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How do I decide?
I can't decide what to do as a career... I'm passionate about many things so that makes it hard to choose just one. I love art, psychology, music, and working with people. Any advice?
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12 answers
Updated
Chandler’s Answer
A career path is not linear. You can try as many things as you want to find with you are truly passionate about. You will be in the work force for the majority of your life so you have TIME to try whatever you are passionate about. Start with one path (i.e., art), try that for a couple of years. If you are ready to move on, then move on to music! If you like working with people, make sure these paths are on teams or maybe you can try to teach! The sky is really the limit. Your career is in your hands. Talk to peers, mentors, counselors, teachers, professionals to get as much advice as possible and then do what is best for you. Your passions may change as you work through different milestones in your life. Never feel like you are stuck. Just follow your gut.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Olivia
Updated
Jill’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
If you haven't already, I would recommend taking more advanced classes in each one of these fields and seeing which one(s) you feel the most passionate about. Once you get deeper into each subject, you might have a better idea of which one you could see yourself working in for the long term. Also, I would research what type of career opportunities there are for each one and seeing which ones incorporate overall life goals that you may have in mind for yourself (financial stability, flexible work schedule, working independently/freelance). Additionally, after some researching, there may be a chance to find a career that incorporates not just one, but multiple passions. Finally, I would try to make connections, either in person or through online communities, to professionals in these fields. Building a relationship with professionals in these fields will not only help you make a better choice based on their experience and advice, but it may also open the door to future career opportunities through internships, mentorships, etc.
Good luck!
If you haven't already, I would recommend taking more advanced classes in each one of these fields and seeing which one(s) you feel the most passionate about. Once you get deeper into each subject, you might have a better idea of which one you could see yourself working in for the long term. Also, I would research what type of career opportunities there are for each one and seeing which ones incorporate overall life goals that you may have in mind for yourself (financial stability, flexible work schedule, working independently/freelance). Additionally, after some researching, there may be a chance to find a career that incorporates not just one, but multiple passions. Finally, I would try to make connections, either in person or through online communities, to professionals in these fields. Building a relationship with professionals in these fields will not only help you make a better choice based on their experience and advice, but it may also open the door to future career opportunities through internships, mentorships, etc.
Good luck!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Olivia
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
You are not limited to the following but consider entertainment/media, medicine, education, and marketing. There are many professional careers in these four areas. Take a deeper look into what role you would like. Think about the age group of people you prefer to interact with on a daily bases.
Shadowing people in these professions is a great way to learn about their roles and daily tasks. Perhaps your current school counselor has a list of alumni from your current school or other schools who are in these professions and willing to connect with you.
All best to you on your career journey!
You are not limited to the following but consider entertainment/media, medicine, education, and marketing. There are many professional careers in these four areas. Take a deeper look into what role you would like. Think about the age group of people you prefer to interact with on a daily bases.
Shadowing people in these professions is a great way to learn about their roles and daily tasks. Perhaps your current school counselor has a list of alumni from your current school or other schools who are in these professions and willing to connect with you.
All best to you on your career journey!
Thanks for the advice.
Olivia
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
It can be challenging to narrow down your career options when you have a wide range of interests and passions. One approach could be to explore different career paths and see where they intersect. For example, you could look for career opportunities that involve art and psychology, such as becoming an art therapist or a museum educator. You could also explore careers that involve working with people, such as a career counselor, a human resources professional, or a community outreach coordinator. Additionally, you could consider starting your own business that combines your interests, such as creating a music therapy program or starting an art school.
Another approach you can take is to look into roles that are not strictly related to your interests but utilize your skillset and knowledge. For example, you may be able to leverage your psychology background to work in a consulting or coaching role, or use your art skills for an advertising or marketing role.
Ultimately, the key is to be open-minded and try different things. You don't have to make a final decision right away and you can always change your mind later. It's important to consider what makes you happy, what you are good at and what you can see yourself doing for a long time.
Another approach you can take is to look into roles that are not strictly related to your interests but utilize your skillset and knowledge. For example, you may be able to leverage your psychology background to work in a consulting or coaching role, or use your art skills for an advertising or marketing role.
Ultimately, the key is to be open-minded and try different things. You don't have to make a final decision right away and you can always change your mind later. It's important to consider what makes you happy, what you are good at and what you can see yourself doing for a long time.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Olivia
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
It's really hard when you have an innate passion for a variety of things. However, career-wise, I think one of the key things that you will have to consider is the career outlook a certain industry has - whether it's bright or bleak. You have to be practical when making a decision because as we all know, the reason why you are getting a "job" is to financially support yourself (and/or your loved ones). With that said, which area might bring in more money? How comfortable do you want to live? Which industry suits your lifestyle? What's the salary range based on geographic location? There are plenty of questions to help you brainstorm while considering what job will make you happy. Choose wisely!
In my case, I love blogging and designing websites and graphics but I chose to develop a career in healthcare (nursing) because the outlook in this industry is bright, plus it pays handsomely. I started my own web hosting and design agency because this is what I like to do on the side and I consider it more of a "side hustle" for now. My goal is to have multiple income streams and not rely on a single income because I can lose this and my finances will come to a halt (at least in my own way of thinking). Also, I love helping people, and the most impact I can do to fulfill this is by becoming a nurse.
You can try to come up with short-term and long-term goals and then brainstorm ways on how you can achieve these. Goodluck!
In my case, I love blogging and designing websites and graphics but I chose to develop a career in healthcare (nursing) because the outlook in this industry is bright, plus it pays handsomely. I started my own web hosting and design agency because this is what I like to do on the side and I consider it more of a "side hustle" for now. My goal is to have multiple income streams and not rely on a single income because I can lose this and my finances will come to a halt (at least in my own way of thinking). Also, I love helping people, and the most impact I can do to fulfill this is by becoming a nurse.
You can try to come up with short-term and long-term goals and then brainstorm ways on how you can achieve these. Goodluck!
Thank you, Kimberly for the advice.
Olivia
Updated
Ehab’s Answer
A few things to consider. Take advantage of you're schools staff to see if there is a career day type program where professionals come in and speak about what their career is like you can engage with some Q&A with those speakers to learn more. Ask open ended questions so they have a chance to elaborate, such as "tell me what a typical work day is for you?"... "What are the top 3 things you like and don't like about what you do?"....."What made you choose this career, and how similar or different is it from what you expected".
Another option is to take a career test to give you some ideas on what you would do well in based on your personality. Be truthful in your answers, because there is no right or wrong answer, it just give your more accurate results if you are truthful and based on what you actually are like, not what you wish you were like or aspire to be.
Remember that in college, you have an option to go undeclared major, so that you have a chance to explore. However, this is an expensive option because these classes cost money, and it make take you longer to graduate. So you could consider going to a community college and get some core classes done as it would be a cheaper option, and then transfer to a 4 year college. However, make sure that the community college credits will transfer to your expected college before you start!
Another option is to take a career test to give you some ideas on what you would do well in based on your personality. Be truthful in your answers, because there is no right or wrong answer, it just give your more accurate results if you are truthful and based on what you actually are like, not what you wish you were like or aspire to be.
Remember that in college, you have an option to go undeclared major, so that you have a chance to explore. However, this is an expensive option because these classes cost money, and it make take you longer to graduate. So you could consider going to a community college and get some core classes done as it would be a cheaper option, and then transfer to a 4 year college. However, make sure that the community college credits will transfer to your expected college before you start!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Olivia
Updated
Heather’s Answer
I had a tough time myself. I went to college 3 times to find what I really wanted to do in my career as an adult and by the 4th time I finally knew what I wanted.... You dont need to know right now. My advice is to get a 4yr degree (in anything) so that you have something to fall back on. Go for something general if you are unsure. Something is always better than nothing.
What I ended up doing the 4th time was looking at the job market per the degree concentration I was going for and I figured out how much the annual salary was. Then I subtracted what my student loan payments would be and I asked myself is this a livable wage ? Without having to depend on ANYONE for ANYTHING was it a livable wage in the area I wanted to live in? Sometimes looking at an annual salary helps to narrow your career searches. Do a reverse search in job websites and search for any job making over 80K a year. This will give you some ideas
What I ended up doing the 4th time was looking at the job market per the degree concentration I was going for and I figured out how much the annual salary was. Then I subtracted what my student loan payments would be and I asked myself is this a livable wage ? Without having to depend on ANYONE for ANYTHING was it a livable wage in the area I wanted to live in? Sometimes looking at an annual salary helps to narrow your career searches. Do a reverse search in job websites and search for any job making over 80K a year. This will give you some ideas
Thank you so much, Heather!
Olivia
Updated
Charles’s Answer
I would ask that you list all the areas you are interested in. When listed, try as much as possible to arrange them from top to bottom in order of superior interest.
After this is done sincerely, start majoring from top of the list one day at a time.
After this is done sincerely, start majoring from top of the list one day at a time.
Thank you, Charles for the advice.
Olivia
You are most welcome Olivia, I'm glad you found my answer useful.
Charles Kweku Affedzi
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
There are some great answers here!
To add on, I think the best way to really know what might work for you is to do as much shadowing as you can in different industries. You'll never truly know if a job is a fit until you do it. However, shadowing gets you as close as possible to seeing what life in that job would really be like.
Find people in career paths that interest you and ask if you can watch them work for a day or help out with different tasks.
I'd also recommend looking into things that combine your interests. For example, a career in art or music therapy might be great for you!
There are some great answers here!
To add on, I think the best way to really know what might work for you is to do as much shadowing as you can in different industries. You'll never truly know if a job is a fit until you do it. However, shadowing gets you as close as possible to seeing what life in that job would really be like.
Find people in career paths that interest you and ask if you can watch them work for a day or help out with different tasks.
I'd also recommend looking into things that combine your interests. For example, a career in art or music therapy might be great for you!
Thank you, Jenny for the advice.
Olivia
Updated
Jaime’s Answer
For all of the things you feel passionate about, start finding people who can share with you their work experience, get that feedback, ask about challenges and gratifications about that specific job, activity, industry, that would give you the chance to narrow the different options you have to the ones which would be attractive to you at the end.
Thanks for the advice.
Olivia
Updated
Noah’s Answer
Art therapy could be a fun career for you and it differentiates you into a niche so it could be beneficial career-wise too.
Thank you so much, Noah!
Olivia
Updated
Marcus’s Answer
I would recommend writing down your goals you would like to achieve in the next five years. Being you are so passionate about many things, rank your options of career paths that you listed and now you have a plan with a timeline. A big advantage to loving music and working with people is, it might intertwine with your love for art. Pick the one you are most passionate about and pursue it first and as time pass you can determine if you would like to change career paths. Having options is a great situation to be in and whatever choice you decide to make, you will be successful. I wish you the best of luck in your journey.
Thanks for the help.
Olivia