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How do you figure out what you want to spend your life doing?

I'm an ambitious student, I have so many ideas of what I could do with my life. I have an interest in biology, math, space, and maybe even writing, to name a few. There's added anxieties to these dreams, such as cost, distance, scholarships , future jobs, and if you even want to do it. There are so many queries under the broad umbrella of my main question, how do you figure out what you want to spend your life doing?

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Michele’s Answer

Hello Katie,

You do have a variety of interests. At this stage, your interests are likely broad and can fit into a variety of career paths. There are likely ways that you can combine your interests. For example, you might combine your interests in math and space to work on mathematical models for space travel and space communication. Or you might combine your interests in math and biology for statistical analysis of medical treatments. In any of your fields of interest, you are likely to write - whether articles, briefs, or other communications.

When you explore your interests and try to determine a career, don't panic that this must be a lifetime career. Many people change careers over their life. For example, I know someone who worked at a government service job, took some courses to become a computer programmer, then went back to school for another degree and became a teacher.
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Mikaila’s Answer

One thing that really helped me was volunteering or asking to sit in on a work day. I was extremely confused when I graduated high school. I thought I wanted to be an OBGYN and deliver babies so I volunteered to work one full shift at the hospital every week. I was out at the front desk which was kind of boring at first but then they switched me to the ER. Within 2 shifts I knew the healthcare industry wasn’t for me! I ended up working retail/customer service and one day I was watching a baking show and it hit me that I could make a career out of my passion for baking and I applied to culinary school that week and have been a pastry chef for almost 10 years now. I think it’s totally normal to not know and it’s scary trying to blindly pick which one. However, I think reaching out to people in the industry or doing a deep dive of what it’s like to work in those industries can always help! Also keep in mind there’s no time limit to finding your perfect career!
Thank you comment icon Hi Mikaila! Thanks for answering your first question and welcome to Carreer Village! I've been here several years - it's a very rewarding experience! Kim Igleheart
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Archived’s Answer

Hello! I relate to you so much, I feel like I have so many amazing ideas and goals, but because my interests and career pursuits are pretty different, it's hard to make sense of everything. Like I'm saying that I have interests in international affairs and here I am working in domestic politics. While I did not think I'd end up here, it has been a roller coaster of a journey. My advice would be to do your research and watch videos of people who may be working in occupations that interest you. Of course these videos/blogs are from their experience and yours would be different, but it can give you an idea of what a typical day may look like. I also find looking at job boards can be interesting too!

I don't think we truly know what we want our lifelong career to be in until we gain some real experience after school and of course, keep learning as you go. I think the best idea is to not limit yourself to the ideas you may have now because you want to keep an open mind and not have tunnel vision. Use your goals/interests but only as a guide, not a strict "I have to do this." Internships are a great option and if you're able to, take classes in these subjects you may be interested in. If an internship doesn't work, even a part-time job or volunteering in that field can allow you to gain some real experience. I hope this helped and good luck!!
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Sharon’s Answer

Hi Katie! It seems like you're passionate about many subjects and can see yourself pursuing a variety of careers. Everyone else has given you great advice. To reiterate, I'd recommend joining clubs, volunteering, or applying for an internship that pertains to each interest you have. This will allow you to dive deeper into the potential career path or subject your interested in and help you rule out any field. I'm assuming you're still in high school, but just know that it is okay to not have everything figured out. I didn't have any idea of what I wanted to pursue until I was a junior in college! Even then, just know that many people in life change careers often. So overall, I'd recommend gaining some experience, talking to professionals in your subjects of interest, and staying open-minded. Best of luck.
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Aninda’s Answer

Dear Katie, I'm amazed by looking at your interest, you'll have a very successful life for sure, if you can channel it properly, otherwise it can get overwhelming and you'll feel burnt out.
I myself have a lot of interests and hobbies, which I wanted to explore and learn. So I can emphasize you totally, yes it can be confusing at times, you'll feel anxious and confused, but it will pass.
So let me tell you this, don't hold yourself back, explore all the things you love to do, eventually you'll find what is truly meant for you, what is your purpose on this life.
Take one subject first, master it, get your hands dirty learn a new thing on that particular subject every day. Don't hustle a lot, give it time, maybe a few years. Is it getting boring over time? Totally fine, you can come back to it later. Start a new journey now, repeat the same process.
Let me tell you this, until you're 30, explore all the possibilities, and interests thay you have, give this time to yourself, you'll appreciate investing in your journey after your retirement.
There will be challenges, a lot of them actually, you will fall, and you will lift yourself up, again you will fall, that's just a part of the life. The more you'll break and fail, everytime you'll learn something new, and that would just make you better, until you're alive hehe.
Jokes apart, I wish you all the very best, have a great life ahead, make us proud.
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Jesse’s Answer

Hey Katie, the wonderful part about this is that you're not confined to a single path for the rest of your life. There are numerous roles out there that can cater to a variety of your interests. I'd urge you to ponder over any skills, passions, or hobbies that you'd be excited to pursue as a career. It's beneficial if it also coincides with a burgeoning field brimming with opportunities. Put these questions to yourself: "Am I a problem-solver?", "Do I enjoy working with kids or adults?", "Am I a creative individual?" Don't hesitate to ask questions, just like you're doing now, volunteer, or seek job shadowing opportunities.
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Jon.’s Answer

Hi Katie, often in life, the answers we seek tend to find us when we least anticipate them. Judging by your positive attitude and impressive skills, it's clear that you're on the right track towards achieving your career goals. As you continue to grow, keep your options open, especially in areas like Math, Science, and Writing. Eventually, you'll find your true calling, something that feels just right. When that happens, you'll realize that all your efforts and patience have paid off. Keep going, Katie, because you're on the path to success.
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Michael’s Answer

Hi Katie, I hope this finds you well. I for a long time ran into the same dilemma, and stressed on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life as a career. I wanted to be a forensic scientist, animator, programmer, and music teacher all in one at one point. What I encourage you to do is to reach for the stars (no pun intended)! If you're looking into the sustainability side of each career, I would highly advise looking at not only the projected demand of each career path in the next 5-10 years, but also the time to get promoted.

There is numerous cases where people double major! If not double majoring, they at least proceed with the BD separately and just have a backup career.

Ultimately, I highly recommend pursuing at least 2 of these through research, choosing one as your major, and the other as either a minor or your second major, all while having one as a hobby that you can make passive income with! I'm wishing you the best of luck!
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Rafael’s Answer

Finding what you want to spend your life doing is a personal journey that involves reflecting on your interests and values, exploring different fields and careers, gaining hands-on experience, seeking guidance from professionals, and considering practical factors. Remember, it's okay to have multiple interests and to explore different paths. Stay open-minded and adaptable as you discover what you're passionate about.
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