5 answers
Lindsey
Student
Burlingame, California
2
Questions
Updated
401 views
How do I know what I'm passionate about?
I often have an interest in everything, as long as I have enough time to learn the ropes of something, I'm interested. How do I decide what career to pursue?
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5 answers
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
131
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Lindsey -
First off, having broad interests is a superpower! Many people never have a sudden "aha" moment; instead, they flow into a career, get good at it, and their passion grows through mastery.
Since you are interested in so many things, here is a practical approach to help you narrow it down:
1. Focus on Alignment, Not Just "Passion"
Instead of just asking what you are passionate about, try looking for the sweet spot between four things: what you love, what you are good at, what the market pays for, and what the world needs. (This is known as the Ikigai framework, check it out).
2. Test Drive the Reality
A subject in a textbook is very different from the day-to-day reality of a job. Try to get micro-experiences through internships, shadowing professionals for a few hours, or even watching YouTube "Day in the Life" videos to see the tedious parts of a job, not just the highlights.
3. Talk to an Advisor About You
My own career path is a perfect example of this. I studied electrical engineering but quickly found I didn't like it. I spoke to an advisor who simply asked what I liked as a person, regardless of the available programs. She introduced me to Engineering Technology, where I learned about process improvement (Lean & Six Sigma). That was when I finally had my "Aha!" moment. I shifted my focus, and today I absolutely love what I do.
You don't need to have the next 40 years figured out right now. You just need to figure out your next step.
Hope this helps and all the best!
First off, having broad interests is a superpower! Many people never have a sudden "aha" moment; instead, they flow into a career, get good at it, and their passion grows through mastery.
Since you are interested in so many things, here is a practical approach to help you narrow it down:
1. Focus on Alignment, Not Just "Passion"
Instead of just asking what you are passionate about, try looking for the sweet spot between four things: what you love, what you are good at, what the market pays for, and what the world needs. (This is known as the Ikigai framework, check it out).
2. Test Drive the Reality
A subject in a textbook is very different from the day-to-day reality of a job. Try to get micro-experiences through internships, shadowing professionals for a few hours, or even watching YouTube "Day in the Life" videos to see the tedious parts of a job, not just the highlights.
3. Talk to an Advisor About You
My own career path is a perfect example of this. I studied electrical engineering but quickly found I didn't like it. I spoke to an advisor who simply asked what I liked as a person, regardless of the available programs. She introduced me to Engineering Technology, where I learned about process improvement (Lean & Six Sigma). That was when I finally had my "Aha!" moment. I shifted my focus, and today I absolutely love what I do.
You don't need to have the next 40 years figured out right now. You just need to figure out your next step.
Hope this helps and all the best!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
It's perfectly normal to be curious about many things, especially when you're still figuring out life. Passion usually doesn't come all at once. It often appears when you try something new and find it fun, exciting, or rewarding. The challenge is figuring out which of these interests could turn into a job you’d enjoy every day.
The best way to start is by trying different things. Volunteer, join a summer program, shadow someone in a field you're curious about, or work on a project by yourself. Notice what activities make you lose track of time or leave you feeling energized. These are good signs of what truly interests you.
Also, consider the type of work you like. Do you enjoy helping people, creating things, solving problems, or leading a team? Combining this with what excites you can help narrow down your options. Remember, it's okay if it takes time. Many people explore a few paths before finding something that feels right for them, so don't worry about having it all figured out right now.
The best way to start is by trying different things. Volunteer, join a summer program, shadow someone in a field you're curious about, or work on a project by yourself. Notice what activities make you lose track of time or leave you feeling energized. These are good signs of what truly interests you.
Also, consider the type of work you like. Do you enjoy helping people, creating things, solving problems, or leading a team? Combining this with what excites you can help narrow down your options. Remember, it's okay if it takes time. Many people explore a few paths before finding something that feels right for them, so don't worry about having it all figured out right now.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2615
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. The most important is to find out what careers you have interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, 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 counselor, 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!
4. S
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, 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 counselor, 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!
4. S
Cherilyn Garner
Medical Office Practice Manager; Certified Medical Assistant (
53
Answers
Polkton, North Carolina
Updated
Cherilyn’s Answer
It’s actually a good thing that you’re interested in a lot of different things — it means you’re curious and adaptable, which are great qualities to have. When you’re not sure what you’re passionate about, try talking with your guidance counselor and taking a few free career or personality tests to see which areas match your strengths the most. These tools can help narrow things down and show you fields you may enjoy long‑term. You don’t have to decide everything right now — just explore, pay attention to what excites you the most, and let your interests naturally guide you toward the right career path.
Gus S
Consultant
113
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Gus’s Answer
I think it is great to have many different interests. When trying to isolate what your "passion" is, it likely is found within these interests. All interests likely engage you, but a passion involves a strong, sustained motivation toward something - wanting to do something even when it is difficult to do so. When you sort out your interests, consider what you are most drawn to, even when it may not be easy to do so.