4 answers
Abram
Student
Bridgeton, New Jersey
2
Questions
Asked
568 views
Has there ever been a time where you've felt uncertain about your choice in career. A time where you question if where you are now is where you want to be? #Spring25
Right now, I'm on track to graduate high school late June and attend classes in PA to obtain my certificate for Diesel Technology. Picking my career in the automotive industry was a shot in the dark, as, at the time I was uncertain with what I wanted to do in life. I wanted to pick a career path that was stable and paid good, and the hobbies that I enjoy don't exactly translate well into the work force when it comes to financial stability. I already decided that college wasn't fit for me so I figured that the trades would be a nice compromise.
I come here to ask for insight, as right now I feel uncertain on what my future will hold if I stay on the path that I'm on right now. uncertain if I'm focusing too much on the financial side of things and letting money take control.
I want to live a life where I look back on the path that I made for myself and are content and proud with the choices I made.
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4 answers
Arabela Arroyo
7
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Arabela’s Answer
It's okay not to know, and it doesn't matter how old you are. The best way to find guidance about what we want in life is to question ourselves. One activity you can try is making a list of the things you like, write down any word that comes to mind that reflects something you enjoy. This will help you organize your thoughts. Additionally, you can look for free vocational orientation tests online to better understand yourself and get directed toward the career path that suits you best. Don’t worry if multiple careers come up, that’s part of learning more about yourself.
Rachel Schnieder
ABA therapy
4
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Well you sound very wise for this time in your life.Back when I went to school I chose a career path that people told me would be great,I ended up resenting that. Please if you love something definitely presue that don't go by advice of others who say you should do this over whatever you want to do.
Audrey Ng
Medical Assistant
4
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
Absolutely—I’ve felt uncertain about my path too. I wasn’t always sure that becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) was what I was meant to do. For a long time, I felt like I was piecing together a puzzle without knowing what the final image looked like. I was drawn to so many different things—science, helping people, even creative problem-solving—but I didn’t know how it all fit together. It wasn’t until I went through some deeply personal experiences, like caring for my mother after her brain surgery and witnessing firsthand the kind of compassion and clarity a PA can bring to a confusing, vulnerable moment, that something finally clicked. I realized that it wasn’t just about choosing a “good” job—it was about choosing a life that aligned with the kind of person I wanted to be.
What you’re feeling is totally valid. We all want to feel like our work means something. And sometimes, in the pressure to be practical or stable, we lose sight of what makes us feel alive. It’s okay to take a “shot in the dark”—we all do that when we’re trying to make sense of who we are and where we belong. But what matters more is staying curious about yourself as you grow. The decision to pursue diesel tech might have been made at a time when stability was your priority—but that doesn’t mean your story ends there. It just means that’s where it starts.
What you’re feeling is totally valid. We all want to feel like our work means something. And sometimes, in the pressure to be practical or stable, we lose sight of what makes us feel alive. It’s okay to take a “shot in the dark”—we all do that when we’re trying to make sense of who we are and where we belong. But what matters more is staying curious about yourself as you grow. The decision to pursue diesel tech might have been made at a time when stability was your priority—but that doesn’t mean your story ends there. It just means that’s where it starts.
Morgane Hingray
Enablement Manager
4
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Morgane’s Answer
Hi Abram,
Thanks for sharing how you feel. There's a lot pressure to choose the right path straight away and we sometimes compare ourselves with people that have a "vocation" and know exactly where and who they want to be. As Arabela and Audrey said, it's ok to question yourself, it's actually a sign of growth and learning mindset. Life is full of surprises and definitely not linear. If you choose to stay on your track to become a PA and in a few years you feel like it's not something you want to pursue anymore, know that you won't be stuck to this path, it might take you longer or require more energy but definitely possible. What I studied is not what I do now are completely different because I followed the opportunities where they were. You still have time to explore, check-out career fairs, talk to people around you, take some personality & career test.
2 things I'll add:
- it's ok to have a good income job that has nothing to do with your hobby, you can find purpose outside work and work can be a way to support your lifestyle. You can develop your hobbies on the side and who knows you might be successful and it will become your fulltime job.
- what's important about your work is that is doesn't go against your personality or your values.
We all make decisions with the context of our present environment and it's easy to look back and say I should have done this or that so don't regret any of them.
Thanks for sharing how you feel. There's a lot pressure to choose the right path straight away and we sometimes compare ourselves with people that have a "vocation" and know exactly where and who they want to be. As Arabela and Audrey said, it's ok to question yourself, it's actually a sign of growth and learning mindset. Life is full of surprises and definitely not linear. If you choose to stay on your track to become a PA and in a few years you feel like it's not something you want to pursue anymore, know that you won't be stuck to this path, it might take you longer or require more energy but definitely possible. What I studied is not what I do now are completely different because I followed the opportunities where they were. You still have time to explore, check-out career fairs, talk to people around you, take some personality & career test.
2 things I'll add:
- it's ok to have a good income job that has nothing to do with your hobby, you can find purpose outside work and work can be a way to support your lifestyle. You can develop your hobbies on the side and who knows you might be successful and it will become your fulltime job.
- what's important about your work is that is doesn't go against your personality or your values.
We all make decisions with the context of our present environment and it's easy to look back and say I should have done this or that so don't regret any of them.