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How did you know what job would make you happy?

I have been considering many paths to go down education-wise, but am unsure of where I should start and what would be the most fulfilling.

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Thank you comment icon I reviewed a category appeased me- science, art, buisness, Education. Start simple. I searched different healthcare jobs. Looked at outlook for degree, salary, and growth. One day, one choice, one step closer. JoNel .
Thank you comment icon Consider spinning your question around and asking yourself: how can I get paid to do things I enjoy and make me happy? Megan Nerad, CPA
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Subject: Career question for you
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Charlie’s Answer

Don't feel like your first job is where you will end your career. If you start in an industry that you thought you would like but over time realize you want to do something else, then you can always switch. Experience in most jobs transferred to other jobs even in different industries.

Priorities may change, perhaps earlier in your career traveling and working more hours is OK, but as I had a family I changed Companies to have a better balance and have a more family focus.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Katlin
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Paul’s Answer

Basically, for me, it was when I could not wait to get up and get to work in the morning.

I have a simple philosophy in life regarding career and happiness, which is:

"If you love what you are doing so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway.... then you are doing something that you are meant to do in life."
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Paul Katlin
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JoNel’s Answer

My advice is simple. Keep it simple! Make a list of subjects that interest you. Do some light research online/school. Pick 1 that sounds interesting. And make your first move. You will not know what you want until you start going down a path to determine what you like and don't like. The path becomes alive at that point. Put one foot forward. Make a choice and go with it. There is no wrong answer! The great thing about our world, we can change what we are doing as many times as we like. There is no expiration date. Honestly doing the same thing over a course of time becomes boring anyhow! This is a way to discover opportunities you would have never found without making that first choice.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Katlin
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Chirayu’s Answer

Here are some suggestions on how to determine what job would make you happy.
-Consider your interests and passions. Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time and try to find a career that aligns with those interests. Assess your skills and values. Consider what skills you have and what is important to you in a job, such as work-life balance, company culture, or opportunities for growth and development. Research different industries. Learn about different industries and the types of jobs available to get a better sense of what might interest you. Try out different jobs through internships, part-time work, or volunteer opportunities to gain a sense of what you might enjoy. Reach out to people who work in fields that interest you and ask them about their experiences and what they enjoy about their jobs. There are many career assessment test that can help you understand what fields you would be well-suited for. Ultimately, it's important to remember that finding the right job may take time and may require some experimentation. It's also important to keep in mind that job satisfaction can change over time, as your interests and goals evolve.




Regenerate response
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Katlin
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Brandy’s Answer

My path wasn't a typical start. I took a job due to necessity and the job market in my area at the time. I always knew that I had a curiosity toward technology but at the time it hadn't quite took off. (This pre-smartphone era). Once I took my entry level position I gained exposure to newer technology and started to challenge myself to learn more. This led me into taking a tech based path within my company and exploring education benefits. Now I have two degrees in information systems with a concentration in cyber security. During my education path, I continued to progress my career by taking a data analytics route which I found that I enjoyed so although I have degrees in an area that I find interesting, my career isnt in the same path but is something I still enjoy. Even though you may pick one area to start, it may not always be the one that you end up in long term. Just focus on what makes you happy and keeps your interest.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Katlin
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Nicole’s Answer

Hi Katlin! I think most of us had a time where we were struggling to figure out which path to take....and those of us that thought we had it figured out, ended up changing course at some point. For me, I was convinced I wanted to be a pediatrician growing up....I went to University of Florida and enrolled in the relevant courses (biology, chemistry, etc). I really loved UF and all of my classes.....but then I attended an autopsy and quickly realized that while I liked the book part of learning, I am completely freaked out by the thought of touching other people's blood or body parts. Yikes - obviously not a good fit for a pediatrician!! Sooo...I changed my major to Accounting for my undergrad with the intent to go to law school and become a Tax Attorney. So I continued on with my degree and the summer before I was supposed to enter law school, I took an auditing internship at Deloitte just to make money for law school, but to my surprise I realized I truly loved accounting/auditing!! So I unenrolled in law school and got my Masters in Accounting and FINALLY found my path and enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling career! The point of all of this is that it is ok not to know. Be flexible and open to different ideas. Try to network and do job shadowing and internships. Think about the things you like doing and careers that might align with that - - but also be open and don't be surprised if where you end up wasn't even in your initial thoughts. I always thought accounting/auditing would be boring and isolated, but found it was completely opposite of what I thought when I took the internship and saw what it was really like. I get to add value and make a difference every day! Good luck on your search! And enjoy the path - even if it is a little winding to get there.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Katlin
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Ashley’s Answer

I would start with considering WHAT makes you happy (is it helping others? is it making money? is it travelling?) and then work on mapping out careers that get you to that end goal. I realized STEM was not for me because, although it would have helped me help others, it would have taken a long time for me to see the effect in society. Then, I found Human Resources! I have been able to help students and young professionals create and develop their own career paths with much success and it brings me joy since I am most definitely helping others!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Katlin
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Hannah’s Answer

I currently work for a firm who litigates nursing home and medical malpractice cases. I realized what would make me happy before I started working at my current job. I have always had an interest in medicine and health. As I did research, I soon found out I could make a career out of health law. I am excited to come in and learn more about nursing home and health law, see my co-workers, and be as involved as I can be with the firm.

Do not become discouraged if you do not know what you want to do. I changed my degree three times before starting my undergraduate degree. Figuring out what makes you feel fulfilled is a journey that looks different for everyone.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Katlin
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Jonathan G.’s Answer

If you can pick a career that matches with your interests, passions, and hobbies then your have a much greater chance of being happy in your job. If that is not possible, then at least pick something that you are great at, since being good and successful at your job can increase your changes of being happy in what you are doing versus something that is a struggle or your find draining.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Katlin
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Joseph’s Answer

Katlin,
I have told many people (some on this site) that finding the perfect career for your life at an early age is not the easiest thing to do, but there is an old cliché that if you like what you do you don't "work" a day in your life. Look at your hobbies and try to think of something you can do to turn one of them into a job. For instance if it's music, become a DJ or if you live close enough to a record company or studio see if you can volunteer there or maybe they even have internships and part time jobs for students. If you can't think of how to turn your hobbies into a job, then take general studies in college to get some core classes out of the way while you try to decide what you'd like to do. I went to school for an engineering position and ended up in another field that has nothing to do with my college background. That is not unusual. The average person changes careers 3 times in a lifetime. Don;t be afraid to start something and change direction down the road. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your encouragement! Katlin
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Keith’s Answer

Happiness and success are both intrinsic (internal) measures. We determine what and when we achieve both. So, the question is better answered for yourself.

Take the time to think about a few things -
1) What do I do that I comes naturally that may be hard for others?
2) What do I do that I greatly enjoy?
3) Will your success be finite (1-time) or dynamic (changes over time)?

Once you have those answers, it can inform which field of study you pursue or if you seek education or not. Some studies say you change careers 7 times over your lifetime. The most fortunate find the job they love that leverages their natural talents and facilitates growth (personal, professional, and spritual) over your lifetime.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Katlin
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a very common questions many students have.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Identify the careers you have interest and explore more in these careers
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers.
3. Attend the information session of the college of relevant subjects. Talk the professors and alumni to acquire better understanding.
4. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
5. Find out the entry criteria of the relevant subjects and ensure your academic performance can meet the requirement.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Katlin
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Whitney’s Answer

Hi Katlin, I would start to get involved in programs based on your current interests. For example, if you think you may want to teach elementary level students, try working or volunteering at a daycare or summer camp. This will give you exposure to the field and can help you decide whether this is the right path to pursue. Then, as you proceed with your education, you can broaden or narrow your focus based on your experience in classes. Just remember, nothing is permanent when it comes to your career, so don't stress too much on where to start. The important thing is to try something, and you can always build on that experience to do something different if it's not what you expected.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Katlin
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Jill’s Answer

Greetings, Katlin - The world is full of so many opportunities. We spend a big chunk of our life working ... and naturally, we want to be valued and fulfilled.

Commit to being a lifelong learner and explore many options. Focus on your strengths, and pursue experiences which bring you joy! You'll figure out what challenges you and what demotivates you. Gravitate toward leaders and teams who inspire you and share your values. Conscientiously decide to add value to your organization and make it a great place to work. Be intentional!

Culture and employee experience matter a lot. I knew I hit the jackpot when I learned that “positive attitude” is a core value at Cohesity, along with respect, deliver, integrity and customer obsession. The company hires top talent with high expectations. My team is amazing and appreciates my efforts. I have the opportunity to learn, create, collaborate, and make an impact daily in our philanthropy efforts.
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Katlin
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