9 answers
Nachanok
Student
Bangkok, Thailand
6
Questions
Updated
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What do you do when you have so many interests?
When it comes to choosing your career, most people apply to the major they're interested in, right? So how do people usually deal with many interests like you wanna be an architect and a scientist and maybe do business. Do they choose one career path, stabilize it and many engage with other interests as side gig? Or what happens when, for example, you want to do something but it requires a lot of knowledge and you can only have time for one? Share your experiences! (Not personally experiencing this, but I will eventually)
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9 answers
Sanjeev Mehta
Consulting
16
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Sanjeev’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel confused when you have so many choices. My advice is to explore as much as you can if you have the time. Things change quickly, so it helps to focus on building the skills you’ll need to succeed. Sometimes the small experiences we gain along the way teach us just as much as bigger ones, if not more.
Many successful professionals start out doing a lot on their own, which helps them learn multiple skills, manage priorities, and discover what they’re truly good at. In the long run, that kind of experience is really valuable. It also gives you a better sense of your strengths, interests, and what you enjoy — and sometimes you just won’t know until you try.
It can definitely be challenging at times, but trying different paths that interest you is often worth it in the long run.
Many successful professionals start out doing a lot on their own, which helps them learn multiple skills, manage priorities, and discover what they’re truly good at. In the long run, that kind of experience is really valuable. It also gives you a better sense of your strengths, interests, and what you enjoy — and sometimes you just won’t know until you try.
It can definitely be challenging at times, but trying different paths that interest you is often worth it in the long run.
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
145
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It's so wonderful that you're already thinking about this, and having a wide variety of passions is actually a fantastic strength, not a problem to be solved. When you have multiple interests like architecture, science, and business, you don't necessarily have to pick just one and completely lock yourself in a box for the rest of your life. Many people choose a primary path that requires a lot of specialized, formal education, like science or architecture, and then weave their other interests into it, such as managing the business side of a research lab or designing sustainable, scientifically advanced buildings. Others do exactly what you mentioned: they establish themselves in one career and pursue their other loves as deeply fulfilling side gigs, hobbies, or even second careers later in life. You'll find that as you grow, your different interests will naturally start to connect in really unique ways, making you stand out because you can think across different fields. Don't worry about having to limit yourself just yet, because the world always needs multitalented people who can bridge different worlds. Trust that you'll figure out the perfect blend when the time comes, and I wish you the absolute best of luck as you explore all the amazing things you can do!
Mahima Khurana
Support Engagement Lead (Technical Support)
6
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Mahima’s Answer
The answer you've already got covers some amazing points. I'd like to expand on the 'not forever' aspect.
One thing that's really easy to focus on is this need to have a core focus for your career, and that it's something you have to build on forever. While this may have been true at one time, it's really not the case nowadays. Being aware of your transferable skills at every step of your journey will open up so many more doors, some of which may never have even crossed your mind.
Granted, the options you've mentioned may not be the easiest to 'transfer' between, and chances are you'll need to take a step back at some point to get a second degree or other higher education qualification if you start in architecture and swing into becoming a scientist. But there will be a degree of discipline, planning, attention to detail, replicability that you'll be attuned to that can help along the way.
Essentially you could do different interests at different times. But if all your interests demand a level of education that mean you can only focus on one at a time, as Marchonie mentioned, what excites you the most today?
One thing that's really easy to focus on is this need to have a core focus for your career, and that it's something you have to build on forever. While this may have been true at one time, it's really not the case nowadays. Being aware of your transferable skills at every step of your journey will open up so many more doors, some of which may never have even crossed your mind.
Granted, the options you've mentioned may not be the easiest to 'transfer' between, and chances are you'll need to take a step back at some point to get a second degree or other higher education qualification if you start in architecture and swing into becoming a scientist. But there will be a degree of discipline, planning, attention to detail, replicability that you'll be attuned to that can help along the way.
Essentially you could do different interests at different times. But if all your interests demand a level of education that mean you can only focus on one at a time, as Marchonie mentioned, what excites you the most today?
Marchonie Derosier
IT Transformation
16
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Marchonie’s Answer
It’s very normal to have more than one big interest. A lot of students feel like, “What if I want architecture, science, and business?” The truth is: most people don’t fully do all of them at the same time. Usually, they choose one main path first, get good at it, and keep the other interests alive in smaller ways.
A good way to think about it is this:
Pick one main path for now, not forever.
Use that path to build skills, confidence, and stability.
Keep your other interests through reading, clubs, projects, internships, competitions, or side work.
You may get to a point that you may combine them in the future since you will increase in work experience over time.
For example:
someone interested in architecture + science might go into sustainable design or materials research
someone interested in science + business might work in biotech or start a company later
someone interested in architecture + business might go into real estate development or design strategy
The hard part is this: if something needs deep training, you probably can’t master three of those things at once. That’s not because you’re not capable — it’s because time is limited. So the smart move is usually to ask: which interest should get my deepest focus first?
To take the pressure off think of things this way:
You are not choosing your whole life. You are choosing your next serious step.
Fucus on
Which path needs the most training early?
Which one excites you enough to stay committed?
Which one gives you the strongest future options?
Which interests can stay as side projects for now?
Hopefully that helps!
A good way to think about it is this:
Pick one main path for now, not forever.
Use that path to build skills, confidence, and stability.
Keep your other interests through reading, clubs, projects, internships, competitions, or side work.
You may get to a point that you may combine them in the future since you will increase in work experience over time.
For example:
someone interested in architecture + science might go into sustainable design or materials research
someone interested in science + business might work in biotech or start a company later
someone interested in architecture + business might go into real estate development or design strategy
The hard part is this: if something needs deep training, you probably can’t master three of those things at once. That’s not because you’re not capable — it’s because time is limited. So the smart move is usually to ask: which interest should get my deepest focus first?
To take the pressure off think of things this way:
You are not choosing your whole life. You are choosing your next serious step.
Fucus on
Which path needs the most training early?
Which one excites you enough to stay committed?
Which one gives you the strongest future options?
Which interests can stay as side projects for now?
Hopefully that helps!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Many people think they need to choose one perfect career and stick with it forever, but that's not usually the case. Most people start with a direction that seems interesting or practical at the moment. They develop skills in that area, and their other interests don't vanish; they just appear in new ways later on.
People with multiple interests often combine or switch between them over time. For instance, someone might study business and later work in healthcare administration, or study science and move into tech design. Others might study architecture and incorporate environmental science or entrepreneurship. Some keep their interests as hobbies or side projects, while others gradually blend them into a single career as they gain more experience.
People with multiple interests often combine or switch between them over time. For instance, someone might study business and later work in healthcare administration, or study science and move into tech design. Others might study architecture and incorporate environmental science or entrepreneurship. Some keep their interests as hobbies or side projects, while others gradually blend them into a single career as they gain more experience.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
745
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Having many interests is actually a good thing. It means you are curious, open-minded, and willing to learn about different subjects. Many people enjoy several fields, such as architecture, science, business, art, or technology. However, because time and energy are limited, most people choose one main area to study or work in first. They focus on building skills, education, and experience in that field while keeping their other interests as hobbies, side projects, or subjects they learn about in their free time.
As people grow older, they often discover ways to combine their interests. For example, someone interested in architecture and business might start their own design company. A scientist who enjoys technology may work in research and innovation. Some careers are interdisciplinary, meaning they combine knowledge from multiple fields. It is also common for people to change careers or learn new skills later in life. Choosing one path now does not mean you are giving up your other interests forever.
My advice is not to worry about choosing the perfect career too early. Instead, you should explore your interests and see which ones you enjoy most over time.
As people grow older, they often discover ways to combine their interests. For example, someone interested in architecture and business might start their own design company. A scientist who enjoys technology may work in research and innovation. Some careers are interdisciplinary, meaning they combine knowledge from multiple fields. It is also common for people to change careers or learn new skills later in life. Choosing one path now does not mean you are giving up your other interests forever.
My advice is not to worry about choosing the perfect career too early. Instead, you should explore your interests and see which ones you enjoy most over time.
John Tang
Actuarial Consultant
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
John’s Answer
I agree with the earlier comments and want to add that it's normal to still be figuring things out, even later in your career. Both professional and personal interests can change over time, so it's okay not to have everything figured out. You can use what you've learned in one area and apply it to something new, which is a good thing. There's no correct answer to this journey, and it's important to keep asking for advice. Stay curious, be open to new ideas, and talk to people in fields you're interested in to learn more!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2639
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have a wide range of interest.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Firstly, you can find the careers related to your interest, e.g. architecture, science, etc. E.g. would you like to be an architect, civil engineer, zoologist, park ranger, pharmacist, phycologist, etc. Alternatively, if you like to run you own business, you can also run your architecture house, engineering company, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these industries. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, 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!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Firstly, you can find the careers related to your interest, e.g. architecture, science, etc. E.g. would you like to be an architect, civil engineer, zoologist, park ranger, pharmacist, phycologist, etc. Alternatively, if you like to run you own business, you can also run your architecture house, engineering company, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these industries. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, 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!
Cris Silva
9
Answers
Updated
Cris’s Answer
My path is a good example of this. I started as a graphic designer, got curious about web development, wanted to build things end-to-end, and became a software engineer. Each interest didn't replace the last one — it built on top of it. I wouldn't be where I am today without every single step.
So don't think of your interests as competing with each other. Think of them as a foundation you're building, one layer at a time.
And if you're scared to commit to one thing in case you "waste" the others — don't be. Curiosity is a strength. Explore what makes you feel passionate. Life is short, and learning is amazing. The skills, the mindset, the experiences you pick up along the way will connect in ways you can't predict right now.
You don't have to choose your whole life today! Just choose what excites you most right now, go deep on it, and trust that the rest will follow.
So don't think of your interests as competing with each other. Think of them as a foundation you're building, one layer at a time.
And if you're scared to commit to one thing in case you "waste" the others — don't be. Curiosity is a strength. Explore what makes you feel passionate. Life is short, and learning is amazing. The skills, the mindset, the experiences you pick up along the way will connect in ways you can't predict right now.
You don't have to choose your whole life today! Just choose what excites you most right now, go deep on it, and trust that the rest will follow.