4 answers
Kalia
Student
El Dorado Hills, California
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know when I'm in the right place?
As an indecisive HS senior who aspires to be in the healthcare field, I change my desired specialty often. I know I have time to decide, but I could really use some tips!
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4 answers
Alex Morgan
Nurse Anesthesiologist
12
Answers
Blackfoot, Idaho
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Kaila,
That is admirable that you are thinking of your future and wanting to be proactive! First off, give yourself credit for that!
I felt a lot the same way at your age. I knew I wanted to go into the medical field but had several different options I was considering. One thing I have come to realize is that there isn’t just one right answer! You can be happy in which ever specialty you decide to go into! Also, you can always change!
I would consider what your top three to five priorities are in regards to your future profession/specialty. Then do some research to see which specialties aline with those priorities best. Next, try and go do some job shadowing or find individuals in those specialties you can just talk to and ask questions. You can even potentially seek out entry level jobs in those specialties to be around the people/atmosphere you would be in if you chose to go into that profession. For example, I am a nurse anesthesiologist so I work in the Operating Room. If you were interested in anesthesia you could reach out to local hospitals to see if you could shadow the anesthesia providers there . Then you could look to see if there are any jobs in the surgery department. This gets you exposed to the world of surgery and can get you networking with people that can help you on your career path! Hole this helps! Good luck
That is admirable that you are thinking of your future and wanting to be proactive! First off, give yourself credit for that!
I felt a lot the same way at your age. I knew I wanted to go into the medical field but had several different options I was considering. One thing I have come to realize is that there isn’t just one right answer! You can be happy in which ever specialty you decide to go into! Also, you can always change!
I would consider what your top three to five priorities are in regards to your future profession/specialty. Then do some research to see which specialties aline with those priorities best. Next, try and go do some job shadowing or find individuals in those specialties you can just talk to and ask questions. You can even potentially seek out entry level jobs in those specialties to be around the people/atmosphere you would be in if you chose to go into that profession. For example, I am a nurse anesthesiologist so I work in the Operating Room. If you were interested in anesthesia you could reach out to local hospitals to see if you could shadow the anesthesia providers there . Then you could look to see if there are any jobs in the surgery department. This gets you exposed to the world of surgery and can get you networking with people that can help you on your career path! Hole this helps! Good luck
Ashley Lowe
College Instructor/Clinical Coordinator
62
Answers
Minnesott Beach, NC
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
You’ll know you’re “in the right place” less by feeling 100% certain and more by noticing how you feel when you’re exposed to the work. Pay attention to your energy. After shadowing, volunteering, or taking a class, ask yourself: Was I curious? Did time go by quickly? Did I want to learn more? The right fit usually feels engaging, even when it’s challenging. It won’t be perfect every day, but it won’t drain you completely either.
In healthcare especially, many careers overlap in skills, critical thinking, compassion, communication, teamwork. So even if you pivot, you’re rarely starting over. Try to get exposure early: shadow different specialties, talk to professionals, and look at real job descriptions. The more concrete information you have, the less your decisions will feel abstract.
Also remember this: your first choice doesn’t have to be your forever choice. Healthcare offers room to specialize, cross-train, or even move into leadership later. You don’t need lifelong certainty right now, you need direction and willingness to grow. If you stay curious and intentional, you’ll recognize when something feels like a good fit.
In healthcare especially, many careers overlap in skills, critical thinking, compassion, communication, teamwork. So even if you pivot, you’re rarely starting over. Try to get exposure early: shadow different specialties, talk to professionals, and look at real job descriptions. The more concrete information you have, the less your decisions will feel abstract.
Also remember this: your first choice doesn’t have to be your forever choice. Healthcare offers room to specialize, cross-train, or even move into leadership later. You don’t need lifelong certainty right now, you need direction and willingness to grow. If you stay curious and intentional, you’ll recognize when something feels like a good fit.
Donnie Kruse
Engineer
2
Answers
Keller, Texas
Updated
Donnie’s Answer
You can either start college and learn the basics or consider joining the Armed Forces. The military can help pay for college once you have a clearer idea of what you want to do. Many kids face the same situation, and as you follow a certain path, you might realize it’s not what you expected and decide to change. This can even happen after college when you have a degree but find you don’t like the industry or job. You might then choose to go back to school or pursue completely different jobs. Any education can help you in your career, and having one degree doesn’t mean you can’t do other jobs. For example, in my field, there are people with art degrees working alongside me, so not everyone needs a computer science degree to work in telecom.
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Kalia! It’s totally normal to feel unsure, especially when you care deeply about making the right choice! Being “in the right place” often feels like a mix of curiosity, challenge, and a sense of purpose, even if it’s not always easy. Try shadowing professionals, volunteering, or taking intro courses in different healthcare areas to see what energizes you most. Pay attention to what you enjoy learning about, not just what you think you should do. And remember, many people change paths in college, you don’t need all the answers now, just the willingness to explore. Good luck!