8 answers
Caddie
Student
High Point, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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Why is choosing a career hard ?
Why is choosing a career hard ?
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8 answers
Stephanie Han
Senior Program Manager
12
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Caddie,
You are definitely not alone in feeling like this! Like how can you possibly know what you want to do for the rest of your life at such a young age? Well, the good news is that you don't! There truly is no one answer in how to approach this so I will just share with you my career journey, and how I made my decisions, and hopefully that helps a bit.
I majored in accounting and I chose it the following way: 1) Eliminated every major that I was NOT interested in, 2) Looked at what subjects I was good at (math), 3) Thought about what would help me have the most options in the future, 4) Financial stability. I didn't love accounting, but I didn't hate it. And thus I chose to major in accounting.
Fast forward, after 4 years of being an accountant, I knew that I could not do this for the rest of my life but I didn't know what I wanted to switch to. So I started taking random tests online to see what career path suited my personality and interests, and I started doing informational interviews with many different people to hear about what they do and if I could see myself doing it. After doing accounting for 12 years, I made a career change to become a program manager on the DEI/HR team. And all the skills I built up in my prior job as an accountant helped me to excel in this new role. And I have been doing it for 4 years now and loving it.
So long story short, you don't have to be too anxious about what career you choose now because it can evolve over time, and most people end up changing what they do over time. The most important thing is to continue to be open to learning (you are never done learning!) and willing to put your best foot forward in anything that you do.
You are definitely not alone in feeling like this! Like how can you possibly know what you want to do for the rest of your life at such a young age? Well, the good news is that you don't! There truly is no one answer in how to approach this so I will just share with you my career journey, and how I made my decisions, and hopefully that helps a bit.
I majored in accounting and I chose it the following way: 1) Eliminated every major that I was NOT interested in, 2) Looked at what subjects I was good at (math), 3) Thought about what would help me have the most options in the future, 4) Financial stability. I didn't love accounting, but I didn't hate it. And thus I chose to major in accounting.
Fast forward, after 4 years of being an accountant, I knew that I could not do this for the rest of my life but I didn't know what I wanted to switch to. So I started taking random tests online to see what career path suited my personality and interests, and I started doing informational interviews with many different people to hear about what they do and if I could see myself doing it. After doing accounting for 12 years, I made a career change to become a program manager on the DEI/HR team. And all the skills I built up in my prior job as an accountant helped me to excel in this new role. And I have been doing it for 4 years now and loving it.
So long story short, you don't have to be too anxious about what career you choose now because it can evolve over time, and most people end up changing what they do over time. The most important thing is to continue to be open to learning (you are never done learning!) and willing to put your best foot forward in anything that you do.
Isaiah Johnson
Tax Accountant
19
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Isaiah’s Answer
It can definitely feel like a daunting task trying to figure out what career path to take, my advice is to start by singling out things you know you enjoy doing, are good at or that make you happy. When you start to narrow the list down you can start to narrow potential career choices down too. The nice thing about the real world after schooling is that you have freedom to take any path in life you want. It may seem like a difficult decision, but you are able to try as many times as you want to find the right fit. The main thing in life is that you are happy, so don't be afraid to try a few different jobs or paths to get to that end goal!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Caddie!
Why Choosing a Career is Hard
Choosing a career can be a complex and daunting task for several reasons, which can be broken down into distinct categories:
1. Overwhelming Options The modern job market presents an almost limitless array of career paths. With the rise of new industries, hybrid roles, and the gig economy, individuals often find themselves inundated with choices. This abundance can lead to confusion and indecision, as it becomes challenging to determine which path aligns best with one’s skills and interests.
2. Changing Job Landscape The rapid evolution of technology and market demands means that many traditional career paths are becoming obsolete or transforming significantly. This constant change can create uncertainty about job security and future opportunities in specific fields. As industries adapt to new technologies and consumer needs, individuals may feel pressured to keep up or pivot their careers unexpectedly.
3. Pressure to Find the Right Fit There is often societal pressure to choose a career that not only fulfills personal passions but also meets external expectations regarding income, prestige, or stability. This pressure can lead to anxiety about making the “right” choice, causing individuals to second-guess their interests or settle for less fulfilling options.
4. Lack of Clarity on Personal Interests Many people struggle with self-discovery when it comes to identifying their true passions and strengths. The question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” can evoke feelings of anxiety rather than clarity. Without a clear understanding of what they enjoy or excel at, individuals may find it difficult to narrow down potential career paths.
5. Outdated Advice Traditional advice such as “follow your passion” may not always apply in today’s diverse job market where multiple passions exist, and not all are viable as careers. This outdated perspective can lead individuals to feel overwhelmed by the need to identify a singular passion instead of exploring various interests that could lead to fulfilling work.
6. Networking Challenges While networking remains an essential strategy for job searching, the dynamics have changed significantly with social media and online platforms. Individuals may feel uncertain about how to effectively leverage these tools for career advancement or exploration, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
7. Economic Factors Economic conditions play a crucial role in career choices as well. Factors such as job availability in certain sectors, salary expectations, and benefits influence decisions significantly. Individuals must weigh their personal aspirations against practical considerations like financial stability and job security.
In summary, choosing a career is hard due to overwhelming options in a rapidly changing job landscape; societal pressures; lack of clarity on personal interests; outdated advice; challenges in networking; and economic factors influencing job availability and security.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. O*NET Online O*NET Online is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on various occupations including tasks, skills required, educational requirements, and labor market trends across different industries.
2. Granovetter’s Work on Social Networks Mark Granovetter’s research on social networks has been foundational in understanding how information spreads within professional circles, emphasizing the importance of networking in career development.
3. Career Development Literature Various authoritative texts on career development provide insights into modern challenges faced by individuals when selecting careers amidst evolving market demands and personal aspirations.
God Bless!
JC.
Why Choosing a Career is Hard
Choosing a career can be a complex and daunting task for several reasons, which can be broken down into distinct categories:
1. Overwhelming Options The modern job market presents an almost limitless array of career paths. With the rise of new industries, hybrid roles, and the gig economy, individuals often find themselves inundated with choices. This abundance can lead to confusion and indecision, as it becomes challenging to determine which path aligns best with one’s skills and interests.
2. Changing Job Landscape The rapid evolution of technology and market demands means that many traditional career paths are becoming obsolete or transforming significantly. This constant change can create uncertainty about job security and future opportunities in specific fields. As industries adapt to new technologies and consumer needs, individuals may feel pressured to keep up or pivot their careers unexpectedly.
3. Pressure to Find the Right Fit There is often societal pressure to choose a career that not only fulfills personal passions but also meets external expectations regarding income, prestige, or stability. This pressure can lead to anxiety about making the “right” choice, causing individuals to second-guess their interests or settle for less fulfilling options.
4. Lack of Clarity on Personal Interests Many people struggle with self-discovery when it comes to identifying their true passions and strengths. The question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” can evoke feelings of anxiety rather than clarity. Without a clear understanding of what they enjoy or excel at, individuals may find it difficult to narrow down potential career paths.
5. Outdated Advice Traditional advice such as “follow your passion” may not always apply in today’s diverse job market where multiple passions exist, and not all are viable as careers. This outdated perspective can lead individuals to feel overwhelmed by the need to identify a singular passion instead of exploring various interests that could lead to fulfilling work.
6. Networking Challenges While networking remains an essential strategy for job searching, the dynamics have changed significantly with social media and online platforms. Individuals may feel uncertain about how to effectively leverage these tools for career advancement or exploration, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
7. Economic Factors Economic conditions play a crucial role in career choices as well. Factors such as job availability in certain sectors, salary expectations, and benefits influence decisions significantly. Individuals must weigh their personal aspirations against practical considerations like financial stability and job security.
In summary, choosing a career is hard due to overwhelming options in a rapidly changing job landscape; societal pressures; lack of clarity on personal interests; outdated advice; challenges in networking; and economic factors influencing job availability and security.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. O*NET Online O*NET Online is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on various occupations including tasks, skills required, educational requirements, and labor market trends across different industries.
2. Granovetter’s Work on Social Networks Mark Granovetter’s research on social networks has been foundational in understanding how information spreads within professional circles, emphasizing the importance of networking in career development.
3. Career Development Literature Various authoritative texts on career development provide insights into modern challenges faced by individuals when selecting careers amidst evolving market demands and personal aspirations.
God Bless!
JC.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
617
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Caddie,
Good question! Choosing a career is often challenging for several reasons:
1. High Stakes and Long-Term Impact: A career choice can influence your future lifestyle, finances, happiness, and sense of purpose. This high level of commitment makes it feel daunting, especially since it can affect your life for many years.
2. Too Many Options: Today, there are countless career paths to choose from, many of which didn’t exist even a decade ago. This abundance of choice can lead to "analysis paralysis," where it feels overwhelming to weigh the pros and cons of so many options.
3. Uncertainty about the Future: Jobs and industries are constantly changing due to technology, economy, and society. What may seem like a stable job today could change significantly in the future, adding uncertainty to the decision-making process.
4. Pressure from Society and Family: Family expectations, cultural norms, and societal values can all put pressure on someone to choose a specific career path, even if it doesn't feel like the best fit. This can make it difficult to focus on what *you* really want.
5. Limited Self-Knowledge: Many people, especially young adults, are still learning about their strengths, interests, and values. Without knowing yourself well, it’s harder to choose a career that aligns with your personality and goals.
6. Fear of Regret or Failure: The fear of making the “wrong” choice can be intense. Many people worry about the effort, time, or money they might "waste" if they end up disliking their chosen field.
7. Complexity of Career Paths: Careers aren’t always straightforward. For many fields, there are multiple paths, specializations, and levels of education or training required, which can make it challenging to figure out the steps needed to achieve long-term success.
With all these factors, choosing a career is a complex and personal decision, requiring self-reflection, exploration, and sometimes trial and error. Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed or unsure about your career path. Take your time, explore different options, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from career counselors or mentors.
Best wishes!
Good question! Choosing a career is often challenging for several reasons:
1. High Stakes and Long-Term Impact: A career choice can influence your future lifestyle, finances, happiness, and sense of purpose. This high level of commitment makes it feel daunting, especially since it can affect your life for many years.
2. Too Many Options: Today, there are countless career paths to choose from, many of which didn’t exist even a decade ago. This abundance of choice can lead to "analysis paralysis," where it feels overwhelming to weigh the pros and cons of so many options.
3. Uncertainty about the Future: Jobs and industries are constantly changing due to technology, economy, and society. What may seem like a stable job today could change significantly in the future, adding uncertainty to the decision-making process.
4. Pressure from Society and Family: Family expectations, cultural norms, and societal values can all put pressure on someone to choose a specific career path, even if it doesn't feel like the best fit. This can make it difficult to focus on what *you* really want.
5. Limited Self-Knowledge: Many people, especially young adults, are still learning about their strengths, interests, and values. Without knowing yourself well, it’s harder to choose a career that aligns with your personality and goals.
6. Fear of Regret or Failure: The fear of making the “wrong” choice can be intense. Many people worry about the effort, time, or money they might "waste" if they end up disliking their chosen field.
7. Complexity of Career Paths: Careers aren’t always straightforward. For many fields, there are multiple paths, specializations, and levels of education or training required, which can make it challenging to figure out the steps needed to achieve long-term success.
With all these factors, choosing a career is a complex and personal decision, requiring self-reflection, exploration, and sometimes trial and error. Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed or unsure about your career path. Take your time, explore different options, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from career counselors or mentors.
Best wishes!
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
139
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Hello,
Consider these factors. Where do you want to live? Based on a preference, you may only have certain careers available based on where you want to live. Who do you know? Networking and knowing people in different career fields is important to getting exposure to different job opportunities. What do you like? Are you a people person, or do you like working with your hands or do you prefer to work outdoors? If you can answer these questions about who you are and what you want, you will have a better chance to narrow down some career options. Good luck. Feel free to ask me more questions if you like.
Consider these factors. Where do you want to live? Based on a preference, you may only have certain careers available based on where you want to live. Who do you know? Networking and knowing people in different career fields is important to getting exposure to different job opportunities. What do you like? Are you a people person, or do you like working with your hands or do you prefer to work outdoors? If you can answer these questions about who you are and what you want, you will have a better chance to narrow down some career options. Good luck. Feel free to ask me more questions if you like.
Addie Zhao
Accounting
2
Answers
Los Gatos, California
Updated
Addie’s Answer
Hey Caddie! Picking a career path can indeed be a challenging task, given the vast array of choices available. I remember grappling with the same dilemma when it was time for me to select a major. I didn't see any particular field where I outshone the rest, and everything felt fresh and unfamiliar. I was at a loss about where to start. Consequently, I opted for business as my major, believing it would offer me a well-rounded education that could steer my career trajectory.
A business degree offers a comprehensive education encompassing various facets of the business realm, such as finance, marketing, management, and operations. This broad scope implies that graduates can explore numerous career paths across different sectors. For me, it served as a blueprint, enabling me to evaluate my skills more effectively and align them with practical considerations.
To wrap up, I agree that deciding on a career is a tough call. It's worth noting that most individuals don't stick to a single job or career throughout their lives. Regardless of the path you choose initially, there's always an opportunity for exploration and self-discovery until you stumble upon the perfect fit!
A business degree offers a comprehensive education encompassing various facets of the business realm, such as finance, marketing, management, and operations. This broad scope implies that graduates can explore numerous career paths across different sectors. For me, it served as a blueprint, enabling me to evaluate my skills more effectively and align them with practical considerations.
To wrap up, I agree that deciding on a career is a tough call. It's worth noting that most individuals don't stick to a single job or career throughout their lives. Regardless of the path you choose initially, there's always an opportunity for exploration and self-discovery until you stumble upon the perfect fit!
Deeshani Batra
Software Engineer
69
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Deeshani’s Answer
Hi Caddie,
I understand that choosing a career can feel really overwhelming, especially when you're still figuring out who you are and what you want. It's normal to feel uncertain about the future, especially when there are so many paths and expectations from others. You're at an age where your interests and goals are still shaping, and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. It’s important to be kind to yourself during this process and know that it’s okay to explore and change direction as you grow. Take your time, trust your instincts, and remember that your journey doesn't need to follow a straight line. Your passions and strengths will guide you, even if you don’t have everything figured out now.
Wishing you the best!
I understand that choosing a career can feel really overwhelming, especially when you're still figuring out who you are and what you want. It's normal to feel uncertain about the future, especially when there are so many paths and expectations from others. You're at an age where your interests and goals are still shaping, and it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. It’s important to be kind to yourself during this process and know that it’s okay to explore and change direction as you grow. Take your time, trust your instincts, and remember that your journey doesn't need to follow a straight line. Your passions and strengths will guide you, even if you don’t have everything figured out now.
Wishing you the best!
Aman Kumar
Software engineer
161
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi Caddie,
Choosing a career can be one of the toughest decisions in a person’s life, and I completely understand why you’re feeling this way. One of the primary reasons it’s so challenging is the sheer volume of options available today, especially with the ever-evolving job market. You might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of chasing after a career that promises financial stability while also wanting to follow your passion. Plus, societal pressures can make this choice feel like a pivotal moment that will define your entire future.
Take for instance the field of technology. One could pursue roles in software development, cybersecurity, or data science, each with its own unique strengths, challenges, and salary prospects. But then, you start to wonder—"Do I enjoy coding? Would I be better suited for a role in user experience design instead, or should I follow my interest in artificial intelligence?" The decisions might feel staggering, leading to analysis paralysis.
To navigate this tough landscape, it might help to conduct informational interviews with professionals in the fields you’re considering. For example, if you are intrigued by healthcare, try reaching out to a nurse or a health administrator to understand their day-to-day responsibilities and job satisfaction. You could also engage in internship programs that allow you to dip your toes in different waters before making a leap. Taking active steps will not only clarify your path but also reduce the anxiety that comes with uncertainty.
Wishing you the very best on your journey,
Choosing a career can be one of the toughest decisions in a person’s life, and I completely understand why you’re feeling this way. One of the primary reasons it’s so challenging is the sheer volume of options available today, especially with the ever-evolving job market. You might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of chasing after a career that promises financial stability while also wanting to follow your passion. Plus, societal pressures can make this choice feel like a pivotal moment that will define your entire future.
Take for instance the field of technology. One could pursue roles in software development, cybersecurity, or data science, each with its own unique strengths, challenges, and salary prospects. But then, you start to wonder—"Do I enjoy coding? Would I be better suited for a role in user experience design instead, or should I follow my interest in artificial intelligence?" The decisions might feel staggering, leading to analysis paralysis.
To navigate this tough landscape, it might help to conduct informational interviews with professionals in the fields you’re considering. For example, if you are intrigued by healthcare, try reaching out to a nurse or a health administrator to understand their day-to-day responsibilities and job satisfaction. You could also engage in internship programs that allow you to dip your toes in different waters before making a leap. Taking active steps will not only clarify your path but also reduce the anxiety that comes with uncertainty.
Wishing you the very best on your journey,