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when should i start looking at my career?
im not sure where i want to go.
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Gloria’s Answer
Hi Stephanie,
My suggestion is to start by considering what you already love to do or what natural talents you have. For example, I grew up writing stories. I did that all the time, any time, and as often as possible. I was always good at writing reports and essays, because I could organize my thoughts in a logical way that touched people. So I could write and I could organize. That is where I began. Why? Because having a career is sometimes going to be very hard and you will want to love what you do even when it gets hard. I sometimes have hard days at my job - too much to do, too many deadlines, annoying coworkers. Yet I always find joy in what I do.
Maybe you don't know what you do well. Ask other people what they consider your strengths. I have been told that I have good communication skills and I am also creative in my way of doing things. These were not very obvious to me. I am endlessly surprised at how people think of me even now.
Once you have thought about it and asked others, figure out how those skills may transfer into a career. There are some sites where you can answer questions about your interests. Also think about people with jobs that you admire - teacher, actor, doctor, gardener, chef, interior designer. Research those jobs to see what they entail. You may find that you have more than one interest. I have a friend who is an accounting person who loves to cook fancy meals. She chose accounting, but it still a chef at home. She could have maybe been a chef who ran her own business.
The hardest thing is that - whatever you really want as a career does not happen immediately. You never reach a fully formed career in a year or even five years. You have to earn your way into a career. Have faith and do the hard work to get there. It will be worth it.
Gloria
My suggestion is to start by considering what you already love to do or what natural talents you have. For example, I grew up writing stories. I did that all the time, any time, and as often as possible. I was always good at writing reports and essays, because I could organize my thoughts in a logical way that touched people. So I could write and I could organize. That is where I began. Why? Because having a career is sometimes going to be very hard and you will want to love what you do even when it gets hard. I sometimes have hard days at my job - too much to do, too many deadlines, annoying coworkers. Yet I always find joy in what I do.
Maybe you don't know what you do well. Ask other people what they consider your strengths. I have been told that I have good communication skills and I am also creative in my way of doing things. These were not very obvious to me. I am endlessly surprised at how people think of me even now.
Once you have thought about it and asked others, figure out how those skills may transfer into a career. There are some sites where you can answer questions about your interests. Also think about people with jobs that you admire - teacher, actor, doctor, gardener, chef, interior designer. Research those jobs to see what they entail. You may find that you have more than one interest. I have a friend who is an accounting person who loves to cook fancy meals. She chose accounting, but it still a chef at home. She could have maybe been a chef who ran her own business.
The hardest thing is that - whatever you really want as a career does not happen immediately. You never reach a fully formed career in a year or even five years. You have to earn your way into a career. Have faith and do the hard work to get there. It will be worth it.
Gloria
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hi Stephanie,
I'm not sure how old you are so this is a generic answer. Some people know at an early age what they want to be and others have no idea even after they've graduated college. If you are in high school, the answer would be now. There are different websites you can use to help you figure out what you want to do. Two of them are collegeboard.org and https://careerzone.labor.ny.gov. If you have an idea of what you want to do, try to shadow someone in this job to see if it's really what you want. If you are in middle school, these websites are still helpful but take your time. Check different clubs at your school to see if there's one that ties into what your career might be.
I'm not sure how old you are so this is a generic answer. Some people know at an early age what they want to be and others have no idea even after they've graduated college. If you are in high school, the answer would be now. There are different websites you can use to help you figure out what you want to do. Two of them are collegeboard.org and https://careerzone.labor.ny.gov. If you have an idea of what you want to do, try to shadow someone in this job to see if it's really what you want. If you are in middle school, these websites are still helpful but take your time. Check different clubs at your school to see if there's one that ties into what your career might be.
Updated
Rudy’s Answer
Hi Stephanie,
Try a little bit of everything that life has to offer you. Apply for short-term jobs and find out what you do and don't like doing.
This will help with narrowing down things for you.
You could also watch some Youtube videos and people working their jobs. Try not to think you like the job because you may think it's cool now. Imagine what it would be like doing that job every week. Could you see yourself doing it?
Try a little bit of everything that life has to offer you. Apply for short-term jobs and find out what you do and don't like doing.
This will help with narrowing down things for you.
You could also watch some Youtube videos and people working their jobs. Try not to think you like the job because you may think it's cool now. Imagine what it would be like doing that job every week. Could you see yourself doing it?
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Hi Stephanie,
Begin your journey by delving into your hobbies. Experiment with as many roles as you can, or engage in conversations with individuals in those positions to see if they align with your interests. Selecting a career path should be akin to discovering your favorite dish. Nobody knew they loved a specific food until they tasted it among a variety of others. Imagine being forced to eat the same meal you don't particularly enjoy, but need for sustenance - not a pleasant thought. Your goal is to uncover a career that brings you joy and satisfaction, but remember, the path may not always be smooth and could involve roles you don't prefer.
However, always give your best in every job because you never know who's observing. A client could turn out to be your future employer if they recognize your dedication and realize that your skills would be more valued in their company. That position could be just what you've been searching for. Remember, you may not always stumble upon the perfect job, but there's a chance it might find you.
Begin your journey by delving into your hobbies. Experiment with as many roles as you can, or engage in conversations with individuals in those positions to see if they align with your interests. Selecting a career path should be akin to discovering your favorite dish. Nobody knew they loved a specific food until they tasted it among a variety of others. Imagine being forced to eat the same meal you don't particularly enjoy, but need for sustenance - not a pleasant thought. Your goal is to uncover a career that brings you joy and satisfaction, but remember, the path may not always be smooth and could involve roles you don't prefer.
However, always give your best in every job because you never know who's observing. A client could turn out to be your future employer if they recognize your dedication and realize that your skills would be more valued in their company. That position could be just what you've been searching for. Remember, you may not always stumble upon the perfect job, but there's a chance it might find you.
Updated
gregory’s Answer
Hello Stephanie! Discovering the right career can be a challenging journey, but it's also an exciting one. Like many, I've explored various jobs, and each experience has been instrumental in helping me identify my true passion. Initially, I envisioned myself thriving in the gaming industry. However, after dipping my toes into it through work and some college courses, I realized it wasn't the path for me. Instead, I found my calling in the field of computer science for IT, and it was a joy to pursue. But life has a funny way of surprising us, and recently, I made another switch - I embraced the role of a teacher. I can confidently say that this has been the most rewarding career decision I've made so far. So, keep exploring, Stephanie! Your perfect career path is out there, waiting for you to find it. :)