7 answers
Jose Emmanuel
Student
Lipa, Calabarzon, Philippines
6
Questions
Updated
2620 views
What should I do if I don’t know what I want to do with my life?
I’m in school, but I don’t really know what career or path I want to take. Everyone’s asking me about my goals, but I honestly don’t have a clear answer. Is that okay? What can I do to figure things out slowly?
Login to comment
7 answers
Judas Garcia
Product Development & Industrialization
4
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Judas’s Answer
Hi Jose Emmanuel,
It's completely normal not to know what career you want yet. Many people feel this way, especially in school, so take your time to decide.
Remember, careers and degrees aren't one-size-fits-all. Many fields overlap or are closely related.
Here's a practical approach to help you:
1. Use Ikigai for Guidance: Reflect on these questions to find a path that suits you:
- What do I love? (Passion)
- What am I good at? (Vocation)
- What does the world need? (Mission)
- What can I be paid for? (Profession)
2. Take Career and Personality Tests: These tests can suggest areas that match your strengths and interests. They won't give you all the answers but can be a great starting point. Try the ONET Interest Profiler or 16Personalities.
3. Try Different Things: Discover what you enjoy by getting hands-on experience. Consider internships, volunteering, mentor programs, or part-time jobs. You could also join a school club or take a class or certification in a topic that interests you. Certifications help you quickly gain skills and enhance your resume.
4. Set Short-term Goals: Don't try to figure everything out at once. Set small, achievable goals, like completing a project or taking a certification class. Projects are fun and teach you a lot about your interests and yourself.
5. Stay Open to Change: Your interests may change, and that's okay. A career path is rarely a straight line, so keep exploring, learning, and adjusting as you go. Change is part of the journey.
It's completely normal not to know what career you want yet. Many people feel this way, especially in school, so take your time to decide.
Remember, careers and degrees aren't one-size-fits-all. Many fields overlap or are closely related.
Here's a practical approach to help you:
1. Use Ikigai for Guidance: Reflect on these questions to find a path that suits you:
- What do I love? (Passion)
- What am I good at? (Vocation)
- What does the world need? (Mission)
- What can I be paid for? (Profession)
2. Take Career and Personality Tests: These tests can suggest areas that match your strengths and interests. They won't give you all the answers but can be a great starting point. Try the ONET Interest Profiler or 16Personalities.
3. Try Different Things: Discover what you enjoy by getting hands-on experience. Consider internships, volunteering, mentor programs, or part-time jobs. You could also join a school club or take a class or certification in a topic that interests you. Certifications help you quickly gain skills and enhance your resume.
4. Set Short-term Goals: Don't try to figure everything out at once. Set small, achievable goals, like completing a project or taking a certification class. Projects are fun and teach you a lot about your interests and yourself.
5. Stay Open to Change: Your interests may change, and that's okay. A career path is rarely a straight line, so keep exploring, learning, and adjusting as you go. Change is part of the journey.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
You're not alone in feeling this way. In fact, it's very common to not have a perfect plan for the future. The pressure to know exactly what you want to do is huge, but you don't need to have all the answers right now. Instead of seeing this as a problem, view it as an opportunity to explore. You can figure things out gradually, one small step at a time.
First, think about what things you are curious about. What topics or subjects do you find interesting? Also, what things do you enjoy doing in your free time? What makes you happy and makes time pass quickly? Your interests are important clues.
You can also think about what problems you care about. Do you want to help people, or animals? Do you want to create something new, or fix things that are broken? What you care about can help point you toward a career with a purpose you believe in.
The next step is to start trying things out. You don't have to quit school or get a new job right away. A simple way to start is by talking to people who have jobs that sound interesting. Most people are happy to share their experiences and give advice. You can also take a new class or volunteer somewhere to get hands-on experience. This helps you see what a job is really like.
First, think about what things you are curious about. What topics or subjects do you find interesting? Also, what things do you enjoy doing in your free time? What makes you happy and makes time pass quickly? Your interests are important clues.
You can also think about what problems you care about. Do you want to help people, or animals? Do you want to create something new, or fix things that are broken? What you care about can help point you toward a career with a purpose you believe in.
The next step is to start trying things out. You don't have to quit school or get a new job right away. A simple way to start is by talking to people who have jobs that sound interesting. Most people are happy to share their experiences and give advice. You can also take a new class or volunteer somewhere to get hands-on experience. This helps you see what a job is really like.
Altynay Zhumagali
Customer Support Team Lead
6
Answers
Almaty, Almaty Province, Kazakhstan
Updated
Altynay’s Answer
Hi Jose,
Of course - it's totally okay not knowing what career path you want to take. My advice is not the practical one, but a spiritual one. Your not knowing your path is actually a gift and the beginning of something big and authentic. I know how it can be stressful to figure things out, but by asking them and you already very brave to start digging.
My advice for you now is to take things slow, do not rush, but also do not be afraid to make mistakes and think that you can choose only one path.
If you want to find out what you want to do in life, ask yourself: what do you enjoy doing, what are you good at (or can become), and what kind of path can also bring stability in terms of money? (This one shouldn't be a critical one, though.) Just start from somewhere that's familiar, and there will be an answer. Explore the world - sometimes the most effective thing to do to find your path is to start one, even the most random ones like having a summer part-time job, volunteering, or focusing on your hobbies. Because eventually, finding a career path is not the final destination, but finding yourself and the place within that makes you happy - that is the goal, personally for me.
What do I want? What makes me excited? What am I curious about? What makes me happy?
Maybe in the beginning it will be hard to answer these questions, and you will have the longest silence, even feel frustrated, but do not give up, and continue to be curious and be kind to yourself while you do it.
See you in a couple of years, when you will look back and see how easy it was and how grateful you are that you had that moment you shared when you didn't know what path to take. Because without that, the future wouldn't be happening.
Sending you the best wishes, and even if you don't know me, Jose, I believe in you. You've got this! ❤️👏🏻
Of course - it's totally okay not knowing what career path you want to take. My advice is not the practical one, but a spiritual one. Your not knowing your path is actually a gift and the beginning of something big and authentic. I know how it can be stressful to figure things out, but by asking them and you already very brave to start digging.
My advice for you now is to take things slow, do not rush, but also do not be afraid to make mistakes and think that you can choose only one path.
If you want to find out what you want to do in life, ask yourself: what do you enjoy doing, what are you good at (or can become), and what kind of path can also bring stability in terms of money? (This one shouldn't be a critical one, though.) Just start from somewhere that's familiar, and there will be an answer. Explore the world - sometimes the most effective thing to do to find your path is to start one, even the most random ones like having a summer part-time job, volunteering, or focusing on your hobbies. Because eventually, finding a career path is not the final destination, but finding yourself and the place within that makes you happy - that is the goal, personally for me.
What do I want? What makes me excited? What am I curious about? What makes me happy?
Maybe in the beginning it will be hard to answer these questions, and you will have the longest silence, even feel frustrated, but do not give up, and continue to be curious and be kind to yourself while you do it.
See you in a couple of years, when you will look back and see how easy it was and how grateful you are that you had that moment you shared when you didn't know what path to take. Because without that, the future wouldn't be happening.
Sending you the best wishes, and even if you don't know me, Jose, I believe in you. You've got this! ❤️👏🏻
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Jose!
It's common to wonder about your path in life, so don't worry. We inherit talents from our family. In the past, people often joined the family business, like making wine in France. Today, many young people feel unsure about their future. Our DNA carries a lot of information from our ancestors, even if it's just a small part. To find a career that fits you, talk to relatives about what they think might suit you. Taking a personality test can also help you understand your strengths. Choosing a job that matches your personality can lead to greater satisfaction. Also, remember that good nutrition helps you stay adaptable, make decisions, and determine priorities when searching for work. It is OK to do as you want when you want.
Why did I pick dietitian as my career? Relatives were dying from familial hypercholesterolemia type IV. The profession which you choose needs to bring you joy! It also must pay sufficiently.
If you really want to feel in control of your situation aim for nutritional repletion. It is a good place to be because you have a peaceful mental temperament, making you good to others. Many of the mental problems today result from inadequate nutrient supply to the brain.
The human body relies on 102 nutrients to function at peak performance. That is evidenced by the stark improvement in academic results eventuating
from nutritional repletion. The human brain is probably one of the most complex biochemical arrangements, which responds to the administration of nutrients
from foods.
It is human empowerment with nutrition.
This form of nutritional manipulation can be done without pills. It is done by foods. It can elevate academic results to high distinctions [95%].
Similarly for work performance too. To get high Grade Point Averages and Perform Well at Work, we must adhere to the principles of very good nutritional intakes.
Nourish the Mind!
① No more than 2 hours between meals when studying or working. That ensures a steady supply of nutrients to the cerebellum.
② 33 milliliters per kilogram body weight per day water / green tea is an extremely powerful protective antioxidant.
③ Salads using vegetables like Artichokes, Asparagus, Aubergine, Bamboo shoots, Bean Sprouts, Beet Greens, Broccoli,
Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chilis, Chinese Veg Mix, Coffee,
Collards, Courgettes, Cucumber, Dandelion, Endives, Garlic, Green beans, Herbal teas, Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce,
Marrow, Mushrooms, Okra, Onion, Peppers, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Soup made from these vegetables, Soy beans,
Spices, Spinach, Sprouts, Squash, Tea, Tomatoes, Tomato juice, Vegetable juice, Zucchini ad libitum.
These are not starchy, but have minerals like magnesium and potassium.
④ Use low glycemic index [GI under 55] carbohydrates up to 100 grams at a meal to ensure that the blood sugar is steady.
[breads, cereals, grains, pasta, fruit, legumes, starchy vegetables] Pumpernickel rye read is perfection like baked beans.
⑤ Use protein foods at each meal, 30 grams to 50 grams to supply amino acids to the brain, to make neurotransmitters.
[lean meat, poultry, crustaceans/fish/shellfish, egg, cheese, milk, yoghurt] Try vegetarian proteins too like peanut paste.
⑥ Approximately 25 grams lipids - highest polyphenol extra-virgin olive oil / olive oil spread / fish oil / cod liver oil.
[Better than Butter / Margarine].
SAMPLE MEAL: 1 SANDWICH MADE WITH BLACK PUMPERNICKEL RYE BREAD, RED SALMON, OLIVE OIL SPREAD, SALAD, BLACK OLIVES MINUS SEEDS; 2 CUPS OF GREEN TEA NO SUGAR.
WORK ON THE NETWORKING. Networking methods include: -
‣ Indeed, LinkedIn ‣ Joining a networking group ‣ Utilizing social media ‣ Letting people pick your brain at seminars answering questions
‣ Growing a database of new friends, and professional business contacts ‣ Joining industry groups ‣ Attending conventions and conferences
‣ Sending cold emails ‣ Setting up informational interviews ‣ Offering assistance ‣ Attending group networking events to introduce yourself
‣ Attending industry-related conferences ‣ Joining online communities ‣ Participating in online forums ‣ Meeting new contacts for coffee
‣ Reaching out to potential contacts via email or social networking sites ‣ Asking friends to introduce you to their contacts as a reliable person
‣ Staying in touch with former coworkers.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
REFERENCES:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16014126/ (Nutrition and student performance at school Howard Taras 1)
#2 https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/how-important-is-nutrition-to-academic-success (How important is nutrition to academic success?)
#3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review T Burrows 1, S Goldman 1, K Pursey 1, R Lim 2)
#5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
________________________________________________________________________________________
It's common to wonder about your path in life, so don't worry. We inherit talents from our family. In the past, people often joined the family business, like making wine in France. Today, many young people feel unsure about their future. Our DNA carries a lot of information from our ancestors, even if it's just a small part. To find a career that fits you, talk to relatives about what they think might suit you. Taking a personality test can also help you understand your strengths. Choosing a job that matches your personality can lead to greater satisfaction. Also, remember that good nutrition helps you stay adaptable, make decisions, and determine priorities when searching for work. It is OK to do as you want when you want.
Why did I pick dietitian as my career? Relatives were dying from familial hypercholesterolemia type IV. The profession which you choose needs to bring you joy! It also must pay sufficiently.
If you really want to feel in control of your situation aim for nutritional repletion. It is a good place to be because you have a peaceful mental temperament, making you good to others. Many of the mental problems today result from inadequate nutrient supply to the brain.
The human body relies on 102 nutrients to function at peak performance. That is evidenced by the stark improvement in academic results eventuating
from nutritional repletion. The human brain is probably one of the most complex biochemical arrangements, which responds to the administration of nutrients
from foods.
It is human empowerment with nutrition.
This form of nutritional manipulation can be done without pills. It is done by foods. It can elevate academic results to high distinctions [95%].
Similarly for work performance too. To get high Grade Point Averages and Perform Well at Work, we must adhere to the principles of very good nutritional intakes.
Nourish the Mind!
① No more than 2 hours between meals when studying or working. That ensures a steady supply of nutrients to the cerebellum.
② 33 milliliters per kilogram body weight per day water / green tea is an extremely powerful protective antioxidant.
③ Salads using vegetables like Artichokes, Asparagus, Aubergine, Bamboo shoots, Bean Sprouts, Beet Greens, Broccoli,
Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chilis, Chinese Veg Mix, Coffee,
Collards, Courgettes, Cucumber, Dandelion, Endives, Garlic, Green beans, Herbal teas, Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce,
Marrow, Mushrooms, Okra, Onion, Peppers, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Soup made from these vegetables, Soy beans,
Spices, Spinach, Sprouts, Squash, Tea, Tomatoes, Tomato juice, Vegetable juice, Zucchini ad libitum.
These are not starchy, but have minerals like magnesium and potassium.
④ Use low glycemic index [GI under 55] carbohydrates up to 100 grams at a meal to ensure that the blood sugar is steady.
[breads, cereals, grains, pasta, fruit, legumes, starchy vegetables] Pumpernickel rye read is perfection like baked beans.
⑤ Use protein foods at each meal, 30 grams to 50 grams to supply amino acids to the brain, to make neurotransmitters.
[lean meat, poultry, crustaceans/fish/shellfish, egg, cheese, milk, yoghurt] Try vegetarian proteins too like peanut paste.
⑥ Approximately 25 grams lipids - highest polyphenol extra-virgin olive oil / olive oil spread / fish oil / cod liver oil.
[Better than Butter / Margarine].
SAMPLE MEAL: 1 SANDWICH MADE WITH BLACK PUMPERNICKEL RYE BREAD, RED SALMON, OLIVE OIL SPREAD, SALAD, BLACK OLIVES MINUS SEEDS; 2 CUPS OF GREEN TEA NO SUGAR.
WORK ON THE NETWORKING. Networking methods include: -
‣ Indeed, LinkedIn ‣ Joining a networking group ‣ Utilizing social media ‣ Letting people pick your brain at seminars answering questions
‣ Growing a database of new friends, and professional business contacts ‣ Joining industry groups ‣ Attending conventions and conferences
‣ Sending cold emails ‣ Setting up informational interviews ‣ Offering assistance ‣ Attending group networking events to introduce yourself
‣ Attending industry-related conferences ‣ Joining online communities ‣ Participating in online forums ‣ Meeting new contacts for coffee
‣ Reaching out to potential contacts via email or social networking sites ‣ Asking friends to introduce you to their contacts as a reliable person
‣ Staying in touch with former coworkers.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
REFERENCES:-
#1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16014126/ (Nutrition and student performance at school Howard Taras 1)
#2 https://www.cmich.edu/news/details/how-important-is-nutrition-to-academic-success (How important is nutrition to academic success?)
#3 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
#4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27599886/ (Is there an association between dietary intake and academic achievement: a systematic review T Burrows 1, S Goldman 1, K Pursey 1, R Lim 2)
#5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5746694/ (Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review Tracy L Burrows 1, Megan C Whatnall 1, Amanda J Patterson 1, Melinda J Hutchesson 1,*)
________________________________________________________________________________________
Steve Sterner
IT Management
55
Answers
Easton, Pennsylvania
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Jose your are fine and many people have the same question as you (even if they don't talk about it)
My first degree is in Accounting and Specialized Management and I was working there and was miserable and I changed to IT got 2 degrees over the next 25 years a career and have never regretted it. I went into business because Counselors, parents, friends told me I needed a plan I needed to have a roadmap and to figure out how I was going to build up my career sooner than later. In the end I diverted from my path, a lot of times flying by the seat of my pants and made it work until I got to a path that really resonated.
In addition to being an IT professional for almost 4 decades I am the father of three: 1 loved computers found the right school, did great there, graduated and has been working in IT since and is doing fantastic. 1 was good at sports and math and went to school for Math , realized she did not want to tach and went into Actuarial science at a different school, realized it was not for her transferred to statistics, graduated could not find a job she wanted (she graduated at the beginning of Covid) and decided if she did not get the job she wanted by a certain date she was going to head to Spain and get her Masters, shed did came back and got an awesome job she loves, My other child my oldest child was a political science major and got a job with a grass root PAC organization in his field in his Junior year and left college since then he has worked for the PAC, been a political consultant, worked in freight logistics, was a prison guard, a poker dealer/semi-pro poker player, an over the road truck driver and currently works as a trailer jockey at a freight yard. He is not sure if this is his long-term but he has always had a job before he has left his previous and he pays his own bills. He is not rich but he is not poor either he makes ends meet relatively well and is very self-sufficient.
The reason I bring this up like this is to show you there is not one path there is not one right way to do it.
My advice to you is do not put pressure on yourself to be able to predict the future enough to determine every step you are going to take in a world that is ever changing. Give yourself the room and the permission to grow and learn and find what really resonates with you, what you want out of life and what the next steps are. Planning is wonderful because it gives us a view forward and helps us map out a path but don't let that be so restrictive or defining that you rob yourself of your possibilities. Embrace the opportunities to grow, learn and evolve.
Good Luck to you and I am excite for you in your upcoming journey.
My first degree is in Accounting and Specialized Management and I was working there and was miserable and I changed to IT got 2 degrees over the next 25 years a career and have never regretted it. I went into business because Counselors, parents, friends told me I needed a plan I needed to have a roadmap and to figure out how I was going to build up my career sooner than later. In the end I diverted from my path, a lot of times flying by the seat of my pants and made it work until I got to a path that really resonated.
In addition to being an IT professional for almost 4 decades I am the father of three: 1 loved computers found the right school, did great there, graduated and has been working in IT since and is doing fantastic. 1 was good at sports and math and went to school for Math , realized she did not want to tach and went into Actuarial science at a different school, realized it was not for her transferred to statistics, graduated could not find a job she wanted (she graduated at the beginning of Covid) and decided if she did not get the job she wanted by a certain date she was going to head to Spain and get her Masters, shed did came back and got an awesome job she loves, My other child my oldest child was a political science major and got a job with a grass root PAC organization in his field in his Junior year and left college since then he has worked for the PAC, been a political consultant, worked in freight logistics, was a prison guard, a poker dealer/semi-pro poker player, an over the road truck driver and currently works as a trailer jockey at a freight yard. He is not sure if this is his long-term but he has always had a job before he has left his previous and he pays his own bills. He is not rich but he is not poor either he makes ends meet relatively well and is very self-sufficient.
The reason I bring this up like this is to show you there is not one path there is not one right way to do it.
My advice to you is do not put pressure on yourself to be able to predict the future enough to determine every step you are going to take in a world that is ever changing. Give yourself the room and the permission to grow and learn and find what really resonates with you, what you want out of life and what the next steps are. Planning is wonderful because it gives us a view forward and helps us map out a path but don't let that be so restrictive or defining that you rob yourself of your possibilities. Embrace the opportunities to grow, learn and evolve.
Good Luck to you and I am excite for you in your upcoming journey.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2430
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. You can think about career you have interest now.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you have interest in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, .etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and find out what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, 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, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you have interest in music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you like maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, .etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and find out what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, 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!
Wyatt .
Retired Corporate Executive
54
Answers
United States
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hello Jose,
Are you in high school or attending college?
I was in the same boat, so I started by earning an Associate of Arts in General Studies before eventually choosing to pursue business school. If you’re unsure where to start, do yourself a favor and take a career assessment like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Holland Code (RIASEC). I regularly recommend these tools in my career coaching sessions for people just entering the job market or those considering a career change, they’re a great way to gain clarity and direction.
It is completely okay not to know what you want to do with your life, especially at this stage. A lot of people feel the same way, even well into adulthood. The pressure to have everything figured out can be overwhelming, but the truth is, clarity often comes gradually through experience, not from having all the answers upfront. Instead of stressing over finding the perfect career path, focus on exploring your interests and trying different things. Take a variety of classes, join clubs, volunteer, or look for internships that expose you to new fields. These small steps can teach you a lot about what excites you and what doesn’t, helping you move forward one decision at a time.
Also, talking to people in different careers can open your eyes to paths you might not have considered. Ask them what their job is really like, how they got there, and what they enjoy or struggle with in their work. Instead of asking yourself “What should I do with my life?” try reframing the question: “What am I curious enough to explore next?” or “What kind of lifestyle do I want to build?” Your goal isn’t to have a final answer right now, but to stay open, try new things, and allow your path to take shape over time. You’re not behind, you’re just starting, and that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Best wishes,
Wyatt
Are you in high school or attending college?
I was in the same boat, so I started by earning an Associate of Arts in General Studies before eventually choosing to pursue business school. If you’re unsure where to start, do yourself a favor and take a career assessment like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Holland Code (RIASEC). I regularly recommend these tools in my career coaching sessions for people just entering the job market or those considering a career change, they’re a great way to gain clarity and direction.
It is completely okay not to know what you want to do with your life, especially at this stage. A lot of people feel the same way, even well into adulthood. The pressure to have everything figured out can be overwhelming, but the truth is, clarity often comes gradually through experience, not from having all the answers upfront. Instead of stressing over finding the perfect career path, focus on exploring your interests and trying different things. Take a variety of classes, join clubs, volunteer, or look for internships that expose you to new fields. These small steps can teach you a lot about what excites you and what doesn’t, helping you move forward one decision at a time.
Also, talking to people in different careers can open your eyes to paths you might not have considered. Ask them what their job is really like, how they got there, and what they enjoy or struggle with in their work. Instead of asking yourself “What should I do with my life?” try reframing the question: “What am I curious enough to explore next?” or “What kind of lifestyle do I want to build?” Your goal isn’t to have a final answer right now, but to stay open, try new things, and allow your path to take shape over time. You’re not behind, you’re just starting, and that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Best wishes,
Wyatt