4 answers
Aila
Student
Germantown, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
184 views
finding my future passion, how can i find it?
how can i be sure im making the right career choice? what if what i go into isnt right for me?
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4 answers
peter stewart
Run my own music company
1
Answer
Lincoln, Massachusetts
Updated
peter’s Answer
Good news! Go for it.
Whatever your passion is now is where you go.
So many people decide what they do in terms of money and security.
You will see them everyday in the grocery store.
Check out their depressed faces.
You can only live life with passion for life.
Time is short
We don't have long
Find your strength
Then sing your song.
May you continue to be a beacon of light to all you see. Peter sdg
Whatever your passion is now is where you go.
So many people decide what they do in terms of money and security.
You will see them everyday in the grocery store.
Check out their depressed faces.
You can only live life with passion for life.
Time is short
We don't have long
Find your strength
Then sing your song.
May you continue to be a beacon of light to all you see. Peter sdg
John Hand
User Experience Designer
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Aila,
It's good that you're thinking about this! First you need to explore different things to determine what might be a good fit for you.
Shadow Others - Consider shadowing people with different careers that might be interesting to you to see what it actually looks like day-to-day. Ask them what they like most and least about it and why they think it's a good fit for them.
Draw It Out - You can also make a Venn Diagram with 3 partially overlapping circles. For one circle, think about your skills. One circle represents your passions or interests, and one circle represents what the world needs that aligns with your values (IE, what people will pay you for that you might enjoy). Where those circles intersect is the sweet spot that will help you think about specific career paths, positions, and even companies whose values align with your own.
Think Backwards - Look at careers and find actual job postings. They will outline the skills and experience required for those roles. Think about whether or not you can see yourself in those roles and gathering those experiences to work towards the eventual goals. Even better if you can find people in those positions to talk to and get a better idea of their work to consider if you can see yourself in those roles.
Finally, Don't Sweat It - Plenty of adults switch their careers for one reason or another. It may seem like some people or business have it all figured out, but everyone is just making it up as they go along. The quicker you can get comfortable with that kind of ambiguity and making your own path, the sooner you'll be a valued asset regardless of what career path you take.
It's good that you're thinking about this! First you need to explore different things to determine what might be a good fit for you.
Shadow Others - Consider shadowing people with different careers that might be interesting to you to see what it actually looks like day-to-day. Ask them what they like most and least about it and why they think it's a good fit for them.
Draw It Out - You can also make a Venn Diagram with 3 partially overlapping circles. For one circle, think about your skills. One circle represents your passions or interests, and one circle represents what the world needs that aligns with your values (IE, what people will pay you for that you might enjoy). Where those circles intersect is the sweet spot that will help you think about specific career paths, positions, and even companies whose values align with your own.
Think Backwards - Look at careers and find actual job postings. They will outline the skills and experience required for those roles. Think about whether or not you can see yourself in those roles and gathering those experiences to work towards the eventual goals. Even better if you can find people in those positions to talk to and get a better idea of their work to consider if you can see yourself in those roles.
Finally, Don't Sweat It - Plenty of adults switch their careers for one reason or another. It may seem like some people or business have it all figured out, but everyone is just making it up as they go along. The quicker you can get comfortable with that kind of ambiguity and making your own path, the sooner you'll be a valued asset regardless of what career path you take.
Justin Shapiro
Accounting | Finance | Financial Systems | Non-Profit Volunteer
69
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Aila,
Finding your future passion and making the right career choice can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to explore your interests and ensure that you’re on the right path:
Finding Your Future Passion
Self-Reflection:
Take time to reflect on what activities make you feel energized and fulfilled. Consider what you enjoy doing in your free time or subjects that capture your interest.
Explore Different Interests:
Engage in various activities, hobbies, or volunteer work. This can help you discover new interests and passions that you may not have considered before.
Set Goals:
Define short-term and long-term goals related to your career. This can help you focus on what you want to achieve and guide your exploration.
Take Personality Assessments:
Consider taking career assessments or personality tests (like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or Strong Interest Inventory) to gain insight into your strengths, preferences, and potential career paths.
Seek Guidance:
Talk to mentors, career counselors, or professionals in fields you’re interested in. They can provide valuable insights and advice based on their experiences.
Stay Open-Minded:
Be open to changing your interests and passions over time. Your passions may evolve as you gain new experiences and insights.
Making the Right Career Choice
Research Potential Careers:
Investigate different career options that align with your interests and values. Look into job descriptions, required skills, and typical career paths.
Internships and Part-Time Jobs:
Gain hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or shadowing professionals. This will give you a better sense of what a job entails and whether it suits you.
Consider Your Values:
Reflect on what matters most to you in a career (e.g., work-life balance, job stability, helping others). Choose a career that aligns with your values.
Trust Your Instincts:
Pay attention to your gut feelings about potential career paths. If something feels right or exciting, it may be worth exploring further.
Dealing with Uncertainty
Embrace Flexibility:
Understand that it’s okay to change your career path if you discover it’s not the right fit. Many people change careers multiple times in their lives.
Focus on Skills, Not Just Titles:
Concentrate on developing transferable skills that can apply to various careers. This will give you more options and adaptability in the job market.
Learn from Experiences:
If you enter a field and find it’s not what you expected, view it as a learning experience. Assess what you did and didn’t enjoy to help guide your next steps.
Take Small Steps:
You don’t have to make a big decision all at once. Take small steps towards exploring different options, which can reduce pressure and help you find your path.
Ultimately, finding your passion and making the right career choice is a journey. It may involve trial and error, but with exploration and self-reflection, you can find a path that aligns with your interests and values.
Finding your future passion and making the right career choice can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to explore your interests and ensure that you’re on the right path:
Finding Your Future Passion
Self-Reflection:
Take time to reflect on what activities make you feel energized and fulfilled. Consider what you enjoy doing in your free time or subjects that capture your interest.
Explore Different Interests:
Engage in various activities, hobbies, or volunteer work. This can help you discover new interests and passions that you may not have considered before.
Set Goals:
Define short-term and long-term goals related to your career. This can help you focus on what you want to achieve and guide your exploration.
Take Personality Assessments:
Consider taking career assessments or personality tests (like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or Strong Interest Inventory) to gain insight into your strengths, preferences, and potential career paths.
Seek Guidance:
Talk to mentors, career counselors, or professionals in fields you’re interested in. They can provide valuable insights and advice based on their experiences.
Stay Open-Minded:
Be open to changing your interests and passions over time. Your passions may evolve as you gain new experiences and insights.
Making the Right Career Choice
Research Potential Careers:
Investigate different career options that align with your interests and values. Look into job descriptions, required skills, and typical career paths.
Internships and Part-Time Jobs:
Gain hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or shadowing professionals. This will give you a better sense of what a job entails and whether it suits you.
Consider Your Values:
Reflect on what matters most to you in a career (e.g., work-life balance, job stability, helping others). Choose a career that aligns with your values.
Trust Your Instincts:
Pay attention to your gut feelings about potential career paths. If something feels right or exciting, it may be worth exploring further.
Dealing with Uncertainty
Embrace Flexibility:
Understand that it’s okay to change your career path if you discover it’s not the right fit. Many people change careers multiple times in their lives.
Focus on Skills, Not Just Titles:
Concentrate on developing transferable skills that can apply to various careers. This will give you more options and adaptability in the job market.
Learn from Experiences:
If you enter a field and find it’s not what you expected, view it as a learning experience. Assess what you did and didn’t enjoy to help guide your next steps.
Take Small Steps:
You don’t have to make a big decision all at once. Take small steps towards exploring different options, which can reduce pressure and help you find your path.
Ultimately, finding your passion and making the right career choice is a journey. It may involve trial and error, but with exploration and self-reflection, you can find a path that aligns with your interests and values.
Tiffanie Rand (Lampasona), CDR, CIR
Recruiter
50
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Hi Aila,
Finding your passion can be a journey! Start by reflecting on what interests you or makes you lose track of time. Try new hobbies or volunteer opportunities to explore different activities. Think about your skills and values, and set some goals related to what excites you. Don't hesitate to ask friends or mentors for their insights. Most importantly, be patient and open-minded—passion often develops over time!
Online Courses: Websites like Coursera or Udemy offer courses on various topics that might spark your interest.
Personality Assessments: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory can help you identify potential passions based on your personality.
Career Exploration Websites: Platforms like O*NET or the Bureau of Labor Statistics provide information about different careers and industries.
Books: Look for titles like "The Element" by Ken Robinson or "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert, which explore creativity and passion.
Podcasts: Search for podcasts focused on personal development, career exploration, or specific interests that intrigue you.
YouTube Channels: There are many channels dedicated to career advice, personal growth, and exploring different fields.
Finding your passion can be a journey! Start by reflecting on what interests you or makes you lose track of time. Try new hobbies or volunteer opportunities to explore different activities. Think about your skills and values, and set some goals related to what excites you. Don't hesitate to ask friends or mentors for their insights. Most importantly, be patient and open-minded—passion often develops over time!
Online Courses: Websites like Coursera or Udemy offer courses on various topics that might spark your interest.
Personality Assessments: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory can help you identify potential passions based on your personality.
Career Exploration Websites: Platforms like O*NET or the Bureau of Labor Statistics provide information about different careers and industries.
Books: Look for titles like "The Element" by Ken Robinson or "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert, which explore creativity and passion.
Podcasts: Search for podcasts focused on personal development, career exploration, or specific interests that intrigue you.
YouTube Channels: There are many channels dedicated to career advice, personal growth, and exploring different fields.