2 answers
3
Asked 527 views

at 18 what can i do if idk if college is for me/don't know what career I want?

I think that college isnt really for everyone and my mom has been constantly talking about my older cousins who graduated as plastic surgeons. I dont really have a passion for medical/health careers . My strongest subject in highschool was journalism , where I use Canva to creating fake magazines and ads for companies like Pepsi or NYX. tbh, rn I'm learning how to do basic CSS/HTML, video editing, making Roblox assets. and I spent most of my highschool years on social media. But when picking a major or even a career, I hesitate because I just don't know what I want rn. Idk if I should stay in community college for another year (I'm freshman) or transfer straight to a far away college to avoid my parents.

idk, I just don't feel like I'm having any options: transfer or drop out. also here are some side hustles I tried when I graduated but they sorta failed. e-commerce was hard bc every week a new product would rise and fall + ads were expensive, day trading was calm bc it depended on me and no one else but I had a 45% wr. I tried to learn about freelance brand scaleing bc it seemed similar to making stuff with Canva but quit cus I was confused. then I started doing freelance graphic design. I was super cautious bc of scams and one time I refused an actual client who offered $200. I tried doing clipping for streamers which paid a little but I enjoyed it. I tried getting into memecoins but they're very volatile and I couldnt tell which coins were trustworthy. I sometimes get very unique dreams and I kinda wanna turn it into a video game?

also, another thing that might help me know what to do... apps on my phone. I have Roblox.sims, depop, Netflix, Instagram/TikTok, YouTube, capcut, Canva,discord, Pinterest my love, Uber. bank apps. ig that's it. if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it! <3

career-path freshman confusedstudent drop-out
Thank you comment icon Hello Favours, Your inquiry has gone through 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. From my international perspective, the Gen Z in my country faces the same challenges - they are uncertain regarding their future. 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. Celebrate small wins, like finishing a project or speaking up in class, because those moments add up to big growth. The college gives you more discipline to organize better. Please stay updated with my peer's advice. Hope it helps. May the blessing follow you always. Isida Mici
Answer This
3

2 answers

1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Madeline’s Answer

Hi Favour!

First of all, I want to acknowledge that it is completely normal to feel uncertain about your career direction at 18. Many students at the transition from high school to college are still exploring who they are and what they want to do. Even college students and adults often continue to refine their career paths over time. Not having a clear answer right now does not mean you are failing—it simply means you are in the process of figuring things out.

It’s also very positive that you are aware of your own feelings toward different career fields. For example, hearing about your family members in healthcare helped you recognize that medical and health-related careers may not be the right fit for you. That kind of self-awareness is actually an important strength in career exploration.

From what you shared, it also seems like you are naturally drawn to creative and digital spaces—such as social media, design tools like Canva, video editing, and platforms like Roblox. These interests can be meaningful indicators of potential career directions in areas such as digital media, content creation, graphic design, game design, or other creative technology-related fields.

Instead of focusing on whether college is “right or wrong,” it may be more helpful to explore whether your current academic path is helping you build skills that align with your interests. Community college can be a great starting point, especially if you are still exploring different directions. You can also speak with an academic advisor about transfer options and courses that may better support skills in areas like digital media, communication, or technology.

Most importantly, try not to rush the decision. Career development is a gradual process, and it is normal for your interests to evolve over time. You are already doing the right thing by exploring different experiences and reflecting on what you enjoy. Keep paying attention to what feels engaging to you—that is often where clearer direction begins to emerge.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Favour
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Misha’s Answer

Hi Favour! Here are some thoughts offered via Cloudera new hires: Alex, Dylan, and Irvan

Learning is *incredibly* important, but formal education may not always be the best way to achieve it (changing fast due to AI). Find low-stakes ways to try different paths and spaces (free online bootcamps, makerspaces, clubs, community college, city/county continuing education…) and see what suits you.

RESEARCH and decide whether or not the opportunity cost of attending college is worth it depending on the field that you are interested in and then take next steps based on the identified path.
Thank you comment icon ty I'll look into that! also, what is cloudera? Favour
Thank you comment icon Hi Favour, Cloudera is the organization that I work for! We are a tech company that handles big data. We are a global, hybrid data and AI platform company that brings AI to data anywhere: in clouds, data centers, and at the edge. Misha D'Andrea
1