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What should I do to find what I am interested in for a career path? How do I go about this uncertainty and stuck-in-the-glue moment? Why should I do a particular field?
Currently a college student who is having a crisis on what to do with life and as a career. I am struggling with finding what I would like to do. I tried out finance and am not really liking it. The club I joined really showed me that I don't perform well on pressuring deadlines and stress. But isn't every job like this?
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11 answers
Updated
Adit’s Answer
It's perfectly okay to feel a bit unsure about your career path, especially when you're still in college. Here are some friendly steps to help you uncover what might pique your interest:
Self-discovery: Take a moment to think about what you're good at, what you love, and what matters to you. What activities make you feel alive and satisfied? Consider taking personality and career tests like Myers-Briggs or StrengthsFinder to gain some valuable insights.
Try things out: Dip your toes in different fields through internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or even personal projects. These experiences can help you figure out what you love and what might not be the best fit for you, much like how you realized finance wasn't your cup of tea.
Ask for help: Don't hesitate to chat with mentors, career advisors, or professionals from various fields. Their experiences can give you a glimpse of potential paths and how to tackle challenges like stress or tight deadlines.
Remember, no job is perfect: Every job has its fair share of stressful times, but finding a field you're passionate about can make those times easier to bear. It's crucial to seek roles that match your work style and personal values, rather than fixating solely on the stress involved.
Take your time: There's no rush to have everything figured out. Many people switch careers or discover their true passion later in life. Keep exploring and learning, and you'll slowly but surely find a path that feels just right for you.
Self-discovery: Take a moment to think about what you're good at, what you love, and what matters to you. What activities make you feel alive and satisfied? Consider taking personality and career tests like Myers-Briggs or StrengthsFinder to gain some valuable insights.
Try things out: Dip your toes in different fields through internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or even personal projects. These experiences can help you figure out what you love and what might not be the best fit for you, much like how you realized finance wasn't your cup of tea.
Ask for help: Don't hesitate to chat with mentors, career advisors, or professionals from various fields. Their experiences can give you a glimpse of potential paths and how to tackle challenges like stress or tight deadlines.
Remember, no job is perfect: Every job has its fair share of stressful times, but finding a field you're passionate about can make those times easier to bear. It's crucial to seek roles that match your work style and personal values, rather than fixating solely on the stress involved.
Take your time: There's no rush to have everything figured out. Many people switch careers or discover their true passion later in life. Keep exploring and learning, and you'll slowly but surely find a path that feels just right for you.
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
You're not alone in feeling uncertain about your life and career choices. It's common to experience this, especially in college when you're trying to decide on a major and career path. I've also faced this uncertainty at different points in my own career, and it's perfectly normal—change often brings uncertainty, and that's okay! Here are some things I've done that have lead to me having a successful career that I have enjoyed.
Like others have mentioned, I appreciate leveraging a few assessments though I tend to lean towards some that are non-traditional in corporate America. Though Myers-Briggs is a great one often used. Examples:
Strenghtfinder https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx
Enneagram https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
I gravitate toward these because my biggest successes, both individually and with my teams, have come from focusing on our strengths and understanding what drives us and shapes our reactions in different situations. Also, it is important to align your values, what things are most important to you, with your career. Think about what you like to do in your spare time, what relaxes you, what stresses you out, what type of people do you like to be around.
Every job comes with a certain amount of stress and deadlines, but understanding what triggers your stress can help you manage it more effectively. For instance, you might feel less stressed when working on projects with a clear structure and plan, where deadlines are visible well in advance.
If possible, seek connections to shadow certain roles or fields you are interested in. Perhaps your school has programs like this or your professors can provide guidance.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. The role you take right out of school won't be your forever position. Your career may take twists, turns and pivots along the way.
Draw a circle on a piece of paper. Divide the circle into 8 "slices" by drawing an X and then a + over the X. List your values in each "slice" and prioritize them.
Complete the recommended assessments to understand your strengths and motivations
Keep being curious and asking questions!
Like others have mentioned, I appreciate leveraging a few assessments though I tend to lean towards some that are non-traditional in corporate America. Though Myers-Briggs is a great one often used. Examples:
Strenghtfinder https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx
Enneagram https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/
I gravitate toward these because my biggest successes, both individually and with my teams, have come from focusing on our strengths and understanding what drives us and shapes our reactions in different situations. Also, it is important to align your values, what things are most important to you, with your career. Think about what you like to do in your spare time, what relaxes you, what stresses you out, what type of people do you like to be around.
Every job comes with a certain amount of stress and deadlines, but understanding what triggers your stress can help you manage it more effectively. For instance, you might feel less stressed when working on projects with a clear structure and plan, where deadlines are visible well in advance.
If possible, seek connections to shadow certain roles or fields you are interested in. Perhaps your school has programs like this or your professors can provide guidance.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. The role you take right out of school won't be your forever position. Your career may take twists, turns and pivots along the way.
Jennifer recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
Most of us go through this. College is just as much about self-discovery as it is about preparing for your career. Take some time to really reflect and examine what are your drives and what draws your curiosity. As you make a list start to see what career paths are on offer. This might take a bit of time, but don't feel pressured into making a quick decision. Also if your college offers degrees for these fields talk to a counselor to see the specifics of the curriculum. Don't be afraid to try out new fields that peak your interest. It might lead to you finding a career path you never knew was available.
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Hello Sam👋, trust you are fine ☺️
I completely understand your concerns about feeling stuck and uncertain about your career path; Joining a finance club and realizing it wasn't a good fit is a valuable learning experience. Please, shake off the pressure for you're not alone in this journey. Many students face similar struggles. Let's break free from that "stuck-in-the-glue" feeling together!
Don't worry, that ONE challenging experience CAN NEVER define your entire career journey. Every person performs differently based on their capacity, ability, and potential. Interests and passions evolve over time, and abilities grow and develop with age and maturity. Just because you struggled with pressuring deadlines and stress in the finance club doesn't mean you won't excel in finance or other fields. It's essential to recognize that👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
⏰Time management skills can be developed.
⏳Stress management techniques can be learned.
🎓Career paths have various work environments and cultures.
PLEASE 🙏🏽
🤔Reflect, Explore, and Discover💭💭🤔💭🤔💭🤔💭🤔🤔
🦸Identify your values, strengths, and passions. What matters most to you? What are you naturally good at? What activities make you happy?
🦸 Explore various fields and industries. Research job descriptions, required skills, and growth opportunities.
🦸 Seek advice from professionals,/mentors whenever you feel/get stuck
🦸 Try new experiences through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs.
🦸 Join clubs or groups aligned with your interests (not just finance try something else this time).
Check Out Why You Shouldn't Worry About "Every Job" Being Stressful👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
👋 While some stress is inevitable, many careers offer manageable work environments.
👋 You can find roles with flexible deadlines, collaborative teams, and supportive cultures.
👋 Focus on fields that align with your strengths and interests; you'll be more resilient to stress.
Moving Forward🎠👇🏽👇🏽
🎠 Don't worry about "wasting" time exploring; it's an investment in your future.
🎠 Consider taking a career assessment if wish
🎠 Create a "Career Exploration Plan" with actionable steps.
You've Already Learned Something Valuable💎💎
🤔 Finance didn't give you what you expected (and that's okay).
🤔 You recognize your limitations with pressuring deadlines and stress.
Empowering Questions
💺 What activities make you lose track of time?
💺 What problems do you enjoy solving?
💺 What kind of work environment do you thrive in?
Remember👉🏽👇🏽
✈️ Your career path is a journey, not a destination.
✈️ It's okay to pivot or adjust course.
✈️ You're capable of growth and learning.
🗣️Sam, you'll find that career path that will fixes your puzzle in the end and you'll be fulfilled. Stay true to your dream, interests and passion with hard work, diligence and resilience 💪🏽💪🏽
Keep exploring, stay curious, and trust your instincts✨✨✨✨✨
I completely understand your concerns about feeling stuck and uncertain about your career path; Joining a finance club and realizing it wasn't a good fit is a valuable learning experience. Please, shake off the pressure for you're not alone in this journey. Many students face similar struggles. Let's break free from that "stuck-in-the-glue" feeling together!
Don't worry, that ONE challenging experience CAN NEVER define your entire career journey. Every person performs differently based on their capacity, ability, and potential. Interests and passions evolve over time, and abilities grow and develop with age and maturity. Just because you struggled with pressuring deadlines and stress in the finance club doesn't mean you won't excel in finance or other fields. It's essential to recognize that👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
⏰Time management skills can be developed.
⏳Stress management techniques can be learned.
🎓Career paths have various work environments and cultures.
PLEASE 🙏🏽
🤔Reflect, Explore, and Discover💭💭🤔💭🤔💭🤔💭🤔🤔
🦸Identify your values, strengths, and passions. What matters most to you? What are you naturally good at? What activities make you happy?
🦸 Explore various fields and industries. Research job descriptions, required skills, and growth opportunities.
🦸 Seek advice from professionals,/mentors whenever you feel/get stuck
🦸 Try new experiences through internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs.
🦸 Join clubs or groups aligned with your interests (not just finance try something else this time).
Check Out Why You Shouldn't Worry About "Every Job" Being Stressful👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
👋 While some stress is inevitable, many careers offer manageable work environments.
👋 You can find roles with flexible deadlines, collaborative teams, and supportive cultures.
👋 Focus on fields that align with your strengths and interests; you'll be more resilient to stress.
Moving Forward🎠👇🏽👇🏽
🎠 Don't worry about "wasting" time exploring; it's an investment in your future.
🎠 Consider taking a career assessment if wish
🎠 Create a "Career Exploration Plan" with actionable steps.
You've Already Learned Something Valuable💎💎
🤔 Finance didn't give you what you expected (and that's okay).
🤔 You recognize your limitations with pressuring deadlines and stress.
Empowering Questions
💺 What activities make you lose track of time?
💺 What problems do you enjoy solving?
💺 What kind of work environment do you thrive in?
Remember👉🏽👇🏽
✈️ Your career path is a journey, not a destination.
✈️ It's okay to pivot or adjust course.
✈️ You're capable of growth and learning.
🗣️Sam, you'll find that career path that will fixes your puzzle in the end and you'll be fulfilled. Stay true to your dream, interests and passion with hard work, diligence and resilience 💪🏽💪🏽
Keep exploring, stay curious, and trust your instincts✨✨✨✨✨
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Sam!
Understanding Your Career Interests and Pathways
Finding a suitable career path can be a daunting task, especially when you are uncertain about your interests and strengths. Here’s a structured approach to help you navigate this uncertainty.
1. Self-Assessment
Start by conducting a self-assessment to identify your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Strong Interest Inventory can provide insights into what careers might suit you based on your preferences. Reflect on questions such as:
What subjects or activities do I enjoy?
What are my strengths and weaknesses?
What values are important to me in a job (e.g., work-life balance, helping others, creativity)?
2. Explore Different Fields
Since you have already tried finance and found it unsatisfactory, consider exploring other fields that align more closely with your interests. Research various industries through:
Informational interviews with professionals in different fields.
Job shadowing opportunities to gain firsthand experience.
Online resources such as LinkedIn Learning or Coursera that offer courses in diverse subjects.
3. Gain Practical Experience
Engaging in internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work can provide valuable insights into different careers while allowing you to develop skills relevant to those fields. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding the day-to-day realities of various professions.
4. Network and Seek Guidance
Networking is essential in discovering potential career paths. Attend career fairs, join professional organizations related to your areas of interest, and connect with alumni from your college who are working in fields you’re considering. Seeking mentorship from someone experienced can also provide guidance and support during this exploration phase.
5. Evaluate Job Market Trends
Research current job market trends to understand which industries are growing and what skills are in demand. Websites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offer comprehensive data on job outlooks for various occupations, which can help inform your decision-making process.
6. Consider Further Education or Training
If you find an area that piques your interest but requires additional qualifications or training, consider whether pursuing further education is feasible for you. This could involve enrolling in specific courses or obtaining certifications that enhance your employability in that field.
7. Reflect on Your Experiences
After exploring different options and gaining experiences, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned about yourself and the various careers you’ve encountered. Ask yourself:
Which experiences did I enjoy most?
What aspects of those roles resonated with me?
How do these align with my long-term goals?
8. Make an Informed Decision
Once you’ve gathered enough information about yourself and potential career paths, make an informed decision about which direction to pursue next. Remember that it’s okay if this choice evolves over time; many people change careers multiple times throughout their lives.
9. Embrace Flexibility and Resilience
Understand that feeling stuck is common among students transitioning into the workforce; it’s important to remain flexible and open-minded as you explore different opportunities. Building resilience will help you cope with setbacks along the way.
In conclusion, finding a career path involves self-discovery, exploration of options, practical experiences, networking for guidance, evaluating market trends, considering further education if necessary, reflecting on experiences gained along the way, making informed decisions based on research and self-awareness while embracing flexibility throughout the journey.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment statistics across various industries including job outlooks which can guide students in making informed career choices.
Myers-Briggs Company
This organization offers tools like the MBTI assessment which helps individuals understand their personality types and how they relate to potential career paths.
National Career Development Association (NCDA)
The NCDA provides resources for career development including assessments and strategies for exploring career options effectively.
God Bless!
JC.
Understanding Your Career Interests and Pathways
Finding a suitable career path can be a daunting task, especially when you are uncertain about your interests and strengths. Here’s a structured approach to help you navigate this uncertainty.
1. Self-Assessment
Start by conducting a self-assessment to identify your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Strong Interest Inventory can provide insights into what careers might suit you based on your preferences. Reflect on questions such as:
What subjects or activities do I enjoy?
What are my strengths and weaknesses?
What values are important to me in a job (e.g., work-life balance, helping others, creativity)?
2. Explore Different Fields
Since you have already tried finance and found it unsatisfactory, consider exploring other fields that align more closely with your interests. Research various industries through:
Informational interviews with professionals in different fields.
Job shadowing opportunities to gain firsthand experience.
Online resources such as LinkedIn Learning or Coursera that offer courses in diverse subjects.
3. Gain Practical Experience
Engaging in internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work can provide valuable insights into different careers while allowing you to develop skills relevant to those fields. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding the day-to-day realities of various professions.
4. Network and Seek Guidance
Networking is essential in discovering potential career paths. Attend career fairs, join professional organizations related to your areas of interest, and connect with alumni from your college who are working in fields you’re considering. Seeking mentorship from someone experienced can also provide guidance and support during this exploration phase.
5. Evaluate Job Market Trends
Research current job market trends to understand which industries are growing and what skills are in demand. Websites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offer comprehensive data on job outlooks for various occupations, which can help inform your decision-making process.
6. Consider Further Education or Training
If you find an area that piques your interest but requires additional qualifications or training, consider whether pursuing further education is feasible for you. This could involve enrolling in specific courses or obtaining certifications that enhance your employability in that field.
7. Reflect on Your Experiences
After exploring different options and gaining experiences, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned about yourself and the various careers you’ve encountered. Ask yourself:
Which experiences did I enjoy most?
What aspects of those roles resonated with me?
How do these align with my long-term goals?
8. Make an Informed Decision
Once you’ve gathered enough information about yourself and potential career paths, make an informed decision about which direction to pursue next. Remember that it’s okay if this choice evolves over time; many people change careers multiple times throughout their lives.
9. Embrace Flexibility and Resilience
Understand that feeling stuck is common among students transitioning into the workforce; it’s important to remain flexible and open-minded as you explore different opportunities. Building resilience will help you cope with setbacks along the way.
In conclusion, finding a career path involves self-discovery, exploration of options, practical experiences, networking for guidance, evaluating market trends, considering further education if necessary, reflecting on experiences gained along the way, making informed decisions based on research and self-awareness while embracing flexibility throughout the journey.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment statistics across various industries including job outlooks which can guide students in making informed career choices.
Myers-Briggs Company
This organization offers tools like the MBTI assessment which helps individuals understand their personality types and how they relate to potential career paths.
National Career Development Association (NCDA)
The NCDA provides resources for career development including assessments and strategies for exploring career options effectively.
God Bless!
JC.
Updated
Twilio’s Answer
Lots of businesses will do what are called informational interviews. You can find people, sometimes associated with your university, that are willing to do a call in general to speak about the work that they are doing and what skills they found helped them the most in the long run to get that role. It’s a good way to find more about different roles. Additionally, for a person that doesn’t really like working on finance or the pressure of deadlines you might work better in a role that has some repetitive nature to it, where you are solving similar problems in different ways or the idea of success is very different than working in a corporate setting. Maybe you are good with teaching or helping individuals with personal issues - there’s a lot of ways to look largely at careers that have nothing to do with a corporate role. You can ask a college career center if they have any sort of testing for things that you might have strengths in - and they try to meet people who have built careers with those skills via the university network.
Updated
Quantise’s Answer
First, I commend you on trying out a career path. Don’t worry, nobody likes stress and the best way to combat is to relax. Try to do some fun activities or whatever you feel that will relax you. If you feel that you struggle in an area, try doing a little practice on this area. Have some alone time and tell yourself, you’re not going to fail. Also, try to plan a schedule and organize your tasks (ahead of time). Prioritize what is critical and plan what tasks should be done and in what order (you can try to give a rough estimate of how much a task will be). You will meet your deadlines which, will help eliminate your stress.
Also, you may want to take a personality/career assessment test. This can help you choose a career that may be fitting to your personality. Here is one 123test— https://www.123test.com/career-test/
Don’t worry, you’re not wasting your education, you have transferable skills that could apply to another career (if you choose another career path). I would say don’t give up on Finance but if it’s really making you uncomfortable and you can’t see yourself pursuing a long term career, then try something that fitting to your personality. It seems that a career that is more laid back and quiet is what you’re looking at. You seem smart and so go after what truly motivates you. Yes, every job has a little stress but if you’re in a career that you truly love, the stress is minimal.
Best of luck and hope all will work out.
Also, you may want to take a personality/career assessment test. This can help you choose a career that may be fitting to your personality. Here is one 123test— https://www.123test.com/career-test/
Don’t worry, you’re not wasting your education, you have transferable skills that could apply to another career (if you choose another career path). I would say don’t give up on Finance but if it’s really making you uncomfortable and you can’t see yourself pursuing a long term career, then try something that fitting to your personality. It seems that a career that is more laid back and quiet is what you’re looking at. You seem smart and so go after what truly motivates you. Yes, every job has a little stress but if you’re in a career that you truly love, the stress is minimal.
Best of luck and hope all will work out.
Updated
Twilio’s Answer
Career assessments are a great place to start, understand what your strengths and areas of opportunity are. As well as what interests you. Most people do not end up in the career they started with directly from college or high school. It is important to know yourself, what you like and what gives you energy versus what you don’t like and what drains you. Not all jobs are high stress / high pressure, but all jobs will have expectations and measures for success and there is always a learning curve when you start something new. Giving yourself grace to learn and giving things time before deciding if it’s for you or not will go a long way. Additionally, it is important to try to find a workplace that prioritizes mental health and physical wellbeing of their employees to ensure you are in a safe and positive work environment. Not all companies and managers are created equally and if you can find the right “fit” for you then that will make a huge difference in your working experience.
Updated
William’s Answer
Do a personal career assessment. Consider your interests, strengths, weaknesses and skills before choosing a career.
Do career searches online by setting up job alerts in recruitment websites.
Create job seeker profiles in job websites like LinkedIn, Fiverr, Yahoo Jobs, Glassdoor and Monster.
Build a professional resume.
Do career searches online by setting up job alerts in recruitment websites.
Create job seeker profiles in job websites like LinkedIn, Fiverr, Yahoo Jobs, Glassdoor and Monster.
Build a professional resume.
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Sam,
Try not to get too stressed although I know easier said then done, but better your experience this now vs. down the road when it's typically much harder and more painful. Trust me, I've worked with a lot of career changers unsatisfied with their work after man years but finding out they often have to take a big step backwards before going forward and feel captive.
I join the others in encouraging you to do career assessments and tests that help you identify career options that match your interests, preferences and talents but also look at ones that incorporate your personality to "drill down" on the details. For example, my son also felt working in very pressure oriented type positions too stress which the personality assessment he took confirmed. He was looking at project manager positions in engineering environments but then pivoted to look at positions that focus more performing work independently and is now working happily in such a position. Yes, all work has pressure and timelines but it's a question of how much, frequency, type, etc.
Colleges all have career guidance offices with great and free resources for those attending and your advisor can connect you with a counselor.
In closing, some colleges offer undecided tracks initially but do request you commit to a track by the following year so you not have to make up too many classes and don't graduate "on time". I was a late decider myself and had to take additional summer classes and graduated in the fall rather than the spring as is customary. Yes, it was more work and cost (would be much more cost nowadays) but it got me on the right path to start which made my professional work more satisfying and fulfilling through the years. We all know that we will change jobs and probably even careers in the work life of today so starting off knowing yourself and the work that suits you is key for having an enriching and fulfilling work life. After all, we spend so much time at work.
Best wishes,
Tony
Try not to get too stressed although I know easier said then done, but better your experience this now vs. down the road when it's typically much harder and more painful. Trust me, I've worked with a lot of career changers unsatisfied with their work after man years but finding out they often have to take a big step backwards before going forward and feel captive.
I join the others in encouraging you to do career assessments and tests that help you identify career options that match your interests, preferences and talents but also look at ones that incorporate your personality to "drill down" on the details. For example, my son also felt working in very pressure oriented type positions too stress which the personality assessment he took confirmed. He was looking at project manager positions in engineering environments but then pivoted to look at positions that focus more performing work independently and is now working happily in such a position. Yes, all work has pressure and timelines but it's a question of how much, frequency, type, etc.
Colleges all have career guidance offices with great and free resources for those attending and your advisor can connect you with a counselor.
In closing, some colleges offer undecided tracks initially but do request you commit to a track by the following year so you not have to make up too many classes and don't graduate "on time". I was a late decider myself and had to take additional summer classes and graduated in the fall rather than the spring as is customary. Yes, it was more work and cost (would be much more cost nowadays) but it got me on the right path to start which made my professional work more satisfying and fulfilling through the years. We all know that we will change jobs and probably even careers in the work life of today so starting off knowing yourself and the work that suits you is key for having an enriching and fulfilling work life. After all, we spend so much time at work.
Best wishes,
Tony
Updated
Twilio’s Answer
Try out different topics which you think may interest you. Do it without pressuring yourselves. Be frank and open to yourselves. You will find what you enjoy.