8 answers
Amyah
Student
Rosedale, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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I have many talents and interests but I'm still not sure which ones I want to do full time as a career.
#VisualArtist #Writter #Athlete #Entrepreneur
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8 answers
Traci Fenderson
Adult Learning & Development Consultant
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Traci’s Answer
Hello Amyah!
Having a lot of interests is a good thing. When considering a career, it might be worth it to think in terms of what inspires you and what sparks your passions. When you're inspired and passionate about something, roadblocks and setbacks won't deter you. In fact, you'll become more determined to succeed. Additionally, a career in something you're inspired by or passionate about will not feel like "work" - rather, the work will feel purposeful. All the best to you!
Having a lot of interests is a good thing. When considering a career, it might be worth it to think in terms of what inspires you and what sparks your passions. When you're inspired and passionate about something, roadblocks and setbacks won't deter you. In fact, you'll become more determined to succeed. Additionally, a career in something you're inspired by or passionate about will not feel like "work" - rather, the work will feel purposeful. All the best to you!
Bridget Sherman
Senior Technical Recruiter
16
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Bridget’s Answer
Hi Amyah! It's awesome that you're such a well-rounded and multi-faceted person who has lots of talents and interests, but it's completely valid that that might make you unsure of what you want to do career-wise. There are so many career paths that it can feel overwhelming to just pick one, so it's important to remember that there are multiple great lives within you and you have the power to choose what you move towards. That said, you don't have an obligation to turn your interests into your career. You won't be able to have all of your talents and interests in one career, so instead of trying to find one career that fulfills all sides of your being, try focusing on one aspect that seems to flow through all of them. You list visual artist, writer, athlete, and entrepreneur as options. These are all roles that require creativity and ambition, so it could be worth it to think of more qualities you embody and start searching for roles that would allow you to flex those skills. Try not to stress too much about picking the "right" career. You'll have so many opportunities to rewrite your story and with your background having lots of skills and interests you can be excited knowing that you'll be well suited to lots of options!
Jason Criddle
Sales Manager
63
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Amyah,
Selecting a career is a challenging thing, especially form someone like yourself with many talents & interests. The harsh reality is that most people do not end up working in a career that perfectly aligns with their passions. In fact, many (if not the majority of people) with a college degree do not actually end up working in a job directly related to their major anyway. People evolve as do their interests. and we live in society where moving from one job to another is socially acceptable and frankly pretty normal. For example, I have a good friend who went to Law School to become an attorney which he did. However, once he got into the profession he realized that he hated it - but after all the time and money he spent to get the education he felt guilty for wanting to pursue other interests. Long story short - he now works for a large HR firm where he uses his education in employment law but doe not have to deal the the parts of being a lawyer he hated and has neve been happier. Remember that most people weave in and out of interests throughout their lives. A career may be in line with these talents and interests but if not, it should at least provide the means to allow you to pursue them.
Selecting a career is a challenging thing, especially form someone like yourself with many talents & interests. The harsh reality is that most people do not end up working in a career that perfectly aligns with their passions. In fact, many (if not the majority of people) with a college degree do not actually end up working in a job directly related to their major anyway. People evolve as do their interests. and we live in society where moving from one job to another is socially acceptable and frankly pretty normal. For example, I have a good friend who went to Law School to become an attorney which he did. However, once he got into the profession he realized that he hated it - but after all the time and money he spent to get the education he felt guilty for wanting to pursue other interests. Long story short - he now works for a large HR firm where he uses his education in employment law but doe not have to deal the the parts of being a lawyer he hated and has neve been happier. Remember that most people weave in and out of interests throughout their lives. A career may be in line with these talents and interests but if not, it should at least provide the means to allow you to pursue them.
Lindsay Kim
Dental Assistant
37
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Hi Amyah,
Great! It's always great to start of with a variety of options and narrowing them down can be really hard. I think you should look into careers that entail each of these interests/hobbies that you have. Look at what a day in the life of an artist, author, or even athlete may look at. Consider what it takes to get to that point and see if you can see yourself doing it! I think the fact that you have so many interests and talents shows that you're multifaceted and you can really do whatever you set your mind to! Choosing your career is ultimately up to you. It's best if you can shadow careers you're considering to know if it is right for you. Maybe writing sounds fun now, but an author's life can be very difficult! You want to make sure that you're up for the career.
Great! It's always great to start of with a variety of options and narrowing them down can be really hard. I think you should look into careers that entail each of these interests/hobbies that you have. Look at what a day in the life of an artist, author, or even athlete may look at. Consider what it takes to get to that point and see if you can see yourself doing it! I think the fact that you have so many interests and talents shows that you're multifaceted and you can really do whatever you set your mind to! Choosing your career is ultimately up to you. It's best if you can shadow careers you're considering to know if it is right for you. Maybe writing sounds fun now, but an author's life can be very difficult! You want to make sure that you're up for the career.
Serena Leung
International Investment Associate Director
38
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Serena’s Answer
Hi Amyah,
This is an incredibly great question to bring up -
and this was one of the biggest hurdles I faced when I was in high school and university,
as I was navigating how and where to begin my career in.
I am true believer in developing your career in an area of true interest and hopefully passion.
Since you have multiple interests, I would suggest you to list out the possible careers that incorporate each interest,
or potentially identify career that can involve more 1 interest.
Start doing some research online on what those careers offers, reach out to people in those profession and ask them on their experience,
seek internship opportunities or job shadowing to have a taste of a day in the life in your aspired career.
Pave your way to receive further education or certification that allows you to begin your career in the respective field.
If it is difficult to nail down only 1 career that satisfy your interest and passion,
it is not uncommon to have multiple career at the same time -
as long as you can manage time wisely,
you can be an athlete, a writer and an entrepreneur at the same time.
Plan ahead and make informed decisions by reaching out and researching,
good luck!
Regards,
Serena
This is an incredibly great question to bring up -
and this was one of the biggest hurdles I faced when I was in high school and university,
as I was navigating how and where to begin my career in.
I am true believer in developing your career in an area of true interest and hopefully passion.
Since you have multiple interests, I would suggest you to list out the possible careers that incorporate each interest,
or potentially identify career that can involve more 1 interest.
Start doing some research online on what those careers offers, reach out to people in those profession and ask them on their experience,
seek internship opportunities or job shadowing to have a taste of a day in the life in your aspired career.
Pave your way to receive further education or certification that allows you to begin your career in the respective field.
If it is difficult to nail down only 1 career that satisfy your interest and passion,
it is not uncommon to have multiple career at the same time -
as long as you can manage time wisely,
you can be an athlete, a writer and an entrepreneur at the same time.
Plan ahead and make informed decisions by reaching out and researching,
good luck!
Regards,
Serena
Dhara Lakhani
Empowerment and Balance Coach
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Dhara’s Answer
Hi Amyah -
This is a great question and honestly, I don't think we ever really find the ultimate answer. As humans, we naturally are multi-faceted and have so many talents, interests and passions.
When thinking about your career - there is one thing I like to say: your career should give you happiness, but it should not BE your happiness. Truthfully, finding a career that will be fulfilling really comes with understanding yourself and what drives you - what are you values - not necessarily talents or interests. Your talents and interests are definitely important aspects of life, but sometimes we confuse hobbies with career options!
You're going to be spending a lot of time at work or thinking about work, and aligning yourself and finding a career that speaks to your identity, your values, and your purpose will help you feel more fulfilled in the long run. And also, don't feel like you have to have it correct the first time!! Lots of people go through different career changes (including myself!).
There is also this article below that I love to share!
https://hbr.org/2020/11/what-you-should-follow-instead-of-your-passion
This is a great question and honestly, I don't think we ever really find the ultimate answer. As humans, we naturally are multi-faceted and have so many talents, interests and passions.
When thinking about your career - there is one thing I like to say: your career should give you happiness, but it should not BE your happiness. Truthfully, finding a career that will be fulfilling really comes with understanding yourself and what drives you - what are you values - not necessarily talents or interests. Your talents and interests are definitely important aspects of life, but sometimes we confuse hobbies with career options!
You're going to be spending a lot of time at work or thinking about work, and aligning yourself and finding a career that speaks to your identity, your values, and your purpose will help you feel more fulfilled in the long run. And also, don't feel like you have to have it correct the first time!! Lots of people go through different career changes (including myself!).
There is also this article below that I love to share!
https://hbr.org/2020/11/what-you-should-follow-instead-of-your-passion
Enael Garrido
Human Capital Consulting
2
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Enael’s Answer
Hi Amyah!
Do not fret... I'm 33 and still going through the same doubts :)
One thing to consider is "what would you do even if they didn't pay your for it?".
Answering this question will help you prioritize the things that you feel the most passionate about.
Are you very artistic and would draw for free?
Do you love numbers and can help your classmates with their math problems?
Do you like to code and can spend a whole afternoon trying to create some new code?
I feel just like you - I love reading, numbers, psychology, and many other things.... but it was until I realized that I was passionate about solving problems that had "people" at the core of the problem that I decided to be a Human Capital consultant.
So don't worry about not knowing now, just keep working on what "makes you tick".
Do not fret... I'm 33 and still going through the same doubts :)
One thing to consider is "what would you do even if they didn't pay your for it?".
Answering this question will help you prioritize the things that you feel the most passionate about.
Are you very artistic and would draw for free?
Do you love numbers and can help your classmates with their math problems?
Do you like to code and can spend a whole afternoon trying to create some new code?
I feel just like you - I love reading, numbers, psychology, and many other things.... but it was until I realized that I was passionate about solving problems that had "people" at the core of the problem that I decided to be a Human Capital consultant.
So don't worry about not knowing now, just keep working on what "makes you tick".
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
In general, I would go to the department of labor's website (https://www.dol.gov/) and see which fields are growing quickly these days. If you're drawing a blank on what you'd like to do, see if any of the fast growing fields call out to you. This will give you a lot more structure than trying to get a vague sense of your passions and trying to brainstorm a way to turn it into money. Most people don't have a passion that they are aware of right away. Also, passions tend to change from season to season. Lastly, look at videos on YouTube of people in their careers talking about what they love and hate. See if any of their descriptions sound like a good fit for you. It's just as important to figure out if you can deal with the downsides of a job as it is to figure out what you'd love about a job.