7 answers
Autumn
Student
Longmont, Colorado
1
Question
Updated
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How do I know if I am setting myself up for success when I don’t know what path I want to take?
I have been struggling for a while now of knowing what I need to do to succeed. Every time I ask someone about it, they give me a vague answer that doesn’t fully answer my question. It has been stressing me out because I just want to set my self up for a great future and I feel like it is really hard nowadays to know what to do.
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7 answers
Chris Schule
Consultant
12
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Autumn,
As a previous user suggested, the reason you are receiving vague answers is because the question itself can be interpreted in many different ways! First you must define what "success" looks like for you.
Doing well in school?
Having a high-paying job?
Having a job with a high degree of security?
Being content with your work-life balance?
Being happy with your relationships?
Given your concern about a "great future," I imagine you are looking for a way to land a job that will both make you happy as well as provide means to live a comfortable life without stressing about money. Focusing on the first part of this is assumption is key. Ask yourself "what types of activities do I enjoy doing that can provide value to a company?"
Are you an analytical person that finds data analysis and insights interesting? Maybe consulting or data science career paths are right for you.
Are you personable and enjoy the thrill of convincing people to buy products or services? If so, a sales career may suit you well.
Do you like to learn how things work and problem solve in a fast-paced environment? Engineering could be of interest to you.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive and you should continue to ask yourself questions like these as you learn more about yourself. Also, do not stress over picking the "wrong" career. You can always switch careers if you find that you do not enjoy the path you took as much as you initially thought you would. In fact, I probably know more people, myself included, that have switched careers and are happier for it than people who stayed on a single, predetermined career track.
There are also "enablers" that make success more likely. I see that you are a student, and achieving high marks will always help open doors to careers. In essence, there is only upside to getting good grades, but there are sometimes consequences for doing poorly, so I would make sure you put in a reasonable effort in school. That isn't to say that it is impossible to set yourself up for success if you are receiving lower than average grades, but it certainly increases the difficulty in landing highly coveted jobs early in your career.
Moreover, exploring hobbies, attending career fairs, and getting involved in career groups or clubs at school are fantastic ways to grow your network while also uncovering your interests. You can learn a ton just by connecting with people, even if their interests do not exactly align with your own.
Ultimately, this process is iterative and what interests you now may not in 5 years. Reassess at regular intervals and be a life-long learner! Also, in any career there will be bad days and good days, and any job requires effort. Don't be discouraged if you don't love every aspect of the job as no job is perfect! Good luck!
As a previous user suggested, the reason you are receiving vague answers is because the question itself can be interpreted in many different ways! First you must define what "success" looks like for you.
Doing well in school?
Having a high-paying job?
Having a job with a high degree of security?
Being content with your work-life balance?
Being happy with your relationships?
Given your concern about a "great future," I imagine you are looking for a way to land a job that will both make you happy as well as provide means to live a comfortable life without stressing about money. Focusing on the first part of this is assumption is key. Ask yourself "what types of activities do I enjoy doing that can provide value to a company?"
Are you an analytical person that finds data analysis and insights interesting? Maybe consulting or data science career paths are right for you.
Are you personable and enjoy the thrill of convincing people to buy products or services? If so, a sales career may suit you well.
Do you like to learn how things work and problem solve in a fast-paced environment? Engineering could be of interest to you.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive and you should continue to ask yourself questions like these as you learn more about yourself. Also, do not stress over picking the "wrong" career. You can always switch careers if you find that you do not enjoy the path you took as much as you initially thought you would. In fact, I probably know more people, myself included, that have switched careers and are happier for it than people who stayed on a single, predetermined career track.
There are also "enablers" that make success more likely. I see that you are a student, and achieving high marks will always help open doors to careers. In essence, there is only upside to getting good grades, but there are sometimes consequences for doing poorly, so I would make sure you put in a reasonable effort in school. That isn't to say that it is impossible to set yourself up for success if you are receiving lower than average grades, but it certainly increases the difficulty in landing highly coveted jobs early in your career.
Moreover, exploring hobbies, attending career fairs, and getting involved in career groups or clubs at school are fantastic ways to grow your network while also uncovering your interests. You can learn a ton just by connecting with people, even if their interests do not exactly align with your own.
Ultimately, this process is iterative and what interests you now may not in 5 years. Reassess at regular intervals and be a life-long learner! Also, in any career there will be bad days and good days, and any job requires effort. Don't be discouraged if you don't love every aspect of the job as no job is perfect! Good luck!
Nicole Selkov
Project Manager
21
Answers
Saint Johns, Florida
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
I'm afraid the vague answers you are getting is as much as anyone of us can offer you. Everyone has a different concept of success - which often changes as they age. So, there is no clear path that anyone can explain to you.
Instead, I think the most important thing is for you to check in with yourself often and keep reorienting towards what you want now. Some of the questions I would ask myself are:
1. Am I taking my work seriously?
- If you are a full time student, consider school your job. You don't have to have a 4.0. But, are you making a serious effect to do well even in classes where you don't love the material or the teacher?
- Are you proud of your work ethic and engagement?
2. Am I growing as a person?
- Am I exploring interests, passions and hobbies beyond scrolling social media?
- Am I gaining experience in soft skills like leadership, empathy and communication? This doesn't have to be just at work! You can learn through things like friendships and sports.
3. Am I taking care of myself?
-Mentally, emotionally and physically.
Check in regularly with yourself (maybe monthly) and keep adjusting. Its never going to be perfectly in balance for long, but you can get close to a balance.
Instead, I think the most important thing is for you to check in with yourself often and keep reorienting towards what you want now. Some of the questions I would ask myself are:
1. Am I taking my work seriously?
- If you are a full time student, consider school your job. You don't have to have a 4.0. But, are you making a serious effect to do well even in classes where you don't love the material or the teacher?
- Are you proud of your work ethic and engagement?
2. Am I growing as a person?
- Am I exploring interests, passions and hobbies beyond scrolling social media?
- Am I gaining experience in soft skills like leadership, empathy and communication? This doesn't have to be just at work! You can learn through things like friendships and sports.
3. Am I taking care of myself?
-Mentally, emotionally and physically.
Check in regularly with yourself (maybe monthly) and keep adjusting. Its never going to be perfectly in balance for long, but you can get close to a balance.
David L. Phillips
Solution Consultant
4
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
David L.’s Answer
Autumn, I completely understand the struggle you are feeling. Others can tell you what is working for them, but only you can answer the question of what to pursue. That said, keep a few goals in mind.
1. Choose to do something that you can be passionate about. Find a path that will keep you excited about what you are doing and the value that you bring to it. Those that choose based on monetary rewards, or prestige are frequently disappointed later. You need to be able to bring a high energy level to what you do for years to come. That doesn't come from what others think of your choice.
2. Whatever you choose, commit yourself to being the best at it that you can be. Set high standards for yourself. The satisfaction you will feel when you meet and exceed your own goals will reward you far more than the awards and recognition you will get from others. Being the best "you" that you can be, will always contribute to a great future.
3. Do something that brings value to others. For instance, many small business owners take great pride in the people they employ, the families they support, and contributing to the community. It's about not only creating a great future for yourself, but sharing it with others as well. Another way to bring value to others is to be a mentor. Share what you have learned and help others to be the best they can be.
As Chris said, a great future can have different looks for different people. My advice is to build a great future not only for you, but also for those with whom you share a connection. Lastly, remember to evaluate your path more on how you will enjoy the journey, rather than where you might land years from now. If the journey doesn't excite you, choose another path.
1. Choose to do something that you can be passionate about. Find a path that will keep you excited about what you are doing and the value that you bring to it. Those that choose based on monetary rewards, or prestige are frequently disappointed later. You need to be able to bring a high energy level to what you do for years to come. That doesn't come from what others think of your choice.
2. Whatever you choose, commit yourself to being the best at it that you can be. Set high standards for yourself. The satisfaction you will feel when you meet and exceed your own goals will reward you far more than the awards and recognition you will get from others. Being the best "you" that you can be, will always contribute to a great future.
3. Do something that brings value to others. For instance, many small business owners take great pride in the people they employ, the families they support, and contributing to the community. It's about not only creating a great future for yourself, but sharing it with others as well. Another way to bring value to others is to be a mentor. Share what you have learned and help others to be the best they can be.
As Chris said, a great future can have different looks for different people. My advice is to build a great future not only for you, but also for those with whom you share a connection. Lastly, remember to evaluate your path more on how you will enjoy the journey, rather than where you might land years from now. If the journey doesn't excite you, choose another path.
Eddy H
Consultant
27
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Eddy’s Answer
Feeling uncertain about your future is completely normal, especially when you’re balancing different interests and passions. Success doesn’t follow a single formula—it’s unique to everyone. Instead of fixating on having everything figured out right now, focus on building a strong foundation. Develop skills that are valuable in any path, such as effective communication, time management, problem-solving, and networking. These skills will serve you well whether you pursue business, acting, singing, or something entirely different.
At the same time, allow yourself to explore and experiment. Try different activities, internships, or projects related to your interests to see what excites you the most. For example, you could take on small acting gigs, participate in open mic nights, or start a simple business project to see what feels right. Through these experiences, you’ll discover not only what you enjoy but also where your strengths lie.
At the same time, allow yourself to explore and experiment. Try different activities, internships, or projects related to your interests to see what excites you the most. For example, you could take on small acting gigs, participate in open mic nights, or start a simple business project to see what feels right. Through these experiences, you’ll discover not only what you enjoy but also where your strengths lie.
Anthany Vitela
Coding
68
Answers
Winter Springs, Florida
Updated
Anthany’s Answer
I think the issue you're running into here is that there are just a lot of variables that go into this question that nobody can really give you a perfect answer for. For example "What are your passions?" "What sorts of things do you like to work on?" "What does success mean to you?" etc. There's a lot of things that only you can answer so its hard for others to give you a very specific answer. The best advice I can give you is to think about what your goals are for the future; Do you want to work an office job for a major company? Would you prefer to work from home? Do you want to have a family? Do you want to be self employed? If you ask me, as long as you're really thinking about these things and being responsible financially moving forward then I think you're doing just fine! I can't blame you for being worried and stressed about it but just know that there is no one right answer to this question, and that no matter how many times you may fall going forward, if you're able to get back up and keep pushing through whatever stands in your way then you'll make it. You don't need just one plan to count on, its best to adapt to whatever comes your way.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1851
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, what is your view of success? Different people have different answer, eg social status, money, work life balance, achievement?
The first thing you better find out what careers you have interest and establish career development plan.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
6. Establish a long term career development plan and break it down into short term milestones. Review it regularly and make adjustments if necessary
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
The first thing you better find out what careers you have interest and establish career development plan.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
6. Establish a long term career development plan and break it down into short term milestones. Review it regularly and make adjustments if necessary
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Josh Matthews
Sr. Human Resources Manager
9
Answers
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Autumn,
There is not much more I can add to the incredible answers given already, but I’ll do my best.
I often have conversations with many people about what success looks like. I can definitely affirm what you say about the answers being vague however, I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
Let me give you an example:
I was having a conversation with a manager who managed 60 people. This manager was struggling with not feeling successful in his role so I asked him: “what is your definition of success?” He told me that he has a passion for helping people. I told him that is a great definition of success however at the end of the day when you look back at everything you did that day, how do you know it was a successful one? He then told me that if he was helping people, then it was successful. Again, I told him that that was great, but how do you know you actually helped someone that day. He then provided a few examples of things he did or does to help others. I encouraged him and said that his definition of success was his compass, but I challenged him for each day to have a goal that he would accomplish to bring fulfillment to his purpose. So he created the goal of asking one person how they were doing that day and taking the time to listen to the response. It’s a simple thing, but it can make a huge difference and it truly could help others. Then, when he did this, he could call it a successful day because he accomplished his goal, which is part of what drives him to be a successful person.
So to summarize this example, I encourage you to identify what you’re passionate about and what drives you to be a better person. Then create daily goals that align with that definition. When you accomplish those goals, you can reflect and be encouraged that your day was a successful one.
I hope this helps, but I will end by saying the fact that you are contemplating this idea already demonstrates that your path is a successful one.
All the best to you!
There is not much more I can add to the incredible answers given already, but I’ll do my best.
I often have conversations with many people about what success looks like. I can definitely affirm what you say about the answers being vague however, I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
Let me give you an example:
I was having a conversation with a manager who managed 60 people. This manager was struggling with not feeling successful in his role so I asked him: “what is your definition of success?” He told me that he has a passion for helping people. I told him that is a great definition of success however at the end of the day when you look back at everything you did that day, how do you know it was a successful one? He then told me that if he was helping people, then it was successful. Again, I told him that that was great, but how do you know you actually helped someone that day. He then provided a few examples of things he did or does to help others. I encouraged him and said that his definition of success was his compass, but I challenged him for each day to have a goal that he would accomplish to bring fulfillment to his purpose. So he created the goal of asking one person how they were doing that day and taking the time to listen to the response. It’s a simple thing, but it can make a huge difference and it truly could help others. Then, when he did this, he could call it a successful day because he accomplished his goal, which is part of what drives him to be a successful person.
So to summarize this example, I encourage you to identify what you’re passionate about and what drives you to be a better person. Then create daily goals that align with that definition. When you accomplish those goals, you can reflect and be encouraged that your day was a successful one.
I hope this helps, but I will end by saying the fact that you are contemplating this idea already demonstrates that your path is a successful one.
All the best to you!