4 answers
Reese
Student
Granbury, Texas
2
Questions
Updated
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How did you decide the right career path for life?
I am a high school senior and I am worried I will pick the wrong path and can't afford to live or worse I will be miserable. Seriously, How can I commit to something I have NO experience in and spend $40k in college.
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4 answers
Hongjin Chen
Audit
5
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Hongjin’s Answer
Hello Reese,
Honestly, I do not think most people ‘know for sure’ at high school. The better goal is not picking one perfect path forever — it is picking a path that is affordable, flexible, and gives you real-world experience so you can adjust if needed.
You do not have to commit blindly. Try to get experience first through internships or volunteering. Those are often what help people realize, ‘Yes, I like this,’ or ‘No, this is not for me.’
Honestly, I do not think most people ‘know for sure’ at high school. The better goal is not picking one perfect path forever — it is picking a path that is affordable, flexible, and gives you real-world experience so you can adjust if needed.
You do not have to commit blindly. Try to get experience first through internships or volunteering. Those are often what help people realize, ‘Yes, I like this,’ or ‘No, this is not for me.’
Karen Doan
Marketing
12
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hi Reese, I think one of the biggest misconceptions young people are told is that you need to figure out your entire career path before you turn 18 (21 for the US). Most adults haven’t done that so don’t beat yourself up at this age.
When I was younger, I didn’t start in the career I’m in today. I began in an administrative/receptionist role, moved into event marketing, completed my marketing degree while working, and later earned an MBA at one of the top universities in Australia. Every step taught me something new and opened doors I couldn’t even see when I was in high school.
The truth is that very few people choose their “forever career” at a young age. Most people discover it through experiences, trying things, succeeding at some, and realising others aren’t for them.
Instead of asking, “What do I want to do for the next 40 years?” ask yourself:
- What subjects and activities interest me today?
- What problems do I enjoy solving?
- What skills come naturally to me?
- What kind of lifestyle do I want?
Focus on building transferable skills, communication, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, technology, and adaptability. Those skills will remain valuable no matter how industries change.
Stay curious, kept learning, and were willing to pivot when new opportunities appeared. Don’t put pressure on yourself to make the perfect decision. There isn’t one. There are simply good decisions that lead to new opportunities.
Good luck Reese!
When I was younger, I didn’t start in the career I’m in today. I began in an administrative/receptionist role, moved into event marketing, completed my marketing degree while working, and later earned an MBA at one of the top universities in Australia. Every step taught me something new and opened doors I couldn’t even see when I was in high school.
The truth is that very few people choose their “forever career” at a young age. Most people discover it through experiences, trying things, succeeding at some, and realising others aren’t for them.
Instead of asking, “What do I want to do for the next 40 years?” ask yourself:
- What subjects and activities interest me today?
- What problems do I enjoy solving?
- What skills come naturally to me?
- What kind of lifestyle do I want?
Focus on building transferable skills, communication, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, technology, and adaptability. Those skills will remain valuable no matter how industries change.
Stay curious, kept learning, and were willing to pivot when new opportunities appeared. Don’t put pressure on yourself to make the perfect decision. There isn’t one. There are simply good decisions that lead to new opportunities.
Good luck Reese!
Sara Engel
Human Resources
8
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Sometimes it takes time to understand things. Many adults go through 3-4 different careers as their life priorities change. Never hesitate to try new challenges and learn new skills. Follow what makes you happy, knowing that what makes you happy will change as your life priorities shift.
Isida Mici
Cash Accountant
109
Answers
Tirana, Tirana County, Albania
Updated
Isida’s Answer
Hello Reese,
Your inquiry has gone into my weekly mail. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your future—most professionals didn’t have it all figured out at your age. Start by exploring what excites you, whether it’s solving problems, helping people, or creating something new. Every small step you take—like researching a role, shadowing someone, or trying a project—builds clarity over time. Actually, I am unemployed, and the successful career path for women is not easy. My background is in Finance, and I have worked in a big enterprise corporation in my country. I live in Southeastern Europe (Balkans), where the economic situation is not very favorable, like the development countries like the USA. I am aware that the tuition at universities in the USA is higher, and you need to be in debt with the government to earn a diploma in the field that you would prefer to pursue. Connections matter as much as skills. Reach out to teachers, alumni, or professionals in fields you’re curious about. A short message asking for advice can open doors. Stay updated with other peers' answers. Don't be pessimistic - Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built by trying, failing, and trying again. Every time you step outside your comfort zone, you grow. Think of skills as tools—you’re collecting them now so you’ll be ready when opportunities appear. Hope it helps. Good luck and blessings.
Your inquiry has gone into my weekly mail. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about your future—most professionals didn’t have it all figured out at your age. Start by exploring what excites you, whether it’s solving problems, helping people, or creating something new. Every small step you take—like researching a role, shadowing someone, or trying a project—builds clarity over time. Actually, I am unemployed, and the successful career path for women is not easy. My background is in Finance, and I have worked in a big enterprise corporation in my country. I live in Southeastern Europe (Balkans), where the economic situation is not very favorable, like the development countries like the USA. I am aware that the tuition at universities in the USA is higher, and you need to be in debt with the government to earn a diploma in the field that you would prefer to pursue. Connections matter as much as skills. Reach out to teachers, alumni, or professionals in fields you’re curious about. A short message asking for advice can open doors. Stay updated with other peers' answers. Don't be pessimistic - Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built by trying, failing, and trying again. Every time you step outside your comfort zone, you grow. Think of skills as tools—you’re collecting them now so you’ll be ready when opportunities appear. Hope it helps. Good luck and blessings.