9 answers
3
Questions
Asked
256 views
How did you decide which career path to choose?
I have no idea what I'm doing and am in dire need of help. I don't feel strongly about any career choice that is financially viable, so I'm clueless.
Login to comment
9 answers
Updated
Claxton’s Answer
Hello, Alyssa. It's not unusual for people to not know exactly what they want to do in terms of career. It is also not unusual for people to start down one career path and wind up changing to another. My experience has been a combination of both.
I originally went to college to study civil engineering, but because I couldn't grasp differential equations, and because I was also battling some health issues, I ended up earning a degree in communication, and figured I would work in some capacity in radio or television. I spent a year working for a small video and audio production and advertising firm, and while I learned a lot in that job, there was no future for me with that firm.
So I took a temporary job with a major bank that paid more money and offered the opportunity to become permanent, which happened after five months. I spent four years as a document processor in our credit card department before moving to my current job, which involves design and analysis of business forms like envelopes, statement papers, applications, and legal disclosures. My credit card job and my engineering background helped me get that job, which I've been doing now for nearly 26 years.
As you can see, my career path has taken some twists and turns, but it has also allowed me to take what I've learned and build on it. Whatever path you start down may not be the one you stay on. I'm pulling for you to figure out what you want to do and, in doing so, be fulfilled at it.
I originally went to college to study civil engineering, but because I couldn't grasp differential equations, and because I was also battling some health issues, I ended up earning a degree in communication, and figured I would work in some capacity in radio or television. I spent a year working for a small video and audio production and advertising firm, and while I learned a lot in that job, there was no future for me with that firm.
So I took a temporary job with a major bank that paid more money and offered the opportunity to become permanent, which happened after five months. I spent four years as a document processor in our credit card department before moving to my current job, which involves design and analysis of business forms like envelopes, statement papers, applications, and legal disclosures. My credit card job and my engineering background helped me get that job, which I've been doing now for nearly 26 years.
As you can see, my career path has taken some twists and turns, but it has also allowed me to take what I've learned and build on it. Whatever path you start down may not be the one you stay on. I'm pulling for you to figure out what you want to do and, in doing so, be fulfilled at it.
Updated
Camilla’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
Think about the things you are passionate about and can see yourself doing. I have changed career paths because early out I thought I wanted to do something and later on my mind has changed. That’s completely normal as well but I’d say whatever captures your interest from early out might be what you want to do or end up going back to. If I could do it over again I’d take time to travel after high school to explore different things then go to college instead of me jumping straight in to college right after high school.
Think about the things you are passionate about and can see yourself doing. I have changed career paths because early out I thought I wanted to do something and later on my mind has changed. That’s completely normal as well but I’d say whatever captures your interest from early out might be what you want to do or end up going back to. If I could do it over again I’d take time to travel after high school to explore different things then go to college instead of me jumping straight in to college right after high school.
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
I have to say my answer is pretty similar to the other responses above. When I graduated high school I knew I liked helping people, so I thought nursing would be the career choice for me. I went to a university and started to volunteer at a local hospital doing simple tasks, just so I can see what it’s really like. I quickly figured out it wasn’t the career for me, so I changed schools to a community college. While looking over their degrees I found an X-ray program that sparked my interest, and just gave it a shot! I ended up loving it because I already liked anatomy and all kinds of science, so it worked out perfectly for me. I would say just give things a go, try to shadow or volunteer when you get a chance, so you can make a decision for yourself whether you like it or not, and if your first try, or even first three or four tries doesn’t work out, that’s ok! You have plenty of time in life to find what you love to do. There were even classmates in my program in their 30s and 40s, so it’s never too late to change your mind. Good luck!
I have to say my answer is pretty similar to the other responses above. When I graduated high school I knew I liked helping people, so I thought nursing would be the career choice for me. I went to a university and started to volunteer at a local hospital doing simple tasks, just so I can see what it’s really like. I quickly figured out it wasn’t the career for me, so I changed schools to a community college. While looking over their degrees I found an X-ray program that sparked my interest, and just gave it a shot! I ended up loving it because I already liked anatomy and all kinds of science, so it worked out perfectly for me. I would say just give things a go, try to shadow or volunteer when you get a chance, so you can make a decision for yourself whether you like it or not, and if your first try, or even first three or four tries doesn’t work out, that’s ok! You have plenty of time in life to find what you love to do. There were even classmates in my program in their 30s and 40s, so it’s never too late to change your mind. Good luck!
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
The first step is to ask the question. It’s ok to be unsure about the future. Most people feel like they need to have things figured out, but high school and college can be used to try new things and explore different disciplines. I got an AA in general studies and that let me find a passion for Psychology by taking a Psych 101 class.
It’s ok to not have the answer, but take the opportunity to join clubs, attend career fairs and ask adults in your life about their selected career choice.
It’s ok to not have the answer, but take the opportunity to join clubs, attend career fairs and ask adults in your life about their selected career choice.
Updated
Mary Patrice’s Answer
Hi, Alyssa! It’s perfectly okay not to have everything figured out. Choosing a career path can indeed be challenging, especially when you're unsure about your interests and financial needs. I recommend starting by exploring different fields through research, volunteer work, informational interviews, or internships. You can also try to get involved in various activities, whether they’re related to sports, music, art, or academics. This will help you gain experience and figure out your needs.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and ask for advice from teachers, family, and friends. Consider speaking with a career counselor who can offer personalized guidance. Remember, it’s all part of the journey to discovering what you might want to pursue in the future. Keep an open mind, and enjoy the process of learning about yourself and the world around you.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and ask for advice from teachers, family, and friends. Consider speaking with a career counselor who can offer personalized guidance. Remember, it’s all part of the journey to discovering what you might want to pursue in the future. Keep an open mind, and enjoy the process of learning about yourself and the world around you.
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
First of all, I'd like to reiterate a common theme that it is completely ok not to know exactly what you want to do. You can also change paths throughout the course of your career to find what you ultimately enjoy the most. I'll give a few brief tips for getting started.
To support brainstorming and thinking about options, think about skills or strengths you have or activities that you enjoy. For example, helping people, problem solving, working with others, creativity, detail oriented. Think about tasks you enjoy and accomplishments you are proud of. Think about things you enjoy learning about. The future outlook of the job market and emerging job availability is another key area. This is one to do research for on your own. As you look at descriptions of opportunities, see where you skills / passion areas might intersect.
As a separate note that may be helpful later down the line, think about going to work in an area or at a company where there is a culture of coaching and learning. Having this culture around you will support you in meeting your goals and growing in skills or objectives you set for yourself throughout your career.
First of all, I'd like to reiterate a common theme that it is completely ok not to know exactly what you want to do. You can also change paths throughout the course of your career to find what you ultimately enjoy the most. I'll give a few brief tips for getting started.
To support brainstorming and thinking about options, think about skills or strengths you have or activities that you enjoy. For example, helping people, problem solving, working with others, creativity, detail oriented. Think about tasks you enjoy and accomplishments you are proud of. Think about things you enjoy learning about. The future outlook of the job market and emerging job availability is another key area. This is one to do research for on your own. As you look at descriptions of opportunities, see where you skills / passion areas might intersect.
As a separate note that may be helpful later down the line, think about going to work in an area or at a company where there is a culture of coaching and learning. Having this culture around you will support you in meeting your goals and growing in skills or objectives you set for yourself throughout your career.
Updated
Karthik Kumar’s Answer
Dear Alyssa,
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your future during your high school or college years. However, those who begin to contemplate their future early on are often the ones who find success later. Here's my perspective on how you might approach your career:
Initially, focus on securing a job that can cover your basic expenses. I recommend exploring the field of technical programming, such as Python. Strive to become proficient in this area. Once you're financially stable, you can then start to pursue something you're truly passionate about, while still maintaining your first job. This will require additional effort, but it's a worthwhile endeavor. When you feel confident that you can fully commit to your passion, consider whether it's feasible to leave your first job. This should be a calculated decision, not an impulsive one.
Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. It demands total commitment, dedication, and hard work. It requires the ability to handle both victories and defeats with grace, and the strength to accept that whatever will happen, will happen. If you're not prepared for these challenges, it's better to steer clear of entrepreneurship. Otherwise, you might find yourself unable to even pay your bills.
In the current digital age, there are numerous YouTube and Instagram videos that suggest everyone can take risks and succeed in business. However, I believe this isn't always realistic. These videos often encourage making mistakes, but I beg to differ. Every action should be well thought out, as mistakes can be costly in terms of time, a luxury none of us have. If you miss an opportunity, you'll have to wait for the next one. The people suggesting you take risks are often those who are already self-sufficient and aren't in a position to advise others to do the same.
It's important to become self-sufficient first, then take calculated risks. Being in high school or college doesn't give you the license to make mistakes. While some people do find success after a series of failures, they only make up about 2%-5% of the population. It's crucial to stay grounded and not get carried away by others' success stories. In this era of abundant knowledge and information, making mistakes isn't justifiable. Always think before you act and take calculated risks in your career.
I hope my perspective has been helpful and clear. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
Warm Regards,
Karthik.
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your future during your high school or college years. However, those who begin to contemplate their future early on are often the ones who find success later. Here's my perspective on how you might approach your career:
Initially, focus on securing a job that can cover your basic expenses. I recommend exploring the field of technical programming, such as Python. Strive to become proficient in this area. Once you're financially stable, you can then start to pursue something you're truly passionate about, while still maintaining your first job. This will require additional effort, but it's a worthwhile endeavor. When you feel confident that you can fully commit to your passion, consider whether it's feasible to leave your first job. This should be a calculated decision, not an impulsive one.
Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. It demands total commitment, dedication, and hard work. It requires the ability to handle both victories and defeats with grace, and the strength to accept that whatever will happen, will happen. If you're not prepared for these challenges, it's better to steer clear of entrepreneurship. Otherwise, you might find yourself unable to even pay your bills.
In the current digital age, there are numerous YouTube and Instagram videos that suggest everyone can take risks and succeed in business. However, I believe this isn't always realistic. These videos often encourage making mistakes, but I beg to differ. Every action should be well thought out, as mistakes can be costly in terms of time, a luxury none of us have. If you miss an opportunity, you'll have to wait for the next one. The people suggesting you take risks are often those who are already self-sufficient and aren't in a position to advise others to do the same.
It's important to become self-sufficient first, then take calculated risks. Being in high school or college doesn't give you the license to make mistakes. While some people do find success after a series of failures, they only make up about 2%-5% of the population. It's crucial to stay grounded and not get carried away by others' success stories. In this era of abundant knowledge and information, making mistakes isn't justifiable. Always think before you act and take calculated risks in your career.
I hope my perspective has been helpful and clear. If you have any questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
Warm Regards,
Karthik.
Updated
Muhammad’s Answer
There's no rush to decide what you want to do right away. Just focus on learning the skills you're interested in. For instance, in today's software industry, you don't necessarily need a specific degree to land a job. If your goal is to make money while learning, why not look up the top 10 highest paying skills on YouTube? Once you've mastered a skill, you can start offering your services online or locally, using social platforms to display your work.
Let's say you're interested in web development. You could start by creating sample projects and showcasing them to attract potential clients. If you're more inclined towards the creative side, you could put together a portfolio of your work. Remember, you don't have to settle on a career path until you're ready. Experiment with different things, and if something doesn't work out, just move on to the next. This is a strategy I've noticed among successful business owners in my life.
I'm currently in the architecture field, so if you're considering a career in this area and need some guidance, feel free to reach out. I'd be more than happy to help!
Let's say you're interested in web development. You could start by creating sample projects and showcasing them to attract potential clients. If you're more inclined towards the creative side, you could put together a portfolio of your work. Remember, you don't have to settle on a career path until you're ready. Experiment with different things, and if something doesn't work out, just move on to the next. This is a strategy I've noticed among successful business owners in my life.
I'm currently in the architecture field, so if you're considering a career in this area and need some guidance, feel free to reach out. I'd be more than happy to help!
Updated
Veronica’s Answer
Hi Alyssa - A few thoughts that can provide some guidance and ease.
First, you can reduce the pressure on yourself by first thinking about the fact that the nature of the labor market has changed and will continue to change so quickly, that rather than have one career, you may have several careers over your life. That is because the nature of jobs is changing much faster than they did in previous generations. I personally have many peers who have already made one or two career shifts either due to need (the nature of their industry changed, their lifestyle priorities changed) or interest (they were a computer scientist and switched to become a lawyer, were a fisherman and became a physical therapist, were an economist and entered cybersecurity).
Second, rather than focus on one or more careers, it can be helpful to start by identifying 1) the types of problems you want to be solving and 2) the type of skills you enjoy and excel at flexing. For 1, some people like solving individual problems (helping patients in a medical context) while others like solving broader problems (making effective government policy, growing an important business solution). For 2, think about what skills you could enjoy flexing 8+ hours a day, as jobs are essentially the use of skills. If you like working with people, that will lead to a very different type of job than if you prefer a role that gives you more time for quiet focus.
Finally, given the labor market and world will continue to change, at the start of your career, one of the most valuable investments you can make is on a set of skills that will allow you to continue to grow and adapt to future careers.
First, you can reduce the pressure on yourself by first thinking about the fact that the nature of the labor market has changed and will continue to change so quickly, that rather than have one career, you may have several careers over your life. That is because the nature of jobs is changing much faster than they did in previous generations. I personally have many peers who have already made one or two career shifts either due to need (the nature of their industry changed, their lifestyle priorities changed) or interest (they were a computer scientist and switched to become a lawyer, were a fisherman and became a physical therapist, were an economist and entered cybersecurity).
Second, rather than focus on one or more careers, it can be helpful to start by identifying 1) the types of problems you want to be solving and 2) the type of skills you enjoy and excel at flexing. For 1, some people like solving individual problems (helping patients in a medical context) while others like solving broader problems (making effective government policy, growing an important business solution). For 2, think about what skills you could enjoy flexing 8+ hours a day, as jobs are essentially the use of skills. If you like working with people, that will lead to a very different type of job than if you prefer a role that gives you more time for quiet focus.
Finally, given the labor market and world will continue to change, at the start of your career, one of the most valuable investments you can make is on a set of skills that will allow you to continue to grow and adapt to future careers.