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How early should you start thinking about a permanent career/job choice ?

Like in middle school, or high school. Even earlier?

career
Thank you comment icon Hailee, it's not "you've got your whole life in front of you", rather it's "you've got whole *lives* in front of you". By my count I'm on my sixth career. Some of them are evolutions of the others, operations guy to supervisor, designer to manager to director. Six careers may sound like a lot, but it's not that unusual. Your capabilities will grow, your needs will evolve and the world will change, all of which can impact how you make a living. Planning for the future is always a good thing, but build yourself some options in that future you're envisioning too. Good luck and have some faith in yourself David Hulme
Thank you comment icon hi the future is in your hands and you are your future builder. once you know what you want to do just start working on what you like as soon as possible so you can start building experience to make it easier for you to retire on an earlier time and happy conrada molina
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Jessica’s Answer

That's a great question! I found myself worrying a lot about this, especially when I was in late middle/early high school. One thing that helped me was to not think about a "permanent" choice, but rather to think about realistic options and next steps. After all, I know people who changed their major several times and still graduated on time and found a full time job that they love. My advice:

- Instead of trying to decide on a specific job or career, take time to get to know yourself, especially in high school and college. Take as many opportunities to try new things that are out of you comfort zone whether it's a new hobby or club, a different class, an internship, etc.

- Try to find general things that interest you or you're passionate about. For example, I'd known for a while that I wanted to be an engineer, but I kept changing my mind about what type. So, when it came time to think about college, I chose schools that offered many different engineering degrees, so that I would still have a lot of options in case I changed my mind. This same idea can be applied to any area!

- Allow yourself to not like something! A lot of times we feel pressured to stick with something once we make a decision. While you should definitely give things a chance, don't be afraid to step away if it is not helping you be happy and grow as a person. Don't waste time on things you hate.

- Don't feel limited by your college major. Many people end up working in an area different from their college major and that's OK! The major listed on your diploma is not a contract for the rest of your life.

- Talk to people. This will help you understand the different options that are available within any one field. Sometimes, two jobs can have the same title but people do very different things. Growing your network will help you get a more realistic idea of what you may or may not want to do. Since everyone has a different experience, talking to many people will help you decide what's best for YOU!
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Samuel’s Answer

That's a fantastic question, Hailee! Honestly, there's no set timeline for when you should start pondering your career path. Why is that? Simply because everyone is unique, with different life experiences. Some folks might find their perfect career in high school, while others might discover it in college or even later in life.

Middle School - This is a great time to start exploring your likes and dislikes. However, keep in mind that your preferences may change at this stage, as you're not yet old enough to work and experience what it's like to walk down the career path you think you might enjoy.

High School - At this stage, you could gain a clearer perspective. You might be able to take on a part-time job and get a taste of the working world. This hands-on experience can help you determine if a certain path is right for you, or if you should explore other options.

College - By now, you've probably had some real-world experience and have a better idea of what you enjoy. Remember, success often comes when you love what you do. Pursue your passions and find joy in your work, and the financial rewards will follow.

Even after college, if you feel you've chosen the wrong path, remember it's NEVER too late to start anew and chase what you truly love and are passionate about. Don't be disheartened if you see others who seem to have it all figured out. This isn't a race against them, but about finding what makes you happy, doing what feels right, and ensuring you're making the best choices for your future.
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Fernando’s Answer

Hello Hailee,

Don't let the weight of making a major decision in middle or high school overwhelm you. Instead, I encourage you to dive into the world of work as early as you can, soaking up as much experience as possible by exploring various fields. If juggling work and school simultaneously feels daunting, consider securing several summer jobs. I'm confident this will provide invaluable insight into what you enjoy doing, what you excel at, and crucially, what will guide you towards your personal aspirations.

Remember, as others have pointed out, there's no need to rush. You're still young with your whole life stretching out in front of you. So, take a deep breath and savor the journey!
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Anahi’s Answer

It's never too early to start thinking about your future career and job choices. The earlier you begin exploring and considering your options, the more time you have to gather information, gain experience, and make informed decisions. Here are some general guidelines:

1. High School: Use your high school years to explore different subjects, interests, and extracurricular activities. Take advantage of career counseling services and resources available at your school. Research various career paths, industries, and educational requirements associated with those fields.

2. College/University: If you plan to attend college or university, take advantage of the opportunities available to explore different majors and subjects. Seek internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer positions related to areas you're interested in. Utilize career services or counseling centers to gain guidance and insights into potential career paths.

3. Self-Reflection: Engage in self-reflection to understand your interests, strengths, values, and goals. Consider what aspects of work bring you satisfaction and align with your skills and passions. Reflecting on your personal preferences can help narrow down career choices that are a good fit for you.

4. Networking and Informational Interviews: Build connections with professionals in fields of interest through networking events, alumni networks, or online platforms. Conduct informational interviews to learn more about different careers and gain insights from individuals working in those fields.

5. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Keep an open mind and be willing to explore new opportunities and industries. The world of work is constantly evolving, and being adaptable and open to new experiences can lead to unexpected career paths.

Remember, career exploration is a process, and it's normal for your interests and goals to evolve over time. Starting early allows you to make more informed decisions and gives you the flexibility to explore different paths. However, it's important to keep in mind that career choices can change throughout your life, and it's never too late to pursue new opportunities or make career transitions.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. There is no fixed to start thinking about this question. However, I suggest you can do it as early as you find appropriate. But, the latest the final year of your high school before choosing the major & minors in the college.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what your have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favorite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you are interested in music, would you like to be a musician, musical actor, singer, music producer, music composer, etc.
If you are interested in maths, would you like to be an accountant, financial analyst, banker, engineer, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these career and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, parents, school career counsellor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant major and minors in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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A. Michelle’s Answer

It’s never too early to start thinking about careers and jobs. As you take a course, do an activity or learn a skill that you enjoy, research careers that would enable you to tap into that interest. Read about or talk to people working in those fields. Your interests might change over time, and that is fine. Finally, strengthen skills that can be used across professions, such as written and oral presentation, research and problem-solving.
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Warisha’s Answer

great question! When considering a job or career, it is important not to hesitate. Instead, focus on acquiring the necessary skills and gaining practical experience. Once you have honed your abilities and feel confident in your capabilities, you can then embark on your chosen career path. It is crucial to approach this process in a professional manner.
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Howard’s Answer

You should not be looking for a permanent career. You should be looking for something that you enjoy and makes you happy.
You may change a few times over your lifetime. But you have to like what you do and want to do it because it makes you feel good.
If you are just going to a job because you have to make money. You may not be happy. If doing a job makes you feel good and happy. Then getting paid is a bonus. Being happy will make you want to go to work and you will do a better job when you are there.
If you are happy it will not feel like work.
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Vilash’s Answer

You might want to consider thinking about your career when you're in high school, not middle school. At that stage, your mind is more mature and better equipped to handle such significant choices. In high school, you can start by setting small, achievable goals related to your passions and interests. This approach is what led me to choose psychiatry. My father had bipolar disorder, and witnessing his struggle, along with the struggles of many others with mental illnesses, inspired me.
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Christina’s Answer

In the exciting journey of life, begin by discovering your unique self and what motivates you to improve each day. Once you understand what truly sparks joy and drives you, you can choose an area that interests you. As you continue to grow, learn, and evolve, doors will start to open, guiding you towards your ideal career path. You'll find countless opportunities in fields you never imagined you'd excel in. So, keep an open mind and be flexible, as this will lead to even more exciting opportunities!
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