How do I choose the right career path when I’m interested at multiple things?
I’m really passionate about different fields video editing, graphic design, web development, game development, and even business. The problem is I don’t know which one to focus on first.
My main goal right now is to start earning money as soon as possible from the things I’m good at, but I also want to build a long-term career that I’ll enjoy.
For those who’ve been in a similar situation, how did you figure out which path was worth pursuing first? Any advice on narrowing it down without feeling like I’m missing out on the others?
28 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Paul’s Answer
This means looking at your core values, and determining what are your best strengths, and then explore how these intersect to find fulfilling career paths.
If you are going to college, and are in the process of completing your first two years (and your General University Requirements). it is always a good idea to review the classes, that you have taken, and determine which ones you enjoyed the most and where your possible career paths might go in the future based on these courses.
You might also consider doing volunteer work in your community. Non-profits have many opportunities that you can consider, in regards to a possible career path.
In order to gain more practical experience, you can look into possible internships, or inquire if you can do a informational interviews, with a member of the industry that you are considering. It is always a good idea to talk to mentors or career counselors, and research specific roles that align with your unique combination of skills and passions.
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Also remember - there are many paths in life - just because you pick one for now, doesn't mean you can't choose something else later. I think its important to stick with things long enough to reach a comfort level - maybe not ""mastering"" it but being able to be good at it, thoughtful, and to provide value in what you're doing. But if something new comes along that touches on one of your other interests, there's nothing wrong with making a thoughtful switch! Someday, I hope to do art more full-time - maybe even take classes in retirement!
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
1) Line up your interests in a one-two-three order with the first-one you have the most interest in.
2) Match your capabilities and skills with the interests identified in 1) with confidence-level 1-2-3 respectively.
3) Determine the timing or time-to-take that you will be ready to enter the career. Also number them in the 1-2-3 order.
4) Calculate or summarize the scores you did for 1), 2), and 3).
5) Choose the potential career with the highest score to start with.
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
1) Write the ideas down. I could then review the ideas later and could determine if it was a fleeting idea or something I wanted to research more. I would also ask myself questions like, “Is this a problem I could work on for months/years?”
2) Informational interviews. Most people are willing to take a few minutes to talk about what their jobs are like on a day-to-day basis. Ask for information interviews and ask some of the same questions across professions.
3) Journal about what is interesting and not. As you are collecting information about different career options, journal about what is interesting and not interesting to you. It may help you narrow down your options.
4) Internships. Doing internships is a great way to try something out for a short period of time.
5) Be kind to yourself. I aspire to be a lifelong learner, so I am always uncovering new interests and possibilities, so it’s an ongoing journey for me.
L’s Answer
That’s a very relatable question, and you’re not alone in feeling pulled in multiple directions when it comes to making decisions about a career path. One thing I would suggest is to focus on your core strengths and the skills that come most naturally. Second, I would prioritize exploring career fields that seem interesting to you, versus getting a career that will make you feel bored or drained. Since you are young, you will have time to pivot if you decide that the career choice you chose initially is not working out.
If your immediate goal is to earn money quickly, start with skills that are freelance-friendly and in demand right now, such as video editing or graphic design. These can get you part-time jobs as you develop your long-term career skills. Many of your interests complement each other. For example, Web development and design will help you develop skills for a front-end developer or UX/UI designer. Another example is that video editing skills can be easily transferable to other job roles, such as content creation, marketing, and branding.
Take time to participate in small projects, part-time work, or volunteer opportunities to try different job tasks to see what excites you when you’re actually doing the work. This will also help you build a professional work portfolio to help you stand out from other applicants.
Best of luck!
MANAHIL’s Answer
I’d say start freelancing in the skill you’re most confident about like video editing or design that way you can start earning a bit faster and build experience too.
Once you’re comfortable, try a few small projects in your other interests just to see what you actually enjoy the most. Sometimes you’ll find something new you didn’t expect to love.
Also, look for where your skills can connect for example, design and web development work really well together and can help you grow long-term.
It’s usually best to focus on one main thing first, but keep exploring others on the side so you don’t feel like you’re missing out
Manahil
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Michelle’s Answer
I would be happy to give you some advice about this and hope that it will help in choosing what to do about approaching employment.
My first advice is to take a step back, relax because being overly eager or thinking about it too much can indeed cause confusion, anxious feelings and indecision. It's great to have a few interests, many people do, and they all do not have to be careers. Your first step in figuring this out will be to go to employment websites and read employment notices for jobs in video editing, graphic design, web development, game development, and business as those are your noted interests.
When reading the employment notices, see which notices contain the requirements that you qualify for. You will have to apply for jobs you can do and have the qualifications for and experience in. It's great that the fields are interests, but which ones are you expert in enough to compete in the markets ? If after reading the employment notices for the requirements you think you should attend college for a degree or obtain some certifications, that would be your next step. There is no magic way to suddenly know what to do. It will come with life experience and inspiration. You have to explore what employers are seeking in an applicant in those fields of work.
You've stated that you are in a hurry to work right now and that's great, but you can't write the script for your employment path and will have to be open to finding a job you will like and focusing on that job. Some of your interests can be combined, actually such as web design with video editing, graphic design with game development and graphic design. You can also create your own business for those types of work. It can be done now or later on. It does not have to be done all at once.
Most of the fields of work you've mentioned that are your favorites will require either a hard copy or electronic portfolio, also. If you do not have a portfolio of your work, start now so that you can include it in applications to employers.
If you focus on one field of work right now, you can always sharpen the skills needed for the other fields of work and later on transition. So, it's not worth worrying about. Just apply for jobs you are qualified for and all will turn out well. It's just a matter of living life, letting things flow, meeting people and taking charge of any opportunities that come along. Most times, one cannot plan this. If you take it a step at a time and let things flow naturally, you will most likely see a career unfolding for you. Don't give up !
Wishing you all the best for a happy journey !
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Kelly’s Answer
Also, try reaching out to people who work in these fields, especially those nearby. Most people enjoy discussing their jobs and offering advice, so you're likely to gain valuable insights.
Wong’s Answer
First, look at which skill you're already good at and which one can help you earn money the fastest. For example, you might be able to find freelance work in video editing or graphic design. These jobs can help you make money now and also build your portfolio for future work.
At the same time, think about what you want to do long-term. Some fields like web development or game development may take more time to learn, but they can lead to better-paying jobs or even your own projects in the future.
You don't need to give up your other interests. You can start with one and add others later. For example, many people combine skills like web development with design, or business with game creation. You can also try short projects or online courses in each area to see what you enjoy the most when actually doing the work.
The most important thing is to start. Pick one path that matches your skills and helps you make money soon. Later, you can explore your other interests as you grow. All the best.
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Take a look at what your options will provide for you so you can decide what your living situation and work/life balance will be like. Talk to people who are doing what you are interested in and then consider what you think will work best for you. Remember that you can always change course, if needed (sometimes changing your career path can be easy, sometimes not, but either way - it can be done!).
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Madeline’s Answer
Shira’s Answer
Rebecca’s Answer
Below are my suggestions :
1. Firstly, you need to identify the career you have interest. Would you consider to be Game Designer, Youtuber on Gaming, Media content creator, Web Designer, Web Developer, Graphic Designer, etc.? You can find out more careers you have interest.
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 counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Attend the course that are relevant to these careers.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
I've had many career changes over the past decade and I've learned a lot about myself along the way. As you move along in your career you will also gain more confident in what you can do and the transferable skills you can apply across different career fields.
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Get to know what those interests are that fulfill you. There are tools such as SkillsFinder test that you can take. It helped me.
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Blue Shield of California’s Answer
Tze Lin’s Answer
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Unfortunately, the career decision was kind of sealed for me. The Greek paternal side of my family carried genes for familial hypercholesterolemia type IV. That is a high blood cholesterol! It is primarily cholesterol blocking up the coronary arteries. Uncle died at 38 years of age, Dad at 50 years of age. You see they did not respond well to the high-saturated fat diets in Australia's mid-20th century. So, I became a dietitian-nutritionist.
I do not think you will be missing out on much! You are allowed to be interested in multiple things, by the way! The trick is to choose which pursuits you want have as your main jobs. Web development for businesses could be really lucrative, almost as much as game development!
You could also consult for businesses, rescuing failing ventures.
GOD BLESS!