8 answers
Gracen
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Updated
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What is a good way to narrow down jobs I don't like and truly find one I enjoy?
I have been wondering for a long time for a job that I will really enjoy doing for the rest of my life. I used to want to be a nurse, but have discovered that it isn't the job for me. Now I have been sort of thinking about being a dental hygienist, again but I still don't know if I will really enjoy it.
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8 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Gracen,
So, "What do I want to do with my life?" a true coming-of-age tale we all experience at some point-Dan Dan Daaan! Thank you thank.... Uhum anyways, The good news? You’re already already asking so it's all good. The even better news? Well, 😎There are ways to figure it out without having to dive headfirst into a career you end up hating. Let’s work in it like a career detective, you know magnifying glass and all.
Firstly!
"Nope List" Method 🚫
Sometimes, knowing what you don’t want is the best starting point. Grab a piece of paper (or your phone because, 2025, duh) and jot down every job or task that makes you go, "Ugh, no thanks." Hate the idea of sitting at a desk all day? Cross off cubicle life. Can’t stand blood and needles? Say goodbye to that surgeon dream. It’s like career spring cleaning—toss out the stuff that doesn’t spark joy.
"Yes, Please!" List ✅
Now, flip it around and write down things you do enjoy—even the little stuff. Love talking to people? People-centered jobs might be your vibe. Obsessed with organizing things? Hello, jobs where detail matters (think dental hygiene or lab work). Basically, if it makes your brain go "Yay!" instead of "Yawn," it goes on the list.
Before committing to a job forever (because who needs that pressure?), try sampling it. Job shadowing, internships, volunteering—these are like the free samples of the career world. If you’re eyeing dental hygiene, spend a day shadowing a dental hygienist. It’s a low-risk way to see if the reality matches your imagination. Bonus: You get cool behind-the-scenes insight!
Certain jobs fit certain personality types. If you’re an outgoing people-person, a job where you talk all day (like dental hygiene or teaching) might be a win. More of a quiet, detail-focused type? Something analytical could feel like home. Personality quizzes (like Myers-Briggs or Holland Codes) aren’t magic answers, but they can point you toward careers that align with your natural groove.
🌟 Consider the lifestyle that comes with the job. Do you want a flexible schedule, or are you cool with a 9-to-5 routine? Dental hygienists often get steady hours and solid pay, while other fields might offer more adventure but unpredictable schedules. What fits your dream life?.
Here’s a little secret—your first (or second… or third) job doesn’t have to be your forever job. Lots of people switch careers throughout their lives. It’s okay to try something, learn from it, and pivot if it’s not your jam. You’re not locking yourself into one path; you’re just figuring out the next chapter. Alright, now, 📚 Check out career exploration websites (like ONET or MyNextMove) and look at day-in-the-life videos. Sometimes seeing what people actually do every day makes things click. Plus, you get to binge-watch with purpose—win-win.
And hey, no pressure to have it all figured out right now. You’re already ahead of the game by being curious and open to possibilities. Your perfect job isn’t hiding—it’s just waiting for you to discover it.
Okay so Gracen, tell me, what’s something you’ve always been curious about, even if it’s totally random? You never know where that curiosity could lead, just try. All the best and good luck! 😉🤗
So, "What do I want to do with my life?" a true coming-of-age tale we all experience at some point-Dan Dan Daaan! Thank you thank.... Uhum anyways, The good news? You’re already already asking so it's all good. The even better news? Well, 😎There are ways to figure it out without having to dive headfirst into a career you end up hating. Let’s work in it like a career detective, you know magnifying glass and all.
Firstly!
"Nope List" Method 🚫
Sometimes, knowing what you don’t want is the best starting point. Grab a piece of paper (or your phone because, 2025, duh) and jot down every job or task that makes you go, "Ugh, no thanks." Hate the idea of sitting at a desk all day? Cross off cubicle life. Can’t stand blood and needles? Say goodbye to that surgeon dream. It’s like career spring cleaning—toss out the stuff that doesn’t spark joy.
"Yes, Please!" List ✅
Now, flip it around and write down things you do enjoy—even the little stuff. Love talking to people? People-centered jobs might be your vibe. Obsessed with organizing things? Hello, jobs where detail matters (think dental hygiene or lab work). Basically, if it makes your brain go "Yay!" instead of "Yawn," it goes on the list.
Before committing to a job forever (because who needs that pressure?), try sampling it. Job shadowing, internships, volunteering—these are like the free samples of the career world. If you’re eyeing dental hygiene, spend a day shadowing a dental hygienist. It’s a low-risk way to see if the reality matches your imagination. Bonus: You get cool behind-the-scenes insight!
Certain jobs fit certain personality types. If you’re an outgoing people-person, a job where you talk all day (like dental hygiene or teaching) might be a win. More of a quiet, detail-focused type? Something analytical could feel like home. Personality quizzes (like Myers-Briggs or Holland Codes) aren’t magic answers, but they can point you toward careers that align with your natural groove.
🌟 Consider the lifestyle that comes with the job. Do you want a flexible schedule, or are you cool with a 9-to-5 routine? Dental hygienists often get steady hours and solid pay, while other fields might offer more adventure but unpredictable schedules. What fits your dream life?.
Here’s a little secret—your first (or second… or third) job doesn’t have to be your forever job. Lots of people switch careers throughout their lives. It’s okay to try something, learn from it, and pivot if it’s not your jam. You’re not locking yourself into one path; you’re just figuring out the next chapter. Alright, now, 📚 Check out career exploration websites (like ONET or MyNextMove) and look at day-in-the-life videos. Sometimes seeing what people actually do every day makes things click. Plus, you get to binge-watch with purpose—win-win.
And hey, no pressure to have it all figured out right now. You’re already ahead of the game by being curious and open to possibilities. Your perfect job isn’t hiding—it’s just waiting for you to discover it.
Okay so Gracen, tell me, what’s something you’ve always been curious about, even if it’s totally random? You never know where that curiosity could lead, just try. All the best and good luck! 😉🤗
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1976
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. The most important is to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest,eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
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
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest,eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
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
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you so much, Rebecca
Gracen
Maycee Cline
2
Answers
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Updated
Maycee’s Answer
Hi! I truly just took a personality job quiz online with a career advisor and it got me where I am today!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Gracen
Kim Gravell
Retired Principal at Gravell Insights, LLC
154
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Gracen,
You have been given some excellent and diverse advice from other mentors. One additional thought for you to consider is to gain insight into your natural strengths and build your career path options from there.
There are several assessments available to evaluate. My favorite is StrengthsFinder because it reveals not only your natural strengths but also helps you to understand how others may respond to them. But do your own research and find one that best suits your needs. Here are a few to get you started.
1. CareerOneStop (https://www.careeronestop.org): This website provides various tools and resources to help you assess your strengths, explore occupations, find training programs, and build a career plan.
2. My Next Move (https://www.mynextmove.org): This site offers an interactive tool called "My Next Move" that allows you to search for careers based on your interests and skills. It also provides detailed information on different occupations.
3. O*NET OnLine (https://www.onetonline.org): O*NET is a comprehensive occupational database that offers self-assessment tools to help you identify your interests and match them with specific careers.
4. PathSource (https://www.pathsource.com): PathSource offers a mobile app that provides personalized career guidance based on your interests, personality traits, values, and skills.
5. CareerExplorer (https://www.careerexplorer.com): CareerExplorer offers a free assessment test to evaluate your personality traits and matches them with potential careers. It also provides detailed information about each occupation.
Best wishes to you for a successful journey.
Kimberly
You have been given some excellent and diverse advice from other mentors. One additional thought for you to consider is to gain insight into your natural strengths and build your career path options from there.
There are several assessments available to evaluate. My favorite is StrengthsFinder because it reveals not only your natural strengths but also helps you to understand how others may respond to them. But do your own research and find one that best suits your needs. Here are a few to get you started.
1. CareerOneStop (https://www.careeronestop.org): This website provides various tools and resources to help you assess your strengths, explore occupations, find training programs, and build a career plan.
2. My Next Move (https://www.mynextmove.org): This site offers an interactive tool called "My Next Move" that allows you to search for careers based on your interests and skills. It also provides detailed information on different occupations.
3. O*NET OnLine (https://www.onetonline.org): O*NET is a comprehensive occupational database that offers self-assessment tools to help you identify your interests and match them with specific careers.
4. PathSource (https://www.pathsource.com): PathSource offers a mobile app that provides personalized career guidance based on your interests, personality traits, values, and skills.
5. CareerExplorer (https://www.careerexplorer.com): CareerExplorer offers a free assessment test to evaluate your personality traits and matches them with potential careers. It also provides detailed information about each occupation.
Best wishes to you for a successful journey.
Kimberly
Thank you for your feedback
Gracen
Albert Giannone, M.D
Retired physician/former pharmacist
12
Answers
Center Moriches, New York
Updated
Albert’s Answer
When looking for a job there are several considerations that need to be considered: First off, what jobs will meet my financial needs? Remember you're working to support yourself and your family, not to have a good time. Secondly, you need to find something that you like to do because you'll be doing it for a long time. It's a balance that only you can decide.
Thank you so much, Albert
Gracen
Clare Staudenmeier
Data Analytics
6
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Clare’s Answer
Hi Gracen!
It’s okay not to have everything figured out!
A great way to start is by talking to family, friends, teachers, or mentors about their careers. Ask them what their job is like day-to-day, and if something interests you, see if you can shadow them for a day. Hearing about a career is one thing, but experiencing will give you a much better idea of whether it’s something you’d enjoy.
Another way to explore career options is through school clubs and extracurricular activities. If your school has clubs related to a field of interest, join and see if it sparks a passion. Follow these passions, as well as subjects in school that interest you.
If choosing to go the dental hygienist route, explore education options to get there. Within these educational options, there may be similar programs that spark your interest. Inquire about these before you start school to get a better idea of career paths.
Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to change your mind. Your interests and goals will evolve over time, and that’s completely normal.
Stay curious, talk to others about what they do, and follow your passions. Best of luck!
It’s okay not to have everything figured out!
A great way to start is by talking to family, friends, teachers, or mentors about their careers. Ask them what their job is like day-to-day, and if something interests you, see if you can shadow them for a day. Hearing about a career is one thing, but experiencing will give you a much better idea of whether it’s something you’d enjoy.
Another way to explore career options is through school clubs and extracurricular activities. If your school has clubs related to a field of interest, join and see if it sparks a passion. Follow these passions, as well as subjects in school that interest you.
If choosing to go the dental hygienist route, explore education options to get there. Within these educational options, there may be similar programs that spark your interest. Inquire about these before you start school to get a better idea of career paths.
Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to change your mind. Your interests and goals will evolve over time, and that’s completely normal.
Stay curious, talk to others about what they do, and follow your passions. Best of luck!
Thank you for your advice
Gracen
Lisa Rodriguez
Registered nurse
8
Answers
Catonsville, Maryland
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Gracen,
There are other medical things you can do that aren't nursing. If you like animals, you can become a veterinary tech. They assist the vets at clinics, with surgery, large animal vets with visits the farm taking care of farm animals. You could become an x-ray tech, taking x-rays and other related procedures. You could become a surgical tech, setting up operating rooms and instruments for surgerys. You can shadow any of these careers first. Just find something you love. All careers will have downsides. Find out about what you want to do then list the pros and cons. I wish you luck finding the right fit for you.
There are other medical things you can do that aren't nursing. If you like animals, you can become a veterinary tech. They assist the vets at clinics, with surgery, large animal vets with visits the farm taking care of farm animals. You could become an x-ray tech, taking x-rays and other related procedures. You could become a surgical tech, setting up operating rooms and instruments for surgerys. You can shadow any of these careers first. Just find something you love. All careers will have downsides. Find out about what you want to do then list the pros and cons. I wish you luck finding the right fit for you.
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Finding the right career is a process that requires reflection on past experiences, identifying priorities and values, and trying job shadowing or volunteering. Reflecting on aspects like long shifts, stress, patient care, and helping people, as well as considering dental hygiene, can help identify patterns in what you do and don't enjoy in a job. Identifying your interests and values, such as direct patient care, structured hours, flexibility, science, technology, education, or business, can help filter out jobs that don't align with your priorities.
Try job shadowing or volunteering at a dental clinic to understand the work-life balance and environment. If you don't enjoy shadowing, cross it off the list and explore new options. Explore other healthcare-related roles, such as health informatics or healthcare data analyst, physical therapist assistant (PTA), occupational therapy assistant (OTA), medical esthetician, or public health educator. If you're interested in finding quick certifications or programs to test a new career, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Try job shadowing or volunteering at a dental clinic to understand the work-life balance and environment. If you don't enjoy shadowing, cross it off the list and explore new options. Explore other healthcare-related roles, such as health informatics or healthcare data analyst, physical therapist assistant (PTA), occupational therapy assistant (OTA), medical esthetician, or public health educator. If you're interested in finding quick certifications or programs to test a new career, don't hesitate to ask for help.