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How long do i have to decide a career goal?
A lot of people I know, haven't decided a career to pursue in life and I was also wondering how long we would have to decide a career goal before it is to late.
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11 answers
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Steve’s Answer
Hi Bosco!!
There’s no fixed deadline for choosing a career, and it’s completely normal not to have it figured out yet. Many people change majors or career paths multiple times, and plenty don’t settle into a long‑term career until much later in life.
What matters more than deciding everything now is exploring your interests and building skills. Try classes, part‑time work, or volunteering, and pay attention to what energizes you. Your first choice doesn’t have to be your forever choice — careers evolve as you do.
You’re not behind or late. You’re exactly where you should be: learning, exploring, and figuring out what fits you.
There’s no fixed deadline for choosing a career, and it’s completely normal not to have it figured out yet. Many people change majors or career paths multiple times, and plenty don’t settle into a long‑term career until much later in life.
What matters more than deciding everything now is exploring your interests and building skills. Try classes, part‑time work, or volunteering, and pay attention to what energizes you. Your first choice doesn’t have to be your forever choice — careers evolve as you do.
You’re not behind or late. You’re exactly where you should be: learning, exploring, and figuring out what fits you.
Updated
Ranjani’s Answer
There’s no fixed deadline for deciding a career goal - it’s a process that evolves over time. Most experts suggest setting short‑term goals (6–12 months) to explore options, while long‑term goals (3–5 years) can be refined as your interests, values, and opportunities become clearer.
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Eszter ’s Answer
Don't stay in a job that makes you unhappy. That's the worst thing you can do! Instead, try exploring new opportunities. It doesn't have to be a big change; you can start by going to events that match your interests or talking to others about what they do. Remember, it's never too late to make a change or to try learning new stuff!
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Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you need to identify the career you have interest first before you can establish your career plan.
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. 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
6. About graduation from the college, you can start make your long term career plan with short term milestones. Review the plan and progress regularly and adjust if necessary
Bear in mind your interest may change throughout your life time. You may change your career. Hence, you will establish another career plan.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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. 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
6. About graduation from the college, you can start make your long term career plan with short term milestones. Review the plan and progress regularly and adjust if necessary
Bear in mind your interest may change throughout your life time. You may change your career. Hence, you will establish another career plan.
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Milena’s Answer
The good news is it never too late :)
It is completely normal to not have figured out your career goal yet.
Try avoiding comparing yourself to others unless those are people who truly inspire and motivate you :)
I have tried different career paths in my life when I had the cnahce to explore those areas. It is how I found out I don't like sales but I enjoy working with people on projects so majority of my career is in fact in project and program management.
It is good to consider finding a mentor in the area of your interest. You can find out from this person what the job is really about day-to-day, what skills would be needed to be successful in it and what they enjoy most and least in it.
I hope you find out what type of activities you enjoy most and where these can be applied in a professional role.
Don't be afraid to try and explore :)
Also, the team and the people you work with make a big difference.
All the best!
It is completely normal to not have figured out your career goal yet.
Try avoiding comparing yourself to others unless those are people who truly inspire and motivate you :)
I have tried different career paths in my life when I had the cnahce to explore those areas. It is how I found out I don't like sales but I enjoy working with people on projects so majority of my career is in fact in project and program management.
It is good to consider finding a mentor in the area of your interest. You can find out from this person what the job is really about day-to-day, what skills would be needed to be successful in it and what they enjoy most and least in it.
I hope you find out what type of activities you enjoy most and where these can be applied in a professional role.
Don't be afraid to try and explore :)
Also, the team and the people you work with make a big difference.
All the best!
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Srinivas Rao’s Answer
You don’t have to decide a final “forever” career goal right now, and it’s not “too late” if you haven’t settled one yet. Many people test out different paths, change roles, or even switch careers completely after their 20s or 30s, so your career is more like a journey than a one‑time exam.
Start Small.
Set up short-term Goals before you decide the one that resonates with what you love and what you will get paid for and what the world needs right now.
I would recommend you to read a book on the concept of 'IKIGAI'.
Start Small.
Set up short-term Goals before you decide the one that resonates with what you love and what you will get paid for and what the world needs right now.
I would recommend you to read a book on the concept of 'IKIGAI'.
Olivia Alford
I am a Strategic Initiatives Manager. My job is related to strategic planning and am a Project Manager.
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Olivia’s Answer
Hi Bosco,
You have more time than you think. You will more than likely change career paths more than once throughout your lifetime. There is no set deadline to decide, and it is not something you have to figure out all at once.
Right now, you could spend more time focusing on and learning about yourself, trying different things, and building skills. Try different classes, activities, or jobs and see what stands out to you. Your direction will come together over time as you gain more experience. It is not about getting it perfect early; it is about growing into what fits you.
You have more time than you think. You will more than likely change career paths more than once throughout your lifetime. There is no set deadline to decide, and it is not something you have to figure out all at once.
Right now, you could spend more time focusing on and learning about yourself, trying different things, and building skills. Try different classes, activities, or jobs and see what stands out to you. Your direction will come together over time as you gain more experience. It is not about getting it perfect early; it is about growing into what fits you.
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Leonardo’s Answer
Hi Bosco I think that its not about finding right now the goal you mean because, there are a lot of goal as you keep growing in your profession and also its important to know more about youre passions, once you know this, the goals will keep going
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Kevin’s Answer
Not only is it not/never too late, but it can change and certainly evolve - both from a 'work' perspective and also life perspective.
It is good to have a vision/goal however equally important to be able to reflect and adapt, as well as try.
It is good to have a vision/goal however equally important to be able to reflect and adapt, as well as try.
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Eric’s Answer
There's no rush to choose your career, and it's common not to get it perfect right away. Many people change paths as they discover more about themselves and their interests.
Think of your career as a journey to explore. Try out different jobs, take classes, and talk to people in various fields. Each experience helps you learn what suits you best.
Also, focus on building skills that can help you earn a living. The aim is to keep progressing while figuring out what you like and what can support your lifestyle.
Remember, your career is a journey, not a single decision.
Think of your career as a journey to explore. Try out different jobs, take classes, and talk to people in various fields. Each experience helps you learn what suits you best.
Also, focus on building skills that can help you earn a living. The aim is to keep progressing while figuring out what you like and what can support your lifestyle.
Remember, your career is a journey, not a single decision.
Updated
Caoimhe’s Answer
That's a fantastic question! Begin by choosing a career in an industry that excites you. If the job sounds interesting, that's a great start! Remember, work feels longer if you don't enjoy it. I've been working for 30 years and have changed paths many times because my career goals often shift. My advice is to seek enjoyment and stay curious—there's so much out there waiting for you! You're off to a wonderful start on an amazing journey. Good luck!