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How is this going to help me when i get older ?

Like how will it help me get where i want in life and i still dont know what i want to do and is that ok ? and say im 35 is it still ok if i font know what i want to do

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Tara’s Answer

It is perfectly fine if you aren't sure what you want to do yet. It may even change several times from now until you're old enough to have your own business, and that's fine. As you go through life and mature you will start to figure out what it is that you want to dedicate that part of your life to, so there is no rush. And by the time you are 35, you should have a decent idea of which direction you want to go. But even then if you need more time to know for sure, it's still fine. Everyone's journey is different and unique so don't worry about keeping up with other people or doing what they are doing. Do what feels right to you.
Thank you comment icon Awesome response - thank you for being a part of CareerVillage! Kim Igleheart
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Katherine’s Answer

My grandpa is 87 and he stills says, "I don't know what I want to be when I grow up." :) He has spent his life being a marine, being a missionary, being an electrical engineer, being an engineering professor, and being a professor teaching English to speakers of other languages, so that's kind of like 5 different careers. It's been a good life all things considered :)

You might enjoy Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose to help you figure out what you're best at and enjoy most, and how you can use those to build your career.
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Anna’s Answer

Hey Jaelyn! There's absolutely nothing wrong with being unsure about your future path and taking the time to explore different possibilities. Particularly at the start of your professional journey, you'll find that many skills can be applied in various careers, sectors, and roles! Abilities such as interpersonal communication, organization, strategizing, and managing tasks and time effectively will be valuable assets throughout your professional life, even if your career path shifts multiple times. As long as you're growing and honing the skills you wish to acquire, you're on the right track!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. In fact, you are the best person to tell what you have interest / you want to do.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you like music, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
If you have interest maths, would you like to be an accountant, banker, engineer, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counsellor, your mentor, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant subjects in the college
Also, bear in mind that your interest may change throughout your life time. You may change your career. It is very common.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Eleanor Maria (Ria)’s Answer

Just like the ancient adage that all paths lead to Rome, life too, follows a similar pattern. Every experience you encounter, be it joyful or challenging, moulds you into the person you are destined to be. At times, you might encounter shortcuts or your goal might be as clear as day, allowing you to draft a detailed plan for the next 5, 10, or even 50 years. Other times, the journey might be tough, and the path only becomes clear once you've reached the end and can look back at the route you've taken. However, the key is to remain open to all experiences and learn from them.
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Aisha’s Answer

Hello Jaelyn,

There's no need to worry too much about the far-off future or the thought of getting older. What's more important is to concentrate on identifying a goal that matches your passions and where you feel most at ease.
After you've achieved your educational goals, you'll find that opportunities will start coming your way naturally. You'll be surrounded by a wealth of options to choose from. So, stay positive and keep your gaze fixed on your goal!

Best of luck, I believe in you!
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Connie’s Answer

There's absolutely nothing wrong with being unsure about your future at this stage of your life. Concentrate on the journey, not just the end goal. Reflect on your likes and dislikes, your unique personality traits, and your strengths. Are you a meticulous planner and executor or do you excel in visualizing the grand scheme of things, leaving the specifics to others? Prioritize shaping your character over choosing a profession. Establish objectives that align with the path you wish to tread. There's no urgency to declare a major as you begin college for most career paths. Seize the chance to discover your surroundings, engage with individuals from diverse professions, and inquire about their professional journey instead of their initial career objectives. It's perfectly fine to be uncertain, and it's even better to allow yourself the flexibility to change your mind as you mature and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.
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Vasanth’s Answer

Don't fret too much about the distant future or growing old. Instead, focus on setting a goal that aligns with your interests and comfort zone.

Once you've accomplished your educational objectives, opportunities will naturally gravitate towards you. You'll find yourself with a plethora of choices to pick from. So, keep your spirits high and eyes on the goal!
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Madelyn’s Answer

Hi Jaelyn,

Thank you for asking a courageous question. You likely don't know precisely what you want to do now, which is perfectly fine. You may pick a path and change it a few times before you find something that 'fits' you. The best careers are ones that fit the intersection of:
1 - things you are good at
2 - things you can get paid for
3 - things you enjoy
and I'd add 4 - things the world will need for a while

So my advice to you is to sit and think about things you enjoy or find yourself curious about - and ask a teacher you trust to tell you what you are skilled at. He or she may give you ideas to explore that you'd never thought about before, and you can look them up to learn more. Staying curious and open is the most essential way to ensure you will find something you will love. And fear not! If you try that and don't love it, you can change it to something else! Life is long and has many options for anyone who stays curious and keeps learning.

Good luck to you,
Madelyn
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Priscilla’s Answer

Understanding the role of career planning is akin to building your own time machine—it prepares you for the future, one decision at a time. It’s perfectly normal to be undecided. In fact, it's like being in a game show of life; sometimes you pick the door with the car, other times it's the goat. The beauty is in the choice and the freedom to choose again.

Every class you take, every job you try, they all add up like experience points in a video game. They make you more equipped to handle the boss battles of life—those tricky career crossroads. Remember, by the time you're 35, the job landscape will have evolved. Today's crystal ball predictions about 'jobs of the future' could be as off as your grandma's understanding of TikTok. So, keep learning, stay flexible, and adapt—like career chameleons!

And if you still haven't figured it all out by 35, or even 55, that's okay. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint; some folks are late bloomers, and that's perfectly fine. They're the Gandalfs of the job world—arriving precisely when they mean to, with a whole lot of wizardry up their sleeves. So, take a breath, and keep exploring. The question isn't just 'what do you want to be,' but 'who do you want to be'—and that's a lifelong quest.
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Harmony’s Answer

It is completely okay for career ambitions to change throughout life - I am in my mid-30's and know many friends, peers, colleagues who have tried different career paths throughout their own lives. I myself worked in one career for 10 years and then changed industries and career paths to a different one. You don't need to decide today what you will do forever (that is way to much pressure!), but as others have said, it is helpful to figure out your priorities, likes and dislikes, and strengths, and use that as a guide at least for the next few years. You may revisit these priorities, likes and dislikes, and strengths every few years to re-evaluate how to progress or adapt.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey Jaelyn,

The Silver Lining of Uncertainty in Life

It's perfectly fine if you're unsure about what you want to do, even as you grow older. Interestingly, this lack of a defined path can open up a world of diverse opportunities and experiences, shaping your future in ways you never imagined. Here's how this uncertainty can be a hidden blessing in your life:

1. The Joy of Exploration and Discovery: When you're not sure about your path, you're free to delve into various fields, hobbies, and interests. This journey of exploration can lead you to discover hidden passions and talents. It's often through this process that many stumble upon their true purpose in life.

2. The Power of Flexibility and Adaptability: Embracing the unknown can help you develop valuable skills like adaptability and flexibility. These traits are highly desirable in the professional world and can serve you well in a variety of careers. By staying open to different possibilities, you're better prepared to tackle future changes and challenges.

3. The Path to Personal Growth: The journey of self-discovery that comes with uncertainty can lead to significant personal growth. It enables you to understand yourself better, identify your strengths, weaknesses, and values. This self-awareness is key to making informed decisions about your future.

4. The Benefit of Networking and Connections: As you explore different paths, you'll encounter a diverse group of people. Building a network of connections can be extremely beneficial as these relationships can open doors to opportunities or provide guidance when you finally choose a career path.

5. The Advantage of Not Settling: Uncertainty about what you want to do can stop you from settling for a career that doesn't truly satisfy you. It encourages you to wait for something that genuinely excites and motivates you, rather than just following a predetermined path.

Wondering if it's okay not to know at 35? Absolutely! Many people continue to explore new career paths well into their 30s, 40s, and even beyond. It's never too late to discover your passion or pursue a new interest. The key is to stay open-minded and actively seek opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

In a nutshell, not knowing what you want to do can be a blessing rather than a drawback. Embracing uncertainty can open up a world of possibilities and pave the way for personal and professional growth, leading to a fulfilling and successful life.

Top 3 Authoritative References Used:
- Harvard Business Review: A trusted source for insights on career development, personal growth, and professional success.
- Forbes: Renowned for its coverage of business, entrepreneurship, leadership, and career-related topics.
- Psychology Today: Provides expert articles on personal development, psychology, and navigating life’s uncertainties.
These sources were used to gather insights on the benefits of uncertainty in career exploration and personal growth.

Stay blessed,
James.
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Larry’s Answer

I've read some of the other responses to your question and they are all good advice. I'm going to look at your question from a different angle. I'm almost 74 years old; I'm financially secure, married and healthy. I've excelled at a few professions, made a lot of money and yet I sometimes question myself. I've found that maybe the question is not about deciding what to do in life but rather how you feel about yourself. If you have doubts about what to do, ask yourself if a lack of confidence is feeding your doubt. The best way to develop confidence is by doing things you are already good at. For example, when I was a kid I loved to dance. In high school I realized I danced better than most of the other kids. In college, I wound up dropping out because I didn't know what to do in my life. It was an internal struggle that only ended when I faced myself and decided I was young enough to take a chance, so I became a professional dancer. Years later, I left dance because I couldn't support myself financially and became a carpenter/furniture designer and opened my own business. That business opened many doors for me and about 10 years later I found myself in a fancy office working for a "Forture 500" housing development corporation. My position was "Purchasing Manager," which came with lots of prestige and influence. My point is, I'm not sure all this would have happened if I had not first surrendered to my passion for dancing. Let your natural talents and passions lead you into your future.
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