5 answers
Ava
Student
Illinois, IL
1
Question
Asked
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How do you know what occupation is right for you?
I am very good at and like a lot of different things and have been confused on which road a should take . I don't want a boring nine to five job. I want something I can have fun with and enjoy on a day to day basis.
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5 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
392
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
To be honest, you can't know ahead of time. You can make an educated guess based on your experiences to date, but that's about it.
College is a great way to explore. In fact, it's one of the main reasons you go to college. Your first year or two, you can take a lot of "Intro to X" classes, and get a feel for different areas. It helps if you have some idea, like engineering vs. fine arts, but it's not a requirement.
Next, you are not necessarily locked into a path for eternity. I majored in theatre, then worked in retail, education, and the travel industry, all before settling into IT, where I've been for almost 25 years now. You ARE allowed to switch careers. There are pros and cons, of course, but that's true for everything.
I work a 9-5 job (well, more like a 7a-3:30a job), and I love it. It's challenging, I work with great people, and I like what we do. It is CERATINLY not boring. But as they say, your mileage may vary.
Consider joining some LinkedIn groups to meet people in various fields. Many folk like to talk about their work. You may be able to talk to them about what their jobs are like, what is good/bad, etc. This may help you get a feel for where you may want to go.
College is a great way to explore. In fact, it's one of the main reasons you go to college. Your first year or two, you can take a lot of "Intro to X" classes, and get a feel for different areas. It helps if you have some idea, like engineering vs. fine arts, but it's not a requirement.
Next, you are not necessarily locked into a path for eternity. I majored in theatre, then worked in retail, education, and the travel industry, all before settling into IT, where I've been for almost 25 years now. You ARE allowed to switch careers. There are pros and cons, of course, but that's true for everything.
I work a 9-5 job (well, more like a 7a-3:30a job), and I love it. It's challenging, I work with great people, and I like what we do. It is CERATINLY not boring. But as they say, your mileage may vary.
Consider joining some LinkedIn groups to meet people in various fields. Many folk like to talk about their work. You may be able to talk to them about what their jobs are like, what is good/bad, etc. This may help you get a feel for where you may want to go.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Ava
ANDI SANDEN
AZ2, US NAVY
47
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
ANDI’s Answer
I'd start with a Career Aptitude Test... a test that helps you hone in on your areas of skill and/or interest. A test like this can show you which fields may best suit you and may begin to steer you in the right direction.
A second step would be to take the "year off" after graduation to explore a few entry level jobs before deciding which field to jump into college or trade school for, or before going straight into the "real" work force or military.
If you are truly lost, a third option may to be to speak with a military recruiter and/or to take the ASVAB which is just a Career Aptitude Test for the military that helps them decide which jobs you qualify for before enlistment. The military has a plethora of options ranging from aircraft and vehicle maintenance, to dental hygenists, to cooks, to cryptologists, to xray techs. A simple 4-yr contract may give you the aid you need to attend college afterwards or drive you towards a career field you choose.
A second step would be to take the "year off" after graduation to explore a few entry level jobs before deciding which field to jump into college or trade school for, or before going straight into the "real" work force or military.
If you are truly lost, a third option may to be to speak with a military recruiter and/or to take the ASVAB which is just a Career Aptitude Test for the military that helps them decide which jobs you qualify for before enlistment. The military has a plethora of options ranging from aircraft and vehicle maintenance, to dental hygenists, to cooks, to cryptologists, to xray techs. A simple 4-yr contract may give you the aid you need to attend college afterwards or drive you towards a career field you choose.
Scott M
Entrepreneur | Senior Sales Executive
34
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hi Ava, it's great that you're exploring your career options and looking for something that truly ignites your passion. Finding the right occupation can take time and effort, but it's definitely worth it in the end.
To start, take some time to identify your passions. What are the things that you truly enjoy doing? Make a list of all the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Then, assess your skills and talents. What are you naturally good at? What skills have you developed over time through your education or work experience?
It's also important to consider your values. Think about the values that are important to you, and what kind of work aligns with those values. What kind of work makes you feel fulfilled and satisfied?
Once you have a good sense of your passions, skills, and values, it's time to research different career options. Look up different careers that align with your interests and values. Talk to people who work in those fields to get a sense of what the job is really like on a day-to-day basis.
If you're still unsure, consider trying out different occupations through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. This will give you firsthand experience of what the job entails, and help you make a more informed decision.
Remember, finding the right occupation takes time and patience. Don't be afraid to explore different paths and take risks. You never know where your journey will take you, but with a little bit of effort and dedication, you'll be sure to find a career that's perfect for you. Good luck!
To start, take some time to identify your passions. What are the things that you truly enjoy doing? Make a list of all the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Then, assess your skills and talents. What are you naturally good at? What skills have you developed over time through your education or work experience?
It's also important to consider your values. Think about the values that are important to you, and what kind of work aligns with those values. What kind of work makes you feel fulfilled and satisfied?
Once you have a good sense of your passions, skills, and values, it's time to research different career options. Look up different careers that align with your interests and values. Talk to people who work in those fields to get a sense of what the job is really like on a day-to-day basis.
If you're still unsure, consider trying out different occupations through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. This will give you firsthand experience of what the job entails, and help you make a more informed decision.
Remember, finding the right occupation takes time and patience. Don't be afraid to explore different paths and take risks. You never know where your journey will take you, but with a little bit of effort and dedication, you'll be sure to find a career that's perfect for you. Good luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question.
Agreed that it would be really terrible if you work on a job you have no interest for 8-10 everyday. Have you ever thought about what you have interest?
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about your interest and identify the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in music, would you like to be a musician, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Agreed that it would be really terrible if you work on a job you have no interest for 8-10 everyday. Have you ever thought about what you have interest?
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about your interest and identify the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in music, would you like to be a musician, singer, music composer, music producer, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and identify what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 career you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
203
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Ava!
You might've heard this a lot before, but it's worth repeating.
You cannot predict or plan the future.
Not everyone knows which job they want to do.
A lot of adults don't know what type of work "works" for them. Our needs, wants, and dreams evolve over time. As that's the nature of life.
I wouldn't try to plan your entire future. Instead, I suggest planning your life from Now to the next Two Years.
Why?
Well, it's pointless to think and stress about something you cannot see.
It Also:
- Gives you more room for growth in developing skills over a measurable time frame.
- Provides more space to explore what you want from this stage in your life right now.
- Allows you to control your life, not letting what you can't control [the Economy, the ambiguous Future] control your emotions and well-being.
To start, I suggest these steps:
1. Learn more about yourself.
What 𝘥𝘰 you like and dislike? Why? What can you imagine doing everyday? What kind of lifestyle do you want to live two years from now?
2. Write down ideas of stuff to do.
Again: What do you want to do right now?
Is it to help people? Help animals? Start a business? Learn to program, make friends, write, build something?
What kind of people, animals, business, programs, friends, crafts, etc do you want to make?
Be specific.
3. Form a plan of action.
You can start off with weekly, monthly, and yearly goals.
There's a lot of templates available you can use to write down goals digitally or on paper. Regardless of what you use, keep Intrinsic Motivation in mind.
Your goals should come from yourself.
Not from your family, your classmates, friends, teachers, or stranger. 𝘠𝘰𝘶.
Have a personal drive.
[ For example: if you're interested in the environment, an example goal could be to learn more about environmental science.
That may involve reading books, volunteering, or getting a part-time job working for something Environmental related.
You don't want to take a job just because "someone else said so." Make sure it's something YOU want to do, and that it benefits your exploration ].
Find a way to keep track of your progress on your journey.
Once you form a plan...
The last step is to start.
That's the hardest part.
But if you can do that, you'll learn more about yourself and find the road that works best for you.
Sending you support as you learn more about what's right for you :)
You might've heard this a lot before, but it's worth repeating.
You cannot predict or plan the future.
Not everyone knows which job they want to do.
A lot of adults don't know what type of work "works" for them. Our needs, wants, and dreams evolve over time. As that's the nature of life.
I wouldn't try to plan your entire future. Instead, I suggest planning your life from Now to the next Two Years.
Why?
Well, it's pointless to think and stress about something you cannot see.
It Also:
- Gives you more room for growth in developing skills over a measurable time frame.
- Provides more space to explore what you want from this stage in your life right now.
- Allows you to control your life, not letting what you can't control [the Economy, the ambiguous Future] control your emotions and well-being.
To start, I suggest these steps:
1. Learn more about yourself.
What 𝘥𝘰 you like and dislike? Why? What can you imagine doing everyday? What kind of lifestyle do you want to live two years from now?
2. Write down ideas of stuff to do.
Again: What do you want to do right now?
Is it to help people? Help animals? Start a business? Learn to program, make friends, write, build something?
What kind of people, animals, business, programs, friends, crafts, etc do you want to make?
Be specific.
3. Form a plan of action.
You can start off with weekly, monthly, and yearly goals.
There's a lot of templates available you can use to write down goals digitally or on paper. Regardless of what you use, keep Intrinsic Motivation in mind.
Your goals should come from yourself.
Not from your family, your classmates, friends, teachers, or stranger. 𝘠𝘰𝘶.
Have a personal drive.
[ For example: if you're interested in the environment, an example goal could be to learn more about environmental science.
That may involve reading books, volunteering, or getting a part-time job working for something Environmental related.
You don't want to take a job just because "someone else said so." Make sure it's something YOU want to do, and that it benefits your exploration ].
Find a way to keep track of your progress on your journey.
Once you form a plan...
The last step is to start.
That's the hardest part.
But if you can do that, you'll learn more about yourself and find the road that works best for you.
Sending you support as you learn more about what's right for you :)