7 answers
Annie
Student
Nevada, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know if I'm on the right path?
I'm a grade 8 student who wants to know more about choosing career rightly
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6 answers
Adit Sheth
Senior Software Engineer
79
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Adit’s Answer
It's fantastic that you, as an eighth grader, are already thinking about your future career! Here are some friendly tips to help you figure out if you're heading in the right direction:
Find Out What You Love: Take note of what subjects or activities make you happy. Are you into solving puzzles, crafting things, or assisting others? Identifying what you love can lead you towards careers that match those interests.
Look Into Various Careers: Spend some time investigating different careers by reading about them or chatting with people who work in those areas. This can give you a clearer picture of what different jobs entail and if they might be a good fit for you.
Start Small: Consider joining clubs, volunteering, or participating in projects that align with your interests. Getting involved in this way can give you a real feel for whether a certain career path is the right one for you.
Seek Advice from a Mentor: Don't hesitate to ask a teacher, counselor, or family member for guidance. Their advice can be incredibly helpful and can help you understand your own strengths.
Embrace Change: Remember, it's perfectly fine if your interests shift as you grow. Careers can change over time, and what matters most is that you stay eager and open to discovering new things.
Find Out What You Love: Take note of what subjects or activities make you happy. Are you into solving puzzles, crafting things, or assisting others? Identifying what you love can lead you towards careers that match those interests.
Look Into Various Careers: Spend some time investigating different careers by reading about them or chatting with people who work in those areas. This can give you a clearer picture of what different jobs entail and if they might be a good fit for you.
Start Small: Consider joining clubs, volunteering, or participating in projects that align with your interests. Getting involved in this way can give you a real feel for whether a certain career path is the right one for you.
Seek Advice from a Mentor: Don't hesitate to ask a teacher, counselor, or family member for guidance. Their advice can be incredibly helpful and can help you understand your own strengths.
Embrace Change: Remember, it's perfectly fine if your interests shift as you grow. Careers can change over time, and what matters most is that you stay eager and open to discovering new things.
Isaiah Johnson
Tax Accountant
10
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Isaiah’s Answer
At your age it is all about experiencing new things and starting to figure out what you do and do not enjoy. Once you learn more about yourself you can start to think about careers that include a mix of the topics and activities that interest you! There is no need to rush, you have a lot to learn and that is a fun and exciting thing to look forward to!
Dina Capaldi
Assistant Security Manager
2
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Dina’s Answer
Your career journey is bound to take many twists and turns. Just when you believe you've found your calling, a new passion may ignite within you, and that's perfectly fine. The key is to choose a career that brings you the most joy. The most challenging aspect can often be the chorus of voices around you, offering their advice on what you should do. Sometimes their input can be helpful, but you certainly don't want to find yourself trapped in a job that drains your happiness. I once thought I had my path all mapped out, only to discover in my early 30's that my true calling was in leadership and management. Rest assured, you will find your way.
Stephanie Lederman
Chief of Staff
2
Answers
Pleasantville, New York
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Its hard to know if your on the right path, I think it is forever changing. Try lots of things early on and see what gets you excited about waking up for the day. Without passion for what you are doing it will be harder to succeed.
Ashley Spencer
Project Manager
3
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Annie!
Great question, and one that lots of people spend a lot of time thinking and worrying about! The good news is that as a grade 8 student, you have lots of time to try different paths and see what you like (and what you don't like!). For now, think about what your interests are, and look for opportunities to expand your learning and experiences on those. For example, if you really like science, in addition to your schoolwork on science, are there clubs about science you can get involved in? Maybe there are camps or activities related to science in your area? These will help you learn more about your areas of interest and will prepare you for an eventual career. From these activities, you'll learn more specifics about your interests (like do you want to be an astrophysics scientist, or focus on a computer engineering career).
Good luck!
Ashley
Great question, and one that lots of people spend a lot of time thinking and worrying about! The good news is that as a grade 8 student, you have lots of time to try different paths and see what you like (and what you don't like!). For now, think about what your interests are, and look for opportunities to expand your learning and experiences on those. For example, if you really like science, in addition to your schoolwork on science, are there clubs about science you can get involved in? Maybe there are camps or activities related to science in your area? These will help you learn more about your areas of interest and will prepare you for an eventual career. From these activities, you'll learn more specifics about your interests (like do you want to be an astrophysics scientist, or focus on a computer engineering career).
Good luck!
Ashley
Coro Celigueta
Program Manager
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Coro’s Answer
To know if you're on the right path, you can reflect on several important factors:
Fulfillment in Different Time Frames:
1- Think about what brings you joy and fulfillment in the short, medium, and long term. Are your daily activities enjoyable? Do your goals align with your values and desired lifestyle? Your actions should satisfy you now, build towards meaningful goals in the medium term, and contribute to a long-term sense of purpose.
2- Intersection of Passion, Skills, and Lifestyle:
Consider the Ikigai framework, which explores the intersection of:
-What you love (your passions and interests),
-What you're good at (your strengths and skills),
-What the world needs (the impact you want to have), and
-What you can be paid for (your financial stability and future).
Being on the right path usually means finding harmony between doing something you love, something you excel at, and something that supports the life you want to live.
Fulfillment in Different Time Frames:
1- Think about what brings you joy and fulfillment in the short, medium, and long term. Are your daily activities enjoyable? Do your goals align with your values and desired lifestyle? Your actions should satisfy you now, build towards meaningful goals in the medium term, and contribute to a long-term sense of purpose.
2- Intersection of Passion, Skills, and Lifestyle:
Consider the Ikigai framework, which explores the intersection of:
-What you love (your passions and interests),
-What you're good at (your strengths and skills),
-What the world needs (the impact you want to have), and
-What you can be paid for (your financial stability and future).
Being on the right path usually means finding harmony between doing something you love, something you excel at, and something that supports the life you want to live.