Communications/Art, TV and Theater. I learned how to direct plays, edit films and made great friends. Even though I found that fun and rewarding, along the way I tried many other things. Now I've been working in Emergency Management for over 20 years. So, my point is, sometimes you don't know where you will land, life will just take you there. Don't be afraid of change, think outside the box, and have fun!
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Simeon’s Answer

I never really realized what I wanted to do for a living. Instead, I manage my career like it's a portfolio; I see what I have the training and opportunity to do and make decisions based off of that. I think the time when someone maintains one consistent career, let alone one consistent company, is behind us to some degree. Most adults that I know aren't committed to their field forever. Most are taking it year by year and weighing their options. That's all to say that you shouldn't worry too much about making a permanent, unescapable decision when you choose a career for the first time.
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Hannah.

You should do what you like/love to do. You point of view changes that often because of your age, life-experience, your life situation, and more.
It depends on you if you will like to be flexible and exploring different areas working in.
I can tell you from my daughters that they started as a biologist or Master Florist but changed to Physical Fitness plus nutritionist and the other became a Police Officer. And who knows what next?
But for sure that will be influenced on her personal situation and as long as they like too.

At least you will be at a point when you say "that's it" and stay there - maybe for ever.
And you have to be honest to yourself.

You will make your way...

All the best :-)
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