7 answers
Stead
Student
Coram, New York
1
Question
Asked
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How did you find out what you wanted to do?
How do you know you made the right choice?
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7 answers
Elaina L
UX Analytics
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Elaina’s Answer
Through exploring new activities and interests. You may not get your dream job right after college, but that is okay. It's a time to explore your strengths and weaknesses, as well as what you like and don't like. Even after school, explore your interests with a curious mind and continue to learn and build new skills. That's how you discover your strengths and what you want to do more of.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
510
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I looked around at those I admired and asked them questions about what they did and why. I mirrored my education around what the did.
I feel good about my educational journey. Majored in Psychology and Business, two things that can apply to most professions. I went into sales and love it.
I feel good about my educational journey. Majored in Psychology and Business, two things that can apply to most professions. I went into sales and love it.
Adrienne Barron
Interior design
11
Answers
Merrillville, Indiana
Updated
Adrienne’s Answer
I've always known I wanted to be an interior designer. I loved helping my mother space plan rooms in the house.
Mary Moberg
Care Manager
9
Answers
Wallingford, Connecticut
Updated
Mary’s Answer
That's a great question! Over time, our interests can evolve in new directions. Be open to the possibilities in your life to settle into your own adventures.
While getting a haircut from a wonderful lady barber this week, we explored this question metaphorically and literally.
She asked if I wanted to go really short for the summer, or longer to be more stylish. There were advantages to both. I could decide to have my hair grow into a more stylish length as summer progressed. I could choose the gentler cut. I asked for a compromise, to have it shorter, but not too short. So it is with life and career choices: we can make different choices.
In the more literal sense, we talked about career choices. She had been a barber for a while, maybe 10 years or so. It's always been a job she enjoyed. She wants to move on to become a travel guide and run a bed and breakfast type place. That is so cool that she is switching gears.
So it is with life and career choices. She can evolve her work into an entirely different direction.
Another lady who is a nurse wants to become an aesthetician. She wants to work on botox treatments and combine her nursing and that new path.
It is said that while previous generations would choose their life's work, in more recent times, individuals will evolve from one career path to another.
Some people explore their options by avocations. It is akin to trying out new pathways through hobbies. Be open to your options.
Best wishes in your life adventures!
While getting a haircut from a wonderful lady barber this week, we explored this question metaphorically and literally.
She asked if I wanted to go really short for the summer, or longer to be more stylish. There were advantages to both. I could decide to have my hair grow into a more stylish length as summer progressed. I could choose the gentler cut. I asked for a compromise, to have it shorter, but not too short. So it is with life and career choices: we can make different choices.
In the more literal sense, we talked about career choices. She had been a barber for a while, maybe 10 years or so. It's always been a job she enjoyed. She wants to move on to become a travel guide and run a bed and breakfast type place. That is so cool that she is switching gears.
So it is with life and career choices. She can evolve her work into an entirely different direction.
Another lady who is a nurse wants to become an aesthetician. She wants to work on botox treatments and combine her nursing and that new path.
It is said that while previous generations would choose their life's work, in more recent times, individuals will evolve from one career path to another.
Some people explore their options by avocations. It is akin to trying out new pathways through hobbies. Be open to your options.
Best wishes in your life adventures!
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Discovering what you want to do can be a journey of self-discovery. Here are some steps to help you explore and identify your interests and passions:
1. Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your strengths, interests, values, and what brings you joy. Consider activities or subjects that make you feel excited and fulfilled.
2. Try New Things: Don't be afraid to try new experiences or hobbies. Exploring various interests can help you uncover hidden passions and talents.
3. Seek Inspiration: Look up to role models, mentors, or individuals who are successful in fields that intrigue you. Their stories and experiences can provide valuable insights and inspiration.
4. Talk to Others: Engage in conversations with friends, family, or professionals in different industries. Hearing about their experiences and career paths may spark ideas for your own journey.
5. Education and Training: Pursue education or training in areas that interest you. Attending workshops, classes, or online courses can deepen your knowledge and clarify your interests.
6. Follow Your Curiosity: Embrace curiosity and be open to exploring different paths. Don't limit yourself by focusing solely on what seems practical or conventional.
7. Take Small Steps: Sometimes, it's helpful to take small steps towards your interests. This could involve volunteering, freelancing, or internships to gain hands-on experience.
As for knowing if you've made the right choice, here are some tips:
1. Assess Your Happiness: Evaluate how you feel about your chosen path. Are you genuinely passionate and excited about what you're doing? Genuine enthusiasm is a sign you might be on the right track.
2. Measure Your Growth: Observe your progress and growth in your chosen field. Are you constantly learning and improving? A fulfilling career often involves continuous growth and development.
3. Consider Alignment with Values: Does your career align with your values and long-term goals? Feeling fulfilled in your work often comes from aligning with your core beliefs and aspirations.
4. Embrace Challenges: Challenges and setbacks are part of any journey. Look at how you handle difficulties. If you feel motivated to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward, it can indicate you're on the right path.
5. Seek Feedback: Gather feedback from mentors, colleagues, or supervisors. They can offer valuable insights into your skills and potential in your chosen field.
Remember that finding your passion and making the right choice may not happen overnight. It's a process of self-discovery, exploration, and continuous learning. Be patient with yourself, trust your instincts, and embrace the journey. There's no one right path, and what matters most is that you are true to yourself and find fulfillment in your chosen pursuit.
1. Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your strengths, interests, values, and what brings you joy. Consider activities or subjects that make you feel excited and fulfilled.
2. Try New Things: Don't be afraid to try new experiences or hobbies. Exploring various interests can help you uncover hidden passions and talents.
3. Seek Inspiration: Look up to role models, mentors, or individuals who are successful in fields that intrigue you. Their stories and experiences can provide valuable insights and inspiration.
4. Talk to Others: Engage in conversations with friends, family, or professionals in different industries. Hearing about their experiences and career paths may spark ideas for your own journey.
5. Education and Training: Pursue education or training in areas that interest you. Attending workshops, classes, or online courses can deepen your knowledge and clarify your interests.
6. Follow Your Curiosity: Embrace curiosity and be open to exploring different paths. Don't limit yourself by focusing solely on what seems practical or conventional.
7. Take Small Steps: Sometimes, it's helpful to take small steps towards your interests. This could involve volunteering, freelancing, or internships to gain hands-on experience.
As for knowing if you've made the right choice, here are some tips:
1. Assess Your Happiness: Evaluate how you feel about your chosen path. Are you genuinely passionate and excited about what you're doing? Genuine enthusiasm is a sign you might be on the right track.
2. Measure Your Growth: Observe your progress and growth in your chosen field. Are you constantly learning and improving? A fulfilling career often involves continuous growth and development.
3. Consider Alignment with Values: Does your career align with your values and long-term goals? Feeling fulfilled in your work often comes from aligning with your core beliefs and aspirations.
4. Embrace Challenges: Challenges and setbacks are part of any journey. Look at how you handle difficulties. If you feel motivated to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward, it can indicate you're on the right path.
5. Seek Feedback: Gather feedback from mentors, colleagues, or supervisors. They can offer valuable insights into your skills and potential in your chosen field.
Remember that finding your passion and making the right choice may not happen overnight. It's a process of self-discovery, exploration, and continuous learning. Be patient with yourself, trust your instincts, and embrace the journey. There's no one right path, and what matters most is that you are true to yourself and find fulfillment in your chosen pursuit.
Gaurav Patel
2
Answers
Bedminster Township, New Jersey
Updated
Gaurav’s Answer
This is a great question Stead. Selecting your career and what you want to do can be very confusing especially if you look around and see what some of your friends or classmates are trying to pursue and you wonder if you should also do the same. However, going with the flow is not the best option. Instead, do some research and see what are the newer fields or areas of opportunities coming up over next 5 years and see if any of them interests you. You can also take advantage of internships to experience if that’s the career you would enjoy. Usually, there should be a good practical balance of a career path that financially rewarding, but at the same time, it has to be something you (you, not your friends or classmates) enjoy doing and be able to put your heart into the work as you will be spending majority of your time into it daily.
Sharyn Grose
CareerVillage.org TeamResume writing/career coaching
11
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sharyn’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Some people seem to know exactly what they want to do from a very young age, but that is not the same for everyone. You can discover what you want to do from experience. Meaning, exploring things you like to do through hobbies or clubs, looking online for information or free courses, and talking to people in various careers to see what interests you. Whatever you choose, it does not have to be set in stone. What we think we might want to do can change over time and that is okay.