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When did you realize your career wasn't what you wanted to do?

Im interested in writing as a career but im unsure if im making the right choice.


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Dr’s Answer

Hey Serena, it's completely normal to wonder if the career you're leaning toward is truly the right fit, especially in a creative field like writing. Sometimes, it takes dipping your toes into different types of writing—be it blogging, short stories, journalism, or even screenwriting—to really feel which path makes your heart sing.

For me, realizing a career wasn’t quite what I expected wasn’t a single moment but a gradual process. I experimented with various projects and listened to feedback from peers and mentors. I shadowed many routs. That exploration helped me understand what aspects of writing excited me most even though it isnt a career I am going for but a side hussle and which ones didn’t. If you're unsure, try treating your writing as a journey rather than a destination. Engage in workshops, join writing groups, and consider internships or freelance gigs to test the waters. These experiences can help you refine your voice and give you confidence that you’re on the right track.

Remember, every writer’s journey is unique, and it’s perfectly okay to pivot as you learn more about your passion. 😎Trust yourself, keep experimenting, and allow your career to evolve naturally over time. You've got this, and every step you take will help you shape a path that feels authentically yours. You cna always reach out if you need to as well. Good luck! 🤗
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Serena !

My perspective on this may be different from most because I never doubted my career at all. Acting is something that grows in you and stays with you especially if there is a strong drive for it. I never doubted it once. The same can be true for writing as that is also a creative field of work with much potential.

My instinct is to first find out where the doubt about your career choice is coming from. I think if you have doubts, you may not have a full understanding of the career yet or maybe you've heard discouraging words from someone. Get to the source of your doubt and decide what to do about it.

It will be very beneficial for you to start learning more about the various types of writing that you can do. Your city's The Mix at Main Library will bring you into contact with other teen writers and that can provide much needed motivation and inspiration. The San Francisco Writers Conference offers a Teen Writers Summit, which is a free event for your age group. Ask your guidance counselor or English teacher for more information about it and start getting involved. If you like to write stage plays, contact 3 Girls Theatre and see if they may want to do one of your plays. There are also writing camps you can ask your teachers about. The only way you can explore this career interest is to take active steps towards it. You may be on your way to developing the passion that gives you confidence for the future. Worrying only holds people back and creates a barrier. Give yourself time and always think positive.

People change careers all the time but sometimes they stay with one career the whole time. We're all different and you are unique too and deserve the room to take it step by step. You can do this. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Below are my suggestions:
1. If you have interest in writing, would you like to be a writer, journalist, media content creator, translator, etc. You can find out more more writing related careers online
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!
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Lead’s Answer

It’s completely natural to question your career choices, especially when considering a shift like pursuing a career in writing. Many people go through phases where their initial career path no longer feels fulfilling, and it’s a moment of self-reflection that can lead to discovering a more aligned passion.
For me, realising that my career wasn’t what I truly wanted came after several years of working in a field that didn’t ignite my passion. I enjoyed aspects of it, but it never fully engaged me in the way I wanted my work to. That’s when I shifted focus and decided to pursue a path that resonated more with my interests and strengths, such as writing.
If you're uncertain about choosing writing as your career, it’s important to ask yourself what excites you about it. Are you drawn to storytelling, creating worlds, or sharing information? Writing is incredibly versatile, and there are countless niches you can explore, such as creative writing course / or even technical writing, journalism, or copywriting. The key is to assess which aspect of writing you’re most passionate about and to develop your craft within that area.
It’s also useful to dip your toes into writing projects, blogs, or freelance work before fully committing. This will give you a clearer picture of whether writing truly feels like the right fit for you. A career in writing offers flexibility and creative freedom, but like any career, it requires dedication, continuous learning, and patience.
In the end, trust that making the shift to a career in writing could be the right move if it aligns with your passion and goals. Just take it step by step, and allow yourself the space to grow and discover what truly excites you.
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Kristina’s Answer

It’s completely normal to question your career path, especially when you're passionate about something like writing. Many people don’t realize right away if their chosen career is the right fit—it often takes trying it out, gaining experience, and seeing how it makes you feel. If writing excites you, explore different ways to test the waters—start a blog, submit articles, take creative writing or journalism classes, or even look for internships. The best way to know if it’s the right choice is to do more of it and see if it’s something you enjoy long-term. And remember, career paths aren’t always linear—you can evolve and adapt along the way!
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