4 answers
Jennifer
Student
Lahore, Punjab
1
Question
Updated
1296 views
What shout I do?
I have given my exams of FSc (medical). After this, my college is almost done, the only thing I'm worried about is my next step. My parents want me to do nursing and I was ok with this but now that I think about it, I don't feel like I want to do it. Even now, I tell myself if I do it, I will gradually got interested in it but on the other hand, I also wanna do something that I like. The most worrying thing is I don't know. I don't know what I want to do? And it's really hard.
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4 answers
Frank Pconka
Deal Desk
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hey Jennifer, I think this is a great first step. The way you are thinking about this is great, and if you cant see yourself as a nurse, maybe look into other options in the medical field that fit your interests. I remember when I graduated school for Sales and Marketing, I was in such a tough position because the question I had was "What do I want to sell?". I went into selling recruiting services for a staffing agency, and I hated it. I then went into Tech, and also did not excel in that. I ended up joining the finance team of a tech company where I help sales people with pricing proposals and positioning our products as we see fit based on information from customer. My point? I didn't end up doing what I went to school for, but ended up in a similar position, working with people who ARE doing what I went to college for. So maybe you dont want to be a nurse, maybe you want to sell medical equipment to hospitals (I have seen alot of nurses go into medical device sales hence my reference), but all that to say, you dont need to have it figured out right away. One final note. I always respected my parents advice, and what they thought was best for me, but at the end of the day, they are not me. They will not carry the burden of choosing a career that doesn't make you happy, you will. So talk to them, try to get on the same page and let them know what makes you happy or what doesnt. And if you do choose nursing? Thats fine too! Maybe you do it for a year, hate it, and move on. But maybe you love it? There is only ever one way to find out, and thats to try! Also remember you are young, and you have a lot more time than you think. Try not to stress yourself out too much. You got this!
Laura Gray
Sonography
12
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Laura’s Answer
I think this is actually very common right after you’ve finished a structured path, and now suddenly you’re expected to make a “big life decision” without having enough real exposure to options. “I don’t know” is a valid starting point. Not knowing what you want right now doesn’t mean you’re confused or behind. It usually means you haven’t had enough experience with different fields to form a real preference yet. Your decision does not have to be final, ya know?
I don’t think you should rely on “I’ll get interested later,” that sometimes happens, but it’s not a strong enough reason by itself to commit to the years of training it takes plus the rest of your life.
A better question is: Do I have even a small genuine curiosity or respect for nursing work now? Can I tolerate the reality of it (shift work, emotional stress, patient care intensity), not just the idea of it?
It is hard but you will make a great choice for YOU.
Shadow different medical professionals and see if you can find anything you are truly passionate about
I don’t think you should rely on “I’ll get interested later,” that sometimes happens, but it’s not a strong enough reason by itself to commit to the years of training it takes plus the rest of your life.
A better question is: Do I have even a small genuine curiosity or respect for nursing work now? Can I tolerate the reality of it (shift work, emotional stress, patient care intensity), not just the idea of it?
It is hard but you will make a great choice for YOU.
Laura recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Laura! I really appreciate your kind words. That's ture I am a little scared but your words open a tangle of my thoughts and now I'll try to make a right decision for me.
Jennifer
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
104
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi, Jennifer, and thank you for sharing your concerns with us. Laura has given you excellent advice. To add / reiterate:
- If you haven't already, ask your parents why they think nursing is such a good match for you. They may see something in you that you don't see yet. Or the conversation may reveal something they haven't seen yet that will change their advice.
- If your college has a career advising center, use their resources, such as career matching tests or in-person counselors.
- If you are not under financial pressure to pay back student loans right away, take a job in a hospital or medical practice where you could observe different jobs on a day-to-day basis and see what you like and dislike. In the US, many students take a gap year between college and med school as medical scribes or related jobs.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
- If you haven't already, ask your parents why they think nursing is such a good match for you. They may see something in you that you don't see yet. Or the conversation may reveal something they haven't seen yet that will change their advice.
- If your college has a career advising center, use their resources, such as career matching tests or in-person counselors.
- If you are not under financial pressure to pay back student loans right away, take a job in a hospital or medical practice where you could observe different jobs on a day-to-day basis and see what you like and dislike. In the US, many students take a gap year between college and med school as medical scribes or related jobs.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Thank you, Martha D.! I'm gonna do my best and will find my path. The path I'm happy to walk on.
Jennifer
Karen Doan
Marketing
12
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hi Jennifer, what you’re feeling is far more common than you might think. Most people don’t have their entire career figured out when they finish school, despite what it may seem like from the outside 😊.
It’s completely understandable that you want to honour your parents’ wishes. I grew up with immigrant parents and can understand the pressures of your parents wanting you to go into a medical field. Your parents (and I may be wrong) are likely want nursing because they see it as a stable, respected profession with good opportunities. There’s nothing wrong with considering their advice seriously. However, this is your life and your career. You will be the one waking up every day to do the work, not your parents.
One thing I’ve learnt from my years of working and also speaking with professionals across many industries is that long-term success rarely comes from forcing yourself into a career you don’t enjoy. The people who thrive tend to find work that aligns with their interests, strengths, and values. It doesn’t mean they love every day, but their work feels meaningful rather than a constant chore.
At the same time, don’t put pressure on yourself to have the perfect answer right now. The fact that you don’t know what you want to do is not a problem. It’s simply a sign that you need more exploration before making a decision.
Instead of asking, “What career should I choose for the rest of my life?” try asking:
- What subjects or activities genuinely interest me?
- What kind of lifestyle do I want in the future?
- Do I enjoy working with people, data, technology, business, creativity, or healthcare?
- What careers can I learn more about before committing?
If you’re unsure about nursing, see if you can talk to nurses, shadow someone in the profession, or volunteer in a healthcare setting. The same goes for any other field that catches your interest. Real world exposure is often the fastest way to discover what feels right and what doesn’t. I’d also leverage the career village community and ask people who work in professions you’re interested or looking at.
At the end of the day you should be respectful of your parents’ perspective, but don’t ignore your own voice. A successful career isn’t just one that pays the bills; it’s one that allows you to use your strengths, grow as a person, and build a life you enjoy. Give yourself permission to explore before you commit.
All the best Jennifer! I’d love to hear in the future what you end up doing.
It’s completely understandable that you want to honour your parents’ wishes. I grew up with immigrant parents and can understand the pressures of your parents wanting you to go into a medical field. Your parents (and I may be wrong) are likely want nursing because they see it as a stable, respected profession with good opportunities. There’s nothing wrong with considering their advice seriously. However, this is your life and your career. You will be the one waking up every day to do the work, not your parents.
One thing I’ve learnt from my years of working and also speaking with professionals across many industries is that long-term success rarely comes from forcing yourself into a career you don’t enjoy. The people who thrive tend to find work that aligns with their interests, strengths, and values. It doesn’t mean they love every day, but their work feels meaningful rather than a constant chore.
At the same time, don’t put pressure on yourself to have the perfect answer right now. The fact that you don’t know what you want to do is not a problem. It’s simply a sign that you need more exploration before making a decision.
Instead of asking, “What career should I choose for the rest of my life?” try asking:
- What subjects or activities genuinely interest me?
- What kind of lifestyle do I want in the future?
- Do I enjoy working with people, data, technology, business, creativity, or healthcare?
- What careers can I learn more about before committing?
If you’re unsure about nursing, see if you can talk to nurses, shadow someone in the profession, or volunteer in a healthcare setting. The same goes for any other field that catches your interest. Real world exposure is often the fastest way to discover what feels right and what doesn’t. I’d also leverage the career village community and ask people who work in professions you’re interested or looking at.
At the end of the day you should be respectful of your parents’ perspective, but don’t ignore your own voice. A successful career isn’t just one that pays the bills; it’s one that allows you to use your strengths, grow as a person, and build a life you enjoy. Give yourself permission to explore before you commit.
All the best Jennifer! I’d love to hear in the future what you end up doing.
Hi Karen, I talked with my mother last night. She said that, she wants me to have a stable life. I know there are plenty of things she knows better then me and I will take part in medical field. Of course, I will work there and find it myself if I'm comfortable and enjoy that profession. If not, then I'll join the field that I find interesting. I'm sure my parents will support me. Because its me who is gonna work. Thank you for answering my question. I will surely tell you in what field I end up.
Jennifer
That’s so good to hear Jennifer. Open communication is the best and I’m glad you were able to talk to your mum. 😊
Karen Doan