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What career should I go with?

For the past couple of months I have trouble figuring out what I should do with the rest of my life. I chose things that will make me a lot money but I would not be very good at it, and I just need help I'm 19 in College for something that does not make me happy. I need help. #career #college

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Melisa’s Answer

Hi Jessica,

Great question and it’s interesting. I majored in Music my first two years of college, but then completed my BA in Organizational Management. I’m now in a career I love in Corporate Social Responsibility and helping connect our employees to programs and opportunities that help others and make a difference our world. I still use what I learned in my music education on the side, as a hobby and to serve as a volunteer musician.

When choosing a career, you may find happiness if your career is also something you love doing. As Rebecca shared in her answer, think about something that is meaningful and interesting to you as well.

One of my cousins once shared with me that she didn’t choose her current career, but her parents and others encouraged her to take this job. While she finds her job rewarding at times, she is truly not happy. I remember feeling bad for her that she felt stuck in this job now, but I told her it doesn’t have to be the case forever.

It may take some time to find your "dream job" but often, trying out different types of opportunities you come across can help you decide what you do and don't like.

Here’s a link to an older article, but I still think it is helpful. It’s about asking yourself these questions to find your own Career Sweet Spot.
1. What brings you joy?
2. What are you great at?
3. What will people pay you, enough, to do?

Article Link:
http://developmentcrossroads.com/2012/08/3-questions-to-find-your-career-sweet-spot/

Best wishes for success in your education and career goals.

career college

Melisa recommends the following next steps:

Seek out a mentor or individual in a career that interests you and learn more about their job, what they like, dislike about it. Consider a job shadow day.
Here’s another approach to “Finding the work you were meant to do.” https://blog.ed.ted.com/2016/05/10/7-ideas-about-finding-the-work-you-were-meant-to-do/
Keep asking great questions.
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Rebecca’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

I think a more manageable way of approaching this thought is not to think about what you're going to do with the rest of your life, but rather what is meaningful to you? What is interesting to you? I think it can get really overwhelming to think you need to figure out your whole life at 19 and it is pretty much impossible to know what is the right answer. (There also are many right answers!) I think you could begin by asking yourself "what makes me happy?" "what subjects are interesting to me?" "what are my strengths?". These are some initial guiding questions to give yourself a framework for choosing a job or a career path that will make you feel satisfied. Happy to continue this discussion, but this should be a necessary starting place!
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Nicole’s Answer

Great question Jessica! You already have some great advice from Rebecca and Melisa but I thought I might add on. Rebecca's advice about finding what you love is perfect. Trust that wealth will come if you invest your time in spaces that are meaningful and important to you. You may even find that the wealth comes in ways that aren't financial :)

When I was 19, I wanted to teach school and help foreign students learn English......that turned into a career as an architect and I couldn't be happier. As someone who spends her day explaining super technical topics to business users, I've been able to incorporate my love for education and foreign language (programming languages) into what I consider to be a very successful career.

Pick the thing you enjoy the most in life.....and just pursue it! When you start and where you end will likely be different but that's OK. The best way to get anywhere, is to take the first step :)

Best wishes to you!
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Rochelle’s Answer

You’ve gotten excellent advice thus far. Let me add a bit of my own thoughts on your situation. I’ve changed careers 3 times already. Why? Based on what I was good at and the jobs available. With all those changes my first degree only managed to get me my first job.

Focus on a degree that highlights your strengths. Something you enjoy and can excel in, later as you find yourself at work you can always explore certifications and courses to acquire new or specialized skills.
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