7 answers
Daniel
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
339 views
What career do I look in to?
Hi, I'm a student that's super lost about jobs. Like, I keep obsessing over jobs ever since summer break started I can't enjoy my vacation. I know that I enjoy sport's, building, and writing finding information, and sharing resources. However, I don’t care what jobs could actually match my skills. I'm fine with sitting at a computer, but want to be useful for society and work in something that's not too stressful. Does anyone have any career suggestions to look into?
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7 answers
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
58
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Daniel, I can definitely say I hope you still find some ability to enjoy the break and dont focus too much on this right now. I am not sure how old you are but that would change the answer just a little bit. I can only assume that you are in high school. So you do have time. My first suggestion is until you know what you want practice your ability to communicate with others. Being a waiter or server is an easy way to practice this while interacting with all walks of life. Just a suggestion.
You mentioned that you wanted to make an impact, something useful to society. You listed a couple hobbies like sports and building things. I was in a very similar situation when I was 18. I loved money and how money worked in our society. So I became a personal banker for a large bank. I did not want to work with my hobbies because i was afraid if i get paid for my hobbies i would no longer enjoy them.
I love movies, working out, and grilling steaks. Well I did not want to make movies, I am not good enough play sports, and grilling steak is more fun by the pool so making money with those was out of the question. It was important that whatever job I had would pay for my hobbies.
Since then, 13 years later, I am still in banking and I learned a valuable lesson. Never let work consume you. You deserve to enjoy both. Work and life. They are not the same.
Good luck and take your time.
You mentioned that you wanted to make an impact, something useful to society. You listed a couple hobbies like sports and building things. I was in a very similar situation when I was 18. I loved money and how money worked in our society. So I became a personal banker for a large bank. I did not want to work with my hobbies because i was afraid if i get paid for my hobbies i would no longer enjoy them.
I love movies, working out, and grilling steaks. Well I did not want to make movies, I am not good enough play sports, and grilling steak is more fun by the pool so making money with those was out of the question. It was important that whatever job I had would pay for my hobbies.
Since then, 13 years later, I am still in banking and I learned a valuable lesson. Never let work consume you. You deserve to enjoy both. Work and life. They are not the same.
Good luck and take your time.
Zoya Naeem
freelancer
16
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Zoya’s Answer
It sounds like you're interested in meaningful, balanced work that leverages both creativity and research skills. Here are a few career paths that might suit you:
1. **Content Writing or Journalism**: Since you enjoy writing and sharing resources, you might consider content writing or journalism. These jobs can involve researching information, sharing insights, and creating useful content. If you like sports, you could even specialize in sports journalism.
2. **Research Analyst or Librarian**: These roles involve gathering and organizing information, which could align with your interest in finding and sharing resources. Research analysts often work in various fields, from business to social sciences, to help companies make informed decisions.
3. **UX/UI Design**: If you like building things, UX/UI design might appeal to you. It involves creating user-friendly websites or apps, combining creativity with a focus on making things accessible and useful to people.
4. **Project Management**: You could consider a project management role where you oversee projects in different fields (tech, construction, etc.). It can be a mix of sitting at a computer, organizing, and occasionally working on-site, depending on the industry.
5. **Community Outreach or Nonprofit Work**: These roles involve helping people, organizing events, and sharing resources with communities. It allows you to feel useful while contributing positively to society.
1. **Content Writing or Journalism**: Since you enjoy writing and sharing resources, you might consider content writing or journalism. These jobs can involve researching information, sharing insights, and creating useful content. If you like sports, you could even specialize in sports journalism.
2. **Research Analyst or Librarian**: These roles involve gathering and organizing information, which could align with your interest in finding and sharing resources. Research analysts often work in various fields, from business to social sciences, to help companies make informed decisions.
3. **UX/UI Design**: If you like building things, UX/UI design might appeal to you. It involves creating user-friendly websites or apps, combining creativity with a focus on making things accessible and useful to people.
4. **Project Management**: You could consider a project management role where you oversee projects in different fields (tech, construction, etc.). It can be a mix of sitting at a computer, organizing, and occasionally working on-site, depending on the industry.
5. **Community Outreach or Nonprofit Work**: These roles involve helping people, organizing events, and sharing resources with communities. It allows you to feel useful while contributing positively to society.
Amanda Bonnett
Customer Service Rep
5
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
There are some great answers here already!
In addition, based on what you've described, I would recommend looking into reporting. I know print news is heading into a lot of AI land, and can be difficult, but there are still publications out there looking for people who actually want to find the answers and print the truth, and with your interest in sports, writing, finding information, and sharing, you are probably heading in that direction already without even knowing it! Even your interest in building can be helpful, since there are architectural angles for local papers, and even architectural publications who may be looking for people! It may also be worth looking into Radio, or pod-casting, since a lot of those are pre-scripted reporting, sharing information that you've found with others who want to know. And also all of those skills can be used in Public Relations for various companies as well! Being able to describe exactly how fun it is to build with your favorite building set can be more useful than you might expect!
There are many options out there, and you have time - stressing won't help you find the right answers, but thinking about it, calmly, when you have time, is always good idea. If you find yourself stressing about it, stop thinking about it and do something else until you're calm again. Your mental health is important!
In addition, based on what you've described, I would recommend looking into reporting. I know print news is heading into a lot of AI land, and can be difficult, but there are still publications out there looking for people who actually want to find the answers and print the truth, and with your interest in sports, writing, finding information, and sharing, you are probably heading in that direction already without even knowing it! Even your interest in building can be helpful, since there are architectural angles for local papers, and even architectural publications who may be looking for people! It may also be worth looking into Radio, or pod-casting, since a lot of those are pre-scripted reporting, sharing information that you've found with others who want to know. And also all of those skills can be used in Public Relations for various companies as well! Being able to describe exactly how fun it is to build with your favorite building set can be more useful than you might expect!
There are many options out there, and you have time - stressing won't help you find the right answers, but thinking about it, calmly, when you have time, is always good idea. If you find yourself stressing about it, stop thinking about it and do something else until you're calm again. Your mental health is important!
Patrick Tu
Finance
2
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
As a student, the journey to finding the right career can feel overwhelming. It’s a time filled with possibilities, but also uncertainties. One of the most effective strategies is to find a balance between what you are passionate about and the demands of the job market. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this journey:
1. Identify Your Passions and Interests
Start by reflecting on what truly excites you. What activities make you lose track of time? What subjects do you enjoy studying the most? Whether it’s sports, writing, building things, or researching, understanding your passions is the first step. Your enthusiasm for these activities can often translate into a fulfilling career.
2. Assess Your Skills and Strengths
Take stock of your skills and strengths. Are you good at communicating, organizing, or analyzing data? Do you have a knack for creative thinking or problem-solving? Identifying your skills helps you understand what you bring to the table and how you can leverage them in your career.
3. Research the Job Market
Understanding the current job market is crucial. Look into industries that are growing and have a high demand for new talent. Fields like technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and finance often have numerous opportunities. Use resources like job boards, industry reports, and career websites to gather information.
4. Match Your Passions with Market Demand
Once you have a clear picture of your passions and the job market, look for intersections. For example, if you love writing and there’s a high demand for content creators in digital marketing, that could be a perfect match. If you enjoy building and there’s a growing need for urban planners, consider exploring that field.
5. Gain Relevant Experience
Experience is invaluable. Internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities can provide you with practical skills and insights into different careers. They also enhance your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers.
6. Seek Guidance and Mentorship
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from career counselors, mentors, and professionals in your field of interest. They can provide valuable insights, share their experiences, and help you make informed decisions. Networking can also open doors to opportunities you might not have considered.
7. Stay Adaptable and Open-Minded
The job market is constantly evolving, and so should you. Be open to exploring different roles and industries. Sometimes, the perfect job might be something you hadn’t initially considered. Staying adaptable allows you to seize new opportunities as they arise.
8. Focus on Continuous Learning
Invest in your education and skill development. The more you learn, the more versatile and competitive you become. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or self-study, continuous learning is key to staying relevant in the job market.
9. Be Patient and Persistent
Finding the right career path takes time and effort. It’s okay to feel uncertain and to change directions along the way. Stay patient, keep exploring, and remain persistent in your efforts. Every experience, whether good or bad, contributes to your growth and understanding of what you want in a career.
1. Identify Your Passions and Interests
Start by reflecting on what truly excites you. What activities make you lose track of time? What subjects do you enjoy studying the most? Whether it’s sports, writing, building things, or researching, understanding your passions is the first step. Your enthusiasm for these activities can often translate into a fulfilling career.
2. Assess Your Skills and Strengths
Take stock of your skills and strengths. Are you good at communicating, organizing, or analyzing data? Do you have a knack for creative thinking or problem-solving? Identifying your skills helps you understand what you bring to the table and how you can leverage them in your career.
3. Research the Job Market
Understanding the current job market is crucial. Look into industries that are growing and have a high demand for new talent. Fields like technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and finance often have numerous opportunities. Use resources like job boards, industry reports, and career websites to gather information.
4. Match Your Passions with Market Demand
Once you have a clear picture of your passions and the job market, look for intersections. For example, if you love writing and there’s a high demand for content creators in digital marketing, that could be a perfect match. If you enjoy building and there’s a growing need for urban planners, consider exploring that field.
5. Gain Relevant Experience
Experience is invaluable. Internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities can provide you with practical skills and insights into different careers. They also enhance your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers.
6. Seek Guidance and Mentorship
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from career counselors, mentors, and professionals in your field of interest. They can provide valuable insights, share their experiences, and help you make informed decisions. Networking can also open doors to opportunities you might not have considered.
7. Stay Adaptable and Open-Minded
The job market is constantly evolving, and so should you. Be open to exploring different roles and industries. Sometimes, the perfect job might be something you hadn’t initially considered. Staying adaptable allows you to seize new opportunities as they arise.
8. Focus on Continuous Learning
Invest in your education and skill development. The more you learn, the more versatile and competitive you become. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or self-study, continuous learning is key to staying relevant in the job market.
9. Be Patient and Persistent
Finding the right career path takes time and effort. It’s okay to feel uncertain and to change directions along the way. Stay patient, keep exploring, and remain persistent in your efforts. Every experience, whether good or bad, contributes to your growth and understanding of what you want in a career.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
599
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I promise you have time to figure things out. Use this time to join clubs, attend career fairs and ask those in your life about their careers. With only so many hours in the day, you don’t want to spend too much energy worrying about the future :)
Non-profit work can be very rewarding, but the pay isn’t usually great. The other side is finding something that pays well and you can always donate time of give back to the community with the resources you build.
Non-profit work can be very rewarding, but the pay isn’t usually great. The other side is finding something that pays well and you can always donate time of give back to the community with the resources you build.
Madeleine Graham
Freelance
12
Answers
Flint, Michigan
Updated
Madeleine’s Answer
Consider diving into the book "What Color Is Your Parachute." It's a treasure trove of options that you can explore and weigh against your personal interests. Remember, it's perfectly normal not to have everything figured out fresh out of high school. As the new school year unfolds, consider an enriching role like being a camp counselor. It's a chance to positively impact young lives while mingling with your peers. Some camps even specialize in areas like music or computers, along with fun activities like swimming and horseback riding.
Remember, life isn't meant to be a constant grind. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it might be a sign you're not in the right field. Consider a serene environment like a library, ripe with opportunities.
Speaking from experience, I've been a professional writer since 1988. Yet, I find joy in being an Independent Contractor and balance that with substitute teaching. You only need 90 credits to substitute teach, though I have my B.S. and an associate in business administration. I strongly endorse starting with a two-year college. It's a stepping stone that can lead to a four-year college, plus you'll already have a degree under your belt.
Remember, life is a journey, unique to each of us. Be patient with yourself. You'll find your way.
Remember, life isn't meant to be a constant grind. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it might be a sign you're not in the right field. Consider a serene environment like a library, ripe with opportunities.
Speaking from experience, I've been a professional writer since 1988. Yet, I find joy in being an Independent Contractor and balance that with substitute teaching. You only need 90 credits to substitute teach, though I have my B.S. and an associate in business administration. I strongly endorse starting with a two-year college. It's a stepping stone that can lead to a four-year college, plus you'll already have a degree under your belt.
Remember, life is a journey, unique to each of us. Be patient with yourself. You'll find your way.
Betsy Walters
Technical Writer
25
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Betsy’s Answer
Here's a friendly thought - why not consider creating parks, recreational spaces or even football stadiums? It's like having the best of both worlds. You could pursue architecture, focusing on sports facilities or outdoor structures. You will touch on your other interests too - you'll be spending time in front of a computer to work out designs. And you'll also have to write to express your ideas.
Remember, it's important to align your interests and skills with your career or "job". If not, you might find yourself unhappy and possibly leaving your job or even several jobs.
If possible, have a heart-to-heart with a close friend, a college advisor or maybe a therapist about your concerns. Understand that it's okay not to know the future or have all the answers right now. You can't control everything in your life, but you can control your thoughts and actions.
So, make the decision to enjoy your vacation.
Wishing you all the best!
Remember, it's important to align your interests and skills with your career or "job". If not, you might find yourself unhappy and possibly leaving your job or even several jobs.
If possible, have a heart-to-heart with a close friend, a college advisor or maybe a therapist about your concerns. Understand that it's okay not to know the future or have all the answers right now. You can't control everything in your life, but you can control your thoughts and actions.
So, make the decision to enjoy your vacation.
Wishing you all the best!