9 answers
Lep
Student
Carlisle, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
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How do I find a job that I want im lost on what to pursue in my career and I feel like its getting too late and that im running out out of time?
Time out of your days are really important to use for such interests that you like
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9 answers
Patrick Figaro
Manufacturing & IT
18
Answers
Springfield, Missouri
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
First, consider what captures your interest the most - are there specific school subjects or hobbies that bring you joy? You might want to try an online career assessment or seek input from your family and friends about what they believe suits you well. The key is to discover something you truly enjoy. Once you've identified the field, explore the necessary requirements for that job, such as education, certifications, or apprenticeships. Contemplate where you'd like to live and whether that career is available there. Additionally, assess if the financial aspects of that career align with the lifestyle you desire. Ultimately, the goal is to find a fulfilling and happiness-inducing path for yourself.
Take career assessment online
Ask family and friends for suggestions
Patrick recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Lep
Daniel Bender
Director
3
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
I understand that it can be overwhelming to figure out what you want to pursue in your career, especially if you feel like you're running out of time. However, it's important to remember that it's never too late to make a change and pursue a career that you're passionate about.
To start, I would recommend taking some time to reflect on your interests, skills, and values. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What's important to you in a job or career? This can help you to identify potential career paths that align with your strengths and interests.
You can also consider taking career assessments or working with a career counselor to help you explore your options and identify potential career paths. Networking with professionals in fields that interest you can also be helpful, as it can give you a better understanding of what a particular job or industry is really like. You may find out that some jobs you thought you were interested in have requirements or expectations that you did not know about.
Finally, it's important to be open to new experiences and to be willing to take risks and try new things. You may need to start in an entry-level position or take on a role that's outside of your comfort zone in order to gain experience and build your skills. But with hard work and dedication, you can work your way up and find success in a career that you're passionate about.
Remember, finding the right career path takes time and effort, but it's worth it in the end. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things, and don't give up on your dreams.
To start, I would recommend taking some time to reflect on your interests, skills, and values. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What's important to you in a job or career? This can help you to identify potential career paths that align with your strengths and interests.
You can also consider taking career assessments or working with a career counselor to help you explore your options and identify potential career paths. Networking with professionals in fields that interest you can also be helpful, as it can give you a better understanding of what a particular job or industry is really like. You may find out that some jobs you thought you were interested in have requirements or expectations that you did not know about.
Finally, it's important to be open to new experiences and to be willing to take risks and try new things. You may need to start in an entry-level position or take on a role that's outside of your comfort zone in order to gain experience and build your skills. But with hard work and dedication, you can work your way up and find success in a career that you're passionate about.
Remember, finding the right career path takes time and effort, but it's worth it in the end. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things, and don't give up on your dreams.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Lep
Sara Porras
School Counselor
15
Answers
Avon, Ohio
Updated
Sara’s Answer
The beauty of life is that you will change and adapt no matter what. It would be nice to have an idea what you want your career to be before college, but even people who start positive on something may change halfway through college (like me) or halfway through life (Again, like me). Make lists of everything - hobbies, goals, what you hate, what are your favorite aspects of school, are you a morning or evening person, do like to be inside our outside, do you like teamwork or independent work, do you want to work with your hands or your whole body, etc. At this point it is just as important to be aware of what you Don't want as a way to discern what you do want.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Lep - all of the previous answers are really good, but I would like to expand a little on Sara's answer. It sounds like you are feeling a lot of pressure now, but you don't have to make a career decision today that will be unchangeable. As you gain maturity and work experience, what you want may change. Then you could go into a different aspect of the profession or different type of role within it. We tend to think of professions as one thing, e.g., doctor, lawyer, architect, etc. But your experience within a profession can vary significantly based on the subspecialty and where you work. For example, being a dermatologist is very different from being an emergency room doctor or being a lawyer in a company is different from being a lawyer in a firm.
Or the whole profession itself may change, which you may or may not like. Similarly, you may learn about a whole new profession that will allow you to use your skills in a different way. For example, I love to write and have done so as a newsletter writer, tutor, policy analyst, grant maker, curriculum developer and more.
As Sara said, it is fine if you change what you want and what you do as you progress in your career. But, when you make a change, be clear with yourself why e.g., to gain experience in a different area, learn new content, broaden your understanding of your field or whatever. And if you end up not liking the change, be clear with yourself what you don't like so you don't make the same mistake twice as you seek a better fit. And, if the profession or your job changes - as they most likely will - be confident that you will adapt or find a different role. Good luck!
Or the whole profession itself may change, which you may or may not like. Similarly, you may learn about a whole new profession that will allow you to use your skills in a different way. For example, I love to write and have done so as a newsletter writer, tutor, policy analyst, grant maker, curriculum developer and more.
As Sara said, it is fine if you change what you want and what you do as you progress in your career. But, when you make a change, be clear with yourself why e.g., to gain experience in a different area, learn new content, broaden your understanding of your field or whatever. And if you end up not liking the change, be clear with yourself what you don't like so you don't make the same mistake twice as you seek a better fit. And, if the profession or your job changes - as they most likely will - be confident that you will adapt or find a different role. Good luck!
Colleen Randol
Asst. Store Mgr.
1
Answer
Wichita Falls, Texas
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
I personally would gravitate towards the things that you are interested in. If undecided then make a list of options and see what you think is best for you. I hope this is find your way to a good career.
I, personally, would gravitate towards what interests me the most. If undecided then make a list of options and see which carries the most of your interests.
Colleen recommends the following next steps:
Tony Rosselli
Sales
9
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Lep,
First off, you 'are not running out of time'.
You are young and in the prime of your youth. You don't need to have it all figured out just yet. Many people became successful late in their years.
Example: I know a well-known (and he was a family friend) man who failed at a bunch of businesses before he became successful, even failing at a dry-cleaners which he opened (how does one fail at dry-cleaning?). One of his hobbies was to cook, and cook seafood. At 65 years old, he opened up his restaurant and it became one of the top grossing restaurants in the nation - like #3 in the USA in terms of Revenue. All of this came about, not because of his experience, or business acumen - it came about from a hobby.
You are not running out of time. Get to college or trade school, and if you don't know what to study (because you don't know what you like to be) take something that will help you down the road - like Finance, Accounting, Marketing etc. you can use these skills in whatever line of work you choose.
Hang in there. Live your life and look for things / interest / hobbies that excite you. From there, see if you can earn a living doing those things. If you can, then it may be something you pursue. If you can't earn a living from it, enjoy it as a hobby, and continue to look for something else.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Chinn_(restaurateur)
https://foodchainmagazine.com/news/bob-chinns-crab-house-2/
First off, you 'are not running out of time'.
You are young and in the prime of your youth. You don't need to have it all figured out just yet. Many people became successful late in their years.
Example: I know a well-known (and he was a family friend) man who failed at a bunch of businesses before he became successful, even failing at a dry-cleaners which he opened (how does one fail at dry-cleaning?). One of his hobbies was to cook, and cook seafood. At 65 years old, he opened up his restaurant and it became one of the top grossing restaurants in the nation - like #3 in the USA in terms of Revenue. All of this came about, not because of his experience, or business acumen - it came about from a hobby.
You are not running out of time. Get to college or trade school, and if you don't know what to study (because you don't know what you like to be) take something that will help you down the road - like Finance, Accounting, Marketing etc. you can use these skills in whatever line of work you choose.
Hang in there. Live your life and look for things / interest / hobbies that excite you. From there, see if you can earn a living doing those things. If you can, then it may be something you pursue. If you can't earn a living from it, enjoy it as a hobby, and continue to look for something else.
Tony recommends the following next steps:
Madisyn Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madisyn’s Answer
Hey Lep,
Remember, it's always the right time to explore your career path, and being a student gives you the perfect opportunity! Start by thinking about what you enjoy, your hobbies, and what truly excites you. Can any of these become a career? For instance, if social justice is something you're passionate about, consider majoring in public policy and pursuing a career in politics. Once you've discovered your passion, look into colleges that offer it as a major and get ready to apply.
Best of luck!
Remember, it's always the right time to explore your career path, and being a student gives you the perfect opportunity! Start by thinking about what you enjoy, your hobbies, and what truly excites you. Can any of these become a career? For instance, if social justice is something you're passionate about, consider majoring in public policy and pursuing a career in politics. Once you've discovered your passion, look into colleges that offer it as a major and get ready to apply.
Best of luck!
Marcia Popa
Application Engineer
5
Answers
Edina, MN
Updated
Marcia’s Answer
What type of classes or activities do you enjoy? I found out about a career in Packaging because a high school teacher noted that he thought I was good in math and science type classes and he knew of packaging because his son had gone into Packaging (specifically at Michigan State since it is a unique degree program). So similar to the prior answer, what do you enjoy doing and do you see jobs/careers that align with the type of classes and activities that you enjoy doing.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hey Lep, I want you to know that navigating the path to a fulfilling career is a common journey, and feeling lost is normal. Trust me, it's a journey almost everyone goes through. There's absolutely no need to feel bad or ashamed about it. It's important to remember that it's never too late to find your passion and chase a career that truly resonates with you.
Here's a few steps you might find helpful: Start with some self-reflection to pinpoint your interests and strengths, then try to match them with potential career paths. Engaging in a variety of activities and attending related events can give you a real feel for different careers and provide valuable insights.
Something I've shared with my own kids is the value of networking. Connecting with professionals in fields that pique your interest can help you build relationships and gain useful advice. Also, try to identify the skills you'll need and work on developing them through courses, workshops, or hands-on experiences.
Remember to set achievable short-term and long-term goals. Finding the right career doesn't happen overnight. Keep in mind that everyone's journey is unique. By taking thoughtful steps and staying open to new opportunities, you'll be able to carve out a career path that brings joy and purpose to your work life.
Here's a few steps you might find helpful: Start with some self-reflection to pinpoint your interests and strengths, then try to match them with potential career paths. Engaging in a variety of activities and attending related events can give you a real feel for different careers and provide valuable insights.
Something I've shared with my own kids is the value of networking. Connecting with professionals in fields that pique your interest can help you build relationships and gain useful advice. Also, try to identify the skills you'll need and work on developing them through courses, workshops, or hands-on experiences.
Remember to set achievable short-term and long-term goals. Finding the right career doesn't happen overnight. Keep in mind that everyone's journey is unique. By taking thoughtful steps and staying open to new opportunities, you'll be able to carve out a career path that brings joy and purpose to your work life.