4 answers
Kenneth
Student
Pomona, California
1
Question
Updated
462 views
Why do I feel like i know nothing in life career wise?
As in confused career wise
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4 answers
Matthew Trull
Technical Writer
22
Answers
Thonotosassa, Florida
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hello Kenneth,
The previous posts have provided great information, so I'll tell you about how I tackled the very same issue.
In 2001 I had been working in Technical Support / Help Desk roles for seven years. I didn't choose tech support as a career. I only began working in tech support as it was a job and it paid well. By 2001 I realized that I hated working tech support jobs. I was 30 years old when I felt like I knew nothing in life career-wise. (Note: This doesn't mean that tech support jobs are terrible, it only means that it wasn't for me)
Now I realize it's funny that I went to Barnes & Noble and found a helpful book, instead of looking for a resource online. There are several web pages that are similar to the book I used. Here's a high-level look at the process:
The process began with a lengthy list of careers, each accompanied by a brief description of the career.
1. Skim through a list of careers.
2. Stop skimming when you find a career that seems interesting.
3. Read the job description to be sure it's a job that might interest you.
4. Make note of the career name and continue skimming.
5. Try to whittle down your list of interesting careers to 5 or less.
The second part of the process was a series of questions that helped me narrow down my list of "interesting" careers from five to one. The remaining "interesting" career was Technical Writer. At that time I had never heard of Technical Writing, but once I learned about it I made the proper course correction to begin pursuing my career.
I hope this helpful.
Matthew Trull
The previous posts have provided great information, so I'll tell you about how I tackled the very same issue.
In 2001 I had been working in Technical Support / Help Desk roles for seven years. I didn't choose tech support as a career. I only began working in tech support as it was a job and it paid well. By 2001 I realized that I hated working tech support jobs. I was 30 years old when I felt like I knew nothing in life career-wise. (Note: This doesn't mean that tech support jobs are terrible, it only means that it wasn't for me)
Now I realize it's funny that I went to Barnes & Noble and found a helpful book, instead of looking for a resource online. There are several web pages that are similar to the book I used. Here's a high-level look at the process:
The process began with a lengthy list of careers, each accompanied by a brief description of the career.
1. Skim through a list of careers.
2. Stop skimming when you find a career that seems interesting.
3. Read the job description to be sure it's a job that might interest you.
4. Make note of the career name and continue skimming.
5. Try to whittle down your list of interesting careers to 5 or less.
The second part of the process was a series of questions that helped me narrow down my list of "interesting" careers from five to one. The remaining "interesting" career was Technical Writer. At that time I had never heard of Technical Writing, but once I learned about it I made the proper course correction to begin pursuing my career.
I hope this helpful.
Matthew Trull
Malachi Castillo
Marine
23
Answers
Prishtina
Updated
Malachi’s Answer
Hello,
It's perfectly normal to feel a bit lost when it comes to choosing your career. Start by taking some time for self-reflection, and consider what truly sparks your interest. If you're still unsure, that's okay! Select a few jobs that catch your eye and delve into some research. Learn about what these jobs entail, the salary (a significant factor for many), the hours, and the nature of the work.
Once you've identified a job that intrigues you, try to gain some firsthand experience. This could be through part-time work or even volunteering. This practical exposure will give you a real sense of whether the career suits you or not.
Remember, it's okay to try a job and realize it's not the right fit for you. That's why research and networking with professionals in the field are so crucial. Once you discover the job that feels right, seize the opportunity to continually learn and develop in your chosen field.
Here's to your success!
It's perfectly normal to feel a bit lost when it comes to choosing your career. Start by taking some time for self-reflection, and consider what truly sparks your interest. If you're still unsure, that's okay! Select a few jobs that catch your eye and delve into some research. Learn about what these jobs entail, the salary (a significant factor for many), the hours, and the nature of the work.
Once you've identified a job that intrigues you, try to gain some firsthand experience. This could be through part-time work or even volunteering. This practical exposure will give you a real sense of whether the career suits you or not.
Remember, it's okay to try a job and realize it's not the right fit for you. That's why research and networking with professionals in the field are so crucial. Once you discover the job that feels right, seize the opportunity to continually learn and develop in your chosen field.
Here's to your success!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6338
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Kenneth,
Understanding Feelings of Confusion in Career Choices
Feeling like you know nothing in life, especially when it comes to career choices, is a common experience that many individuals face at some point. It can be overwhelming and disheartening to feel lost or uncertain about your path forward. There are several reasons why you might be feeling this way:
1. Lack of Clarity: One of the primary reasons for feeling confused about your career choices is a lack of clarity regarding your interests, strengths, and goals. If you are unsure about what you are passionate about or what you excel at, it can be challenging to make informed decisions about your career.
2. External Pressures: External factors such as societal expectations, family influences, or peer pressure can also contribute to feelings of confusion. It’s essential to differentiate between what others expect from you and what truly resonates with your aspirations and values.
3. Fear of Failure: The fear of making the wrong choice or failing in your chosen career path can paralyze decision-making and lead to feelings of inadequacy. It’s crucial to remember that failure is a natural part of growth and learning.
4. Comparison with Others: Constantly comparing yourself to others who seem to have their lives figured out can exacerbate feelings of confusion and self-doubt. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away.
5. Lack of Exploration: Sometimes, feeling like you know nothing stems from not exploring different options or taking the time to discover what truly resonates with you. Engaging in self-reflection, trying new experiences, and seeking mentorship can help clarify your career goals.
6. Seeking Validation: Relying too much on external validation or seeking approval from others for your career choices can cloud your judgment and lead to uncertainty about your path.
7. Overwhelm: The vast array of career options available today can be overwhelming, making it challenging to narrow down choices and commit to a specific path.
8. Personal Growth: Remember that personal growth is a continuous journey, and it’s normal to feel uncertain or lost at times. Embracing this uncertainty as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth can help navigate through periods of confusion.
In conclusion, feeling like you know nothing in life, particularly concerning career choices, is a common experience influenced by various internal and external factors. By addressing these underlying reasons and engaging in self-exploration and reflection, you can gain clarity and confidence in navigating your career path.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insightful articles and research on career development, decision-making processes, and personal growth strategies.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today offers expert advice on understanding emotions, decision-making patterns, and strategies for overcoming feelings of confusion or indecision.
Forbes: Forbes is a reputable source for career-related content, offering guidance on navigating the modern job market, finding purpose in work, and achieving success in one’s chosen field.
These sources were consulted to provide evidence-based insights into addressing feelings of confusion in career choices effectively.
GOD BLESS!
JCF
Understanding Feelings of Confusion in Career Choices
Feeling like you know nothing in life, especially when it comes to career choices, is a common experience that many individuals face at some point. It can be overwhelming and disheartening to feel lost or uncertain about your path forward. There are several reasons why you might be feeling this way:
1. Lack of Clarity: One of the primary reasons for feeling confused about your career choices is a lack of clarity regarding your interests, strengths, and goals. If you are unsure about what you are passionate about or what you excel at, it can be challenging to make informed decisions about your career.
2. External Pressures: External factors such as societal expectations, family influences, or peer pressure can also contribute to feelings of confusion. It’s essential to differentiate between what others expect from you and what truly resonates with your aspirations and values.
3. Fear of Failure: The fear of making the wrong choice or failing in your chosen career path can paralyze decision-making and lead to feelings of inadequacy. It’s crucial to remember that failure is a natural part of growth and learning.
4. Comparison with Others: Constantly comparing yourself to others who seem to have their lives figured out can exacerbate feelings of confusion and self-doubt. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away.
5. Lack of Exploration: Sometimes, feeling like you know nothing stems from not exploring different options or taking the time to discover what truly resonates with you. Engaging in self-reflection, trying new experiences, and seeking mentorship can help clarify your career goals.
6. Seeking Validation: Relying too much on external validation or seeking approval from others for your career choices can cloud your judgment and lead to uncertainty about your path.
7. Overwhelm: The vast array of career options available today can be overwhelming, making it challenging to narrow down choices and commit to a specific path.
8. Personal Growth: Remember that personal growth is a continuous journey, and it’s normal to feel uncertain or lost at times. Embracing this uncertainty as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth can help navigate through periods of confusion.
In conclusion, feeling like you know nothing in life, particularly concerning career choices, is a common experience influenced by various internal and external factors. By addressing these underlying reasons and engaging in self-exploration and reflection, you can gain clarity and confidence in navigating your career path.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insightful articles and research on career development, decision-making processes, and personal growth strategies.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today offers expert advice on understanding emotions, decision-making patterns, and strategies for overcoming feelings of confusion or indecision.
Forbes: Forbes is a reputable source for career-related content, offering guidance on navigating the modern job market, finding purpose in work, and achieving success in one’s chosen field.
These sources were consulted to provide evidence-based insights into addressing feelings of confusion in career choices effectively.
GOD BLESS!
JCF
Kholoud Ghaith
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kholoud’s Answer
Feeling unsure about choosing a career path is a widespread issue many encounter at some stage. This uncertainty can stem from various factors, all contributing to the daunting feeling of not knowing which direction to take in one's cones.
A key reason for this uncertainty is a lack of experience. Determining which careers match one's interests and abilities can be difficult without ample exposure to diverse fields and industries. Today, career choices exacerbate this challenge, which can induce decision paralysis—when many options hinder any decision.
Moreover, there is tension between an individual and the expectations imposed by family, society, or oneself. Such expectations can obscure personal desires, leading individuals down career paths that do not resonate with their genuine passions. Additionally, the fear of committing to a career path can amplify this confusion, as the prospect of making a significant, possibly erroneous decision can be intimidating.
Interests naturally evolve as people grow and gain more experiences, which can make past decisions regarding careers seem uncertain or unattractive.
Various strategies exist to overcome these challenges. Engaging in self-assessment activities like personality or career aptitude tests can shed light on the most rewarding work types. Conducting informational interviews with professionals across different sectors can offer valuable insights that are otherwise hard to obtain, providing a clearer idea of what various careers entail.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships or part-time jobs is also beneficial. These opportunities temporarily allow individuals to explore various industries, offering practical insights into different career options. Consulting a career counselor can also be advantageous, as they provide personalized advice and help create useful, actionable plans.
Another practical approach is pursuing educational workshops or online courses to discover new interests. This strategy allows individuals to broaden their skills and knowledge with minimal investment of time or resources. Setting short-term goals rather than fixating on long-term career decisions can relieve pressure and create momentum toward a more apparent career trajectory.
It's essential to recognize that career paths are often non-linear. Allowing oneself the flexibility to explore and shift directions is crucial. Finding the right career path is an iterative process that takes time to explore and understand.
A key reason for this uncertainty is a lack of experience. Determining which careers match one's interests and abilities can be difficult without ample exposure to diverse fields and industries. Today, career choices exacerbate this challenge, which can induce decision paralysis—when many options hinder any decision.
Moreover, there is tension between an individual and the expectations imposed by family, society, or oneself. Such expectations can obscure personal desires, leading individuals down career paths that do not resonate with their genuine passions. Additionally, the fear of committing to a career path can amplify this confusion, as the prospect of making a significant, possibly erroneous decision can be intimidating.
Interests naturally evolve as people grow and gain more experiences, which can make past decisions regarding careers seem uncertain or unattractive.
Various strategies exist to overcome these challenges. Engaging in self-assessment activities like personality or career aptitude tests can shed light on the most rewarding work types. Conducting informational interviews with professionals across different sectors can offer valuable insights that are otherwise hard to obtain, providing a clearer idea of what various careers entail.
Gaining hands-on experience through internships or part-time jobs is also beneficial. These opportunities temporarily allow individuals to explore various industries, offering practical insights into different career options. Consulting a career counselor can also be advantageous, as they provide personalized advice and help create useful, actionable plans.
Another practical approach is pursuing educational workshops or online courses to discover new interests. This strategy allows individuals to broaden their skills and knowledge with minimal investment of time or resources. Setting short-term goals rather than fixating on long-term career decisions can relieve pressure and create momentum toward a more apparent career trajectory.
It's essential to recognize that career paths are often non-linear. Allowing oneself the flexibility to explore and shift directions is crucial. Finding the right career path is an iterative process that takes time to explore and understand.