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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?


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Paul’s Answer

You are going to have to do a lot of self reflection to determine exactly where your strongest skills and interest lie.

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.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

First, remember, nothing is permanent! Consider what's the most important thing you need at the moment, is it...(a) experience in a certain field, (b) salary, (c) location, (d) career/life balance, (e) solving a specific problem, etc... You rarely can have everything all the time, but as you are choosing your career options over the years, early-on: be flexible and pick a couple, see what happens, and move on from there.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

First, do some homework to determine the readiness of your potential careers in the following aspects:
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.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

As time passes your interests will evolve, you will find joy in doing things you never thought you would, and you will make mistakes. For now, make a short, general list of the things you want in your life and career, and jump in when you feel it is a right place for you.
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Kelly’s Answer

Make a list of things that interest you and note what you want to learn more about. Look for connections among these interests to pinpoint specifics. Do the same for things you dislike and find any patterns. This can help you focus your choices.

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.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

I really identify with this question. I love art, and music, but in school I also loved my government and constitutional law classes. My mom always wanted me to be an artist, but I always wanted to be a lawyer - how's that for a switch? For a while i had a career working on political campaigns and designing direct mail advertisements, logos, and newsletters. (Before social media!) This allowed me to use a lot of my interests. But I've found that as an attorney, I use my free time to pursue the other things I love, drawing, painting, etc. At work I used to decorate everyone's door each season with a fancy name plate, and volunteer to make posters and cards for events. This way, I get to be a lawyer and use my analytical skills and do all the things I love professionally and make time for those other things I love!
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!
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

There have been times in my life where I had a new career idea every day and had a hard time narrowing down my possibilities list. Here are a few things that helped me narrow down my options:
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.
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Wong’s Answer

Hi Vhan. Since you're interested in video editing, graphic design, web development, game development, and business, you have many options. The key is to find a smart starting point that helps you earn money soon and still builds toward a career you'll enjoy.

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.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

This is a great question! My advice is to recognize that it's okay for your interests to change over time and that there isn't ever a ""wrong decision"" you can make, as long as you are making the decision based on what it is you want to do. Sometimes this might mean you need to work an additional job to make ends meet (if your choice allows you to do what you want, but doesn't pay as much as you'd like) or take part in extracurricular activities to allow you to take part in your interests (i.e., you work at an office during the day, and create artwork in the evenings or weekends).

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!).
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Vhan !

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 !
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Michelle. Vhan
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome ! Michelle M.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

It can help to narrow down the career choice by learning what you do not like to do - not just in terms of drudgery work itself, but the interaction needed or the things you may be required to do in certain jobs. For example, managing a business may be interesting but it will not be enjoyable if keeping track of financial details is challenging for you.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

Let the career come to you. You can do that by working part-time jobs in your area of interests. By doing this, you may find you like, excel, and achieve your objectives more at one job than the other. Also, by working a variety of jobs, you may find that you get involved in something you were never area of and take to new interests.
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Madeline’s Answer

A business degree is a great starting point for your career. Begin by looking for internships, short-term projects, and part-time jobs in areas like marketing, data analysis, or operations. This way, you can explore different interests and get practical experience without committing long-term. By trying out new things, you'll find out what roles fit your passions and skills best. This will help you build a more satisfying and well-informed career over time. Good luck!
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Shira’s Answer

This is a lifelong question for most people and the answer is discovered with time. Fortunately, there’s no wrong place to start. You’ll learn by trial and error— the job that doesn’t feel right for you will be just as helpful in redirecting your path.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have a wide variety of interest.
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!
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

Career trajectory today is different from when someone worked the same job all their lives. Start with something that you're interested in. You never know if there's a new job that didn't exist today that will exist 5 or 10 years from now (using example of the growth of AI or even social media manager roles over the span of my career).

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.
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MANAHIL’s Answer

Hey!

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

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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

There are assessment tests online where you answer questions regarding your skills, interests, etc. that might help determine what areas or industries you might be good at, or where your skills might fit best. Also, if you have an idea of which industry or company you're interested in, don't be afraid to set up an "informational interview" with one of the employees at the company to see what they do in their job - sort of a "day in the life" - to see if that's something you'd want to do. Lastly, don't hesitate to use any and all resources available to you, i.e. LinkedIn or your school career center, to network, ask questions or help guide you in your career search.
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L’s Answer

Vhan,
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!
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

Take time to find people you trust in the fields you are interested in, and ask them about their experiences in that career. What are the things they don't teach you in school that they hoped more people would know about.

Get to know what those interests are that fulfill you. There are tools such as SkillsFinder test that you can take. It helped me.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

Tough question! I suggest identify areas within your interests where you have the most unique skills to succeed. This way, you're in an area that you enjoy, and are apt to excel where others don't share the same skills. It also doesn't hurt to try a couple things if this is possible to help identify which truly resonate vs fizzle out.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

Think about your purpose in life, what you’re good at and what you can make a living at ( we all have to pay the bills). These three questions should narrow it down for yourself. Just remember, nobody knows the career answer when you’re 18 and it will work itself out. Just start somewhere! Gain experience, find out what you like and the more you learn, sometimes it will unfold for you. Be brave take chances! There is no wrong choice as I all experience makes you better, stronger and more competitive in the job market. Just do it! ( like the Nike logo)
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

Most people don't end up in the same career they start in so know that trying different things is part of the process. I would talk to people in careers that you may be interested in and see if you think those are a fit. Then pick one to start but know that even if that isn't where you stay, you will have learned in the process more things you like and don't like for your next position.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

Interesting, I'm sure there are several things you would be good at, and maybe even during your working life, you can change career! Here's what I did: identify my skills - what was I good at? What do I enjoy doing? Subjects in school or jobs or activities that I enjoyed? What was important to me? In my case, it was helping people, enjoy problem solving, loved school that led to my career. You can also take personality tests or career tests - some are free on line which might give you suggestions. It's also helpful to job-shadow if you have that opportunity. Something that sounds great may not be that great in real life. Also, be flexible! Most careers require schooling, and most schools will let you pivot to another type of study if you just aren't feeling fulfilled.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

When I was younger, I thought that my career should be based on my interests. What I've learned, is that every job has stuff that is unrelated to those interests and to find something that works with my work style. At one point I thought I wanted to be a project manager but found that the job was too people-interaction heavy for my introverted personality. Luckily, I was able to pivot into something new that works better for my analytical mind. See if you can find people in the careers that you are interested in to find out what the day to day looks like, then take some time to reflect on your personality and strengths to find something that fits you.
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Tze Lin’s Answer

Finding the right career when you have many interests can be exciting. Start by figuring out what really excites you and see if you can group those interests into themes to find patterns. Focus on skills that you can use in different jobs. You can try different paths with internships, projects, or short courses before making a decision. Most importantly, nothing is permanent: careers evolve with life stages, and your first choice isn’t your last. Stay open to new opportunities and think of your career as a journey, not a final destination.
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Blue Shield of California’s Answer

Interests are just one aspect of a job. Equally important is the lifestyle that each career path will offer you, including working hours, travel, pay, and flexibility. For example, nurses can work 3 days a week for 12-hours and be considered full time and get the other 4 days of the week off. Other jobs will require you to be in office for five days a week. If you want to have a life where you can have four days off every week, then nursing is a great career to consider. This is just one example but gives you the sense of all the factors you should consider when picking a career - not just your interests. Think about the lifestyle your job will offer you, now and for decades to come.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Vhan!

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!
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