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how do i find what i want to do?
im 17
in highschool and i dont feel passionate about many things and want to find something i want to do in the future
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4 answers
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Xianghao,
Really? You don't feel passionate about anything?
Isn't there something you like to do? Helping others? Working with people, animals, plants, cars, clocks, video games?
Isn't there anything you are intrigued by? AI? Electricity? Politics? Acting? Moviemaking? Sports?
Is there something that others think you are good at? What do your friends, family, or relatives think you're good at?
There HAS to be something that intrigues and excites you.
Think about it.
Then, decide how to leverage it.
If you like working with people, plants, animals, cars, etc. - there are obvious ways to use this to make a very good living at this
If you like sports, you can either be an athlete or find something on the peripheral of sports to do.
You see where I'm going, right? You will likely have MANY different avenues to explore.
You're NOT ALONE! Talk to your parents, friends, family, guidance counselors, and anybody you admire and would like to emulate.
It's not always perfect, but you can make it work. I wanted to be a teacher to work with kids, but I didn't like a number of things about that profession. I became an electrical engineer and then became a volunteer soccer coach for multiple seasons. It satisfied what I wanted to do and I loved it.
Advice: You have only ONE life. Don't be a VICTIM. Be a VICTOR! Life is short so make the most of it.
More advice: Keep your body in good shape with physical activity. I sucked at sports, but I enjoyed jogging and sporadically working out to keep in shape. That will help you keep your mind active and help you avoid mental atrophy. You need your mind sharp to achieve goals.
Final advice: The next 5-10 years of your life are the MOST important to 'setting the table' for the rest of your life. I graduated high school, college, got a job at 22 (that I'm still working/liking 44 years later), and got engaged to my future wife. Nobody will give you anything. Winning the lottery is likely not going to happen.
Make it happen! You got this!
Thanks
Really? You don't feel passionate about anything?
Isn't there something you like to do? Helping others? Working with people, animals, plants, cars, clocks, video games?
Isn't there anything you are intrigued by? AI? Electricity? Politics? Acting? Moviemaking? Sports?
Is there something that others think you are good at? What do your friends, family, or relatives think you're good at?
There HAS to be something that intrigues and excites you.
Think about it.
Then, decide how to leverage it.
If you like working with people, plants, animals, cars, etc. - there are obvious ways to use this to make a very good living at this
If you like sports, you can either be an athlete or find something on the peripheral of sports to do.
You see where I'm going, right? You will likely have MANY different avenues to explore.
You're NOT ALONE! Talk to your parents, friends, family, guidance counselors, and anybody you admire and would like to emulate.
It's not always perfect, but you can make it work. I wanted to be a teacher to work with kids, but I didn't like a number of things about that profession. I became an electrical engineer and then became a volunteer soccer coach for multiple seasons. It satisfied what I wanted to do and I loved it.
Advice: You have only ONE life. Don't be a VICTIM. Be a VICTOR! Life is short so make the most of it.
More advice: Keep your body in good shape with physical activity. I sucked at sports, but I enjoyed jogging and sporadically working out to keep in shape. That will help you keep your mind active and help you avoid mental atrophy. You need your mind sharp to achieve goals.
Final advice: The next 5-10 years of your life are the MOST important to 'setting the table' for the rest of your life. I graduated high school, college, got a job at 22 (that I'm still working/liking 44 years later), and got engaged to my future wife. Nobody will give you anything. Winning the lottery is likely not going to happen.
Make it happen! You got this!
Thanks
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Do you know anyone that has an interesting job? What are your hobbies and interests that are not career related? Do you like being outdoors, traveling or working with your hands or mind or both? Answer these questions and you can start to narrow down possible options for a career.
Larry Siegel
Government Liaison, Non-profit fundraising, Non-profit operation
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Updated
Larry’s Answer
Xianghao, you have many years ahead to learn what you want to do and what you are passionate about. Later in life you may even change your mind on what you want to do . For now, you can focus on building your personality and enjoying new experiences. In your studies pay attention to history, literature, art, music. These are subjects that will stay with you throughout your life. Outside of school, get involved in activities that seems interesting to you. These can be anything: sports, chess, music, volunteering for a charity.
You will be learning about who you are and the world you live in. You will see things that interest you. You may not be passionate about these things, but they will be interesting and you may even enjoy them.
Now is the time to learn about your life and not to worry about what you are passionate about. The passions will come. Maybe unexpectedly. You may see something a friend is doing that interests you. You may see a video or an Instagram that interests you. Just focus for now on building knowledge and experience. That will carry you throughout your life.
You will be learning about who you are and the world you live in. You will see things that interest you. You may not be passionate about these things, but they will be interesting and you may even enjoy them.
Now is the time to learn about your life and not to worry about what you are passionate about. The passions will come. Maybe unexpectedly. You may see something a friend is doing that interests you. You may see a video or an Instagram that interests you. Just focus for now on building knowledge and experience. That will carry you throughout your life.
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I've been thinking about your question the last few days and these are a few of my thoughts:
I was listening to a podcast last night with Mel Robbins. She interviewed two Stanford professors "How to Live a Meaningful Life & Design the Future You Want." They also wrote a book which I did not read. In the interview, they mentioned that even 20 year olds are not sure what to do so you are not alone. They asked 3 different questions to help guide you. You should listen to the podcast.
Even when I was your age, I thought I knew what I wanted but after I got it, I'm not sure if I was all that happy. We are evolving and growing creatures. What you liked as a baby, you will not like as a teenager and as an adult. Even if you picked the "right" profession, you are changing and that "right" profession may not fit you in the future. That's okay. You learn and grow. You can always switch jobs and take the knowledge you've gained to your next career choice.
Even if you do something "exciting," that excitement fades. When I first drove a car, I was excited. It doesn't excite me anymore.
I know my friend signed her son up for an evaluation of what type of job would best fit him. I just remember it was in Los Angeles and it wasn't cheap. I believe it was $500-1000. I believe they ask you questions and then from your answers, they give suggestions as to what type of job would best suit you. Perhaps there's some type of similar evaluation at career counseling.
It's ok to get random jobs. From those jobs, you can decide, "OK, that was not the job for me" or "I like that about the job." We are all learning in life and it's okay to take your time to figure out what you like. There is no perfect job. Every job has some pros and cons.
Once you find a job that you think you will like, I would find mentors and ask them what they like and dislike about their job. Shadow them if they will let you.
Good luck!!
I was listening to a podcast last night with Mel Robbins. She interviewed two Stanford professors "How to Live a Meaningful Life & Design the Future You Want." They also wrote a book which I did not read. In the interview, they mentioned that even 20 year olds are not sure what to do so you are not alone. They asked 3 different questions to help guide you. You should listen to the podcast.
Even when I was your age, I thought I knew what I wanted but after I got it, I'm not sure if I was all that happy. We are evolving and growing creatures. What you liked as a baby, you will not like as a teenager and as an adult. Even if you picked the "right" profession, you are changing and that "right" profession may not fit you in the future. That's okay. You learn and grow. You can always switch jobs and take the knowledge you've gained to your next career choice.
Even if you do something "exciting," that excitement fades. When I first drove a car, I was excited. It doesn't excite me anymore.
I know my friend signed her son up for an evaluation of what type of job would best fit him. I just remember it was in Los Angeles and it wasn't cheap. I believe it was $500-1000. I believe they ask you questions and then from your answers, they give suggestions as to what type of job would best suit you. Perhaps there's some type of similar evaluation at career counseling.
It's ok to get random jobs. From those jobs, you can decide, "OK, that was not the job for me" or "I like that about the job." We are all learning in life and it's okay to take your time to figure out what you like. There is no perfect job. Every job has some pros and cons.
Once you find a job that you think you will like, I would find mentors and ask them what they like and dislike about their job. Shadow them if they will let you.
Good luck!!