6 answers
Isaiah
Student
Ontario
5
Questions
Updated
665 views
How do I find a career that suits my interests?
I'm at that age where I'm starting to consider what I want to do with my life in terms of a career. Unfortunately, I feel like I'm not being sensible with my options. For example, I considered being an orthodontist, not because I like the idea of digging for treasure inside someone's mouth, but because I know it pays really well. I feel like a lot of people have this same issue, where the only factor they really look at is how much the job is paying, and I'm going that exact same route. What's the best way to find myself a career without being too stuck on one factor and not looking at the whole picture?
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6 answers
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
494
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Isaiah,
You've made a great point about the salary trap. Earning a lot won't make up for spending over 40 hours a week on something unfulfilling. Start by thinking about your interests and values. What activities make you forget the time? What problems do you want to solve? What work environment excites you? Expand your view by shadowing professionals, doing informational interviews, taking career tests, and trying internships or volunteer work in areas you like. When considering options, look at various factors: salary, work-life balance, growth opportunities, company culture, societal impact, and how they align with your values. Your career will change over time, so aim for something that meets several needs and lets you grow. The most rewarding careers often involve solving problems you care about, with the pay coming naturally because you're great at what you do.
You've made a great point about the salary trap. Earning a lot won't make up for spending over 40 hours a week on something unfulfilling. Start by thinking about your interests and values. What activities make you forget the time? What problems do you want to solve? What work environment excites you? Expand your view by shadowing professionals, doing informational interviews, taking career tests, and trying internships or volunteer work in areas you like. When considering options, look at various factors: salary, work-life balance, growth opportunities, company culture, societal impact, and how they align with your values. Your career will change over time, so aim for something that meets several needs and lets you grow. The most rewarding careers often involve solving problems you care about, with the pay coming naturally because you're great at what you do.
"Salary Trap." You have me laughing because that's the best way to state everything I just said! Thanks for the advice.
Isaiah
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Isaiah,
First, take a breath. In all honesty, what you're describing is quite common and shows that you're thinking critically instead of mindlessly pursuing a title. Being aware of the connection between interest and income now puts you ahead of the curve because many people are unaware of it until much later.
The shift that typically works is this: income is a limitation, not an objective to be met. Although money is important—it can buy freedom, stability, and options—it shouldn't be the sole factor influencing the choice. Understanding the intersection of four factors—what you are curious about, what you are good at (or can realistically become good at), what kind of lifestyle you desire, and what the market actually pays for—is a more sustainable approach to choosing a job. Burnout usually occurs in the absence of one of those.
Asking "What kind of problems do I like solving" instead of "What job should I do?" is a sensible next step. Do you prefer working with systems or people? Making things or repairing things? Deep focus or fast-paced surroundings? Flexibility or structure? Jobs are only these patterns' containers. Many occupations, not just the highest-paying ones, will suddenly make sense if you recognize the patterns.
Testing low-risk employment options before committing is also helpful. Take introductory seminars, volunteer, work part-time in related professions, observe "day in the life" stuff, or shadow professionals. The majority of people detest the day-to-day reality of their jobs rather than the subject matter. You gain clarity more quickly through exposure than through overanalyzing.
Lastly, allow yourself freedom to change. At your age, very few people choose a career and never change their minds. Choosing a path that develops transferable abilities and keeps doors open is the current objective rather than making a permanent decision. You are not trapping yourself if you do that; rather, you are increasing your advantage over others.
Through addressing the salary-first mentality, you're being strategic rather than reckless. Generally speaking, the ideal career isn't the one that pays the highest salary on paper; rather, it's the one that you can advance in without becoming bitter after five years.
Best wishes!
First, take a breath. In all honesty, what you're describing is quite common and shows that you're thinking critically instead of mindlessly pursuing a title. Being aware of the connection between interest and income now puts you ahead of the curve because many people are unaware of it until much later.
The shift that typically works is this: income is a limitation, not an objective to be met. Although money is important—it can buy freedom, stability, and options—it shouldn't be the sole factor influencing the choice. Understanding the intersection of four factors—what you are curious about, what you are good at (or can realistically become good at), what kind of lifestyle you desire, and what the market actually pays for—is a more sustainable approach to choosing a job. Burnout usually occurs in the absence of one of those.
Asking "What kind of problems do I like solving" instead of "What job should I do?" is a sensible next step. Do you prefer working with systems or people? Making things or repairing things? Deep focus or fast-paced surroundings? Flexibility or structure? Jobs are only these patterns' containers. Many occupations, not just the highest-paying ones, will suddenly make sense if you recognize the patterns.
Testing low-risk employment options before committing is also helpful. Take introductory seminars, volunteer, work part-time in related professions, observe "day in the life" stuff, or shadow professionals. The majority of people detest the day-to-day reality of their jobs rather than the subject matter. You gain clarity more quickly through exposure than through overanalyzing.
Lastly, allow yourself freedom to change. At your age, very few people choose a career and never change their minds. Choosing a path that develops transferable abilities and keeps doors open is the current objective rather than making a permanent decision. You are not trapping yourself if you do that; rather, you are increasing your advantage over others.
Through addressing the salary-first mentality, you're being strategic rather than reckless. Generally speaking, the ideal career isn't the one that pays the highest salary on paper; rather, it's the one that you can advance in without becoming bitter after five years.
Best wishes!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Isaiah
Morgan Adams
Healthcare Administration
27
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
To find a career that suits your interests, start by identifying what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what values matter most to you, then explore careers that align with those strengths. Research different fields, take career or personality assessments, talk to professionals, and gain experience through classes, internships, volunteering, or part-time work. Reflect on what excites you and what doesn’t, and stay open to adjusting your path as you learn more about yourself.
Thank you so much. Love how you included more than just the basics!
Isaiah
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
818
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I think you’re asking the right questions. There’s a fine line between being practical and being realistic. Ideally we would all have jobs that we absolutely cherish that pay us very well, but the truth is sometimes we have to give a little to get a little.
I’d recommend just continuing to take different objectives different electives and joining clubs to continue exploring. I did not have an actual major selected until my third year of college. I was able to get my general ed out of the way and then decide what I wanted to focus on.
There are numerous jobs today that weren’t even a thought when I was going through school. There might be a whole new fields of employment available by the time you get through school. It’s OK to not have it all figured out right now.
I’d recommend just continuing to take different objectives different electives and joining clubs to continue exploring. I did not have an actual major selected until my third year of college. I was able to get my general ed out of the way and then decide what I wanted to focus on.
There are numerous jobs today that weren’t even a thought when I was going through school. There might be a whole new fields of employment available by the time you get through school. It’s OK to not have it all figured out right now.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Isaiah
Roel Ramon
Product Management and Development
91
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roel’s Answer
You're doing great by being self-aware! Here's some encouraging advice to help you find a career that fits your interests:
Explore Different Options: Try out various classes, internships, and volunteer work to see what you enjoy most.
Know Your Strengths and Passions: Think about what you're good at and what makes you excited. Write down your skills and interests.
Learn About Careers: Research jobs that match your interests. Find out about daily tasks, work settings, and future prospects, not just the pay.
Connect with Others: Talk to professionals and shadow them to gain real-world insights.
Consider All Factors: Think about salary, job satisfaction, growth opportunities, and work-life balance.
Stay Open-Minded: Your interests and the job market can change, so be ready to explore and adjust as you learn more about yourself.
Focus on what excites you, not just the paycheck, and you'll find a more rewarding path!
Explore Different Options: Try out various classes, internships, and volunteer work to see what you enjoy most.
Know Your Strengths and Passions: Think about what you're good at and what makes you excited. Write down your skills and interests.
Learn About Careers: Research jobs that match your interests. Find out about daily tasks, work settings, and future prospects, not just the pay.
Connect with Others: Talk to professionals and shadow them to gain real-world insights.
Consider All Factors: Think about salary, job satisfaction, growth opportunities, and work-life balance.
Stay Open-Minded: Your interests and the job market can change, so be ready to explore and adjust as you learn more about yourself.
Focus on what excites you, not just the paycheck, and you'll find a more rewarding path!
Thanks for the help.
Isaiah
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you need to find our a career you have interest. You can perform well in a career you have interest and earn decent income. If you work as orthodontist and have no interest on the job, it is really a pain.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an engineer, banker, accountant, financial analyst, finance manager, etc.
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, 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, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an engineer, banker, accountant, financial analyst, finance manager, etc.
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, 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!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Isaiah