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How do you find a lifelong career that you will love and be passionate about?

I'm still young, in my early twenties asking for advice or helpful insight on finding the right path for me. I'm currently enrolled in a Jobcorps Center and am pursuing Pharmacy technician and or other trade work training. I have several small interests that I enjoy but none that I feel confident building into a lifelong career. I graduated from high school during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, and I feel it's stunted my growth into a career. I'm interested in STEM, Language studies, Anatomy Physiology, forensics, Physical fitness, Chemistry, Woodworking, and Medicine. I'm artistic and investigative and wish to do a career that I find challenging and rewarding. I've traveled to Europe, Studied French in southern France, and interned as a sales associate in Ireland with a Designer Exchange Company; all of which were wonderful experiences but I'm unsure how to turn them into a career for my future. So how do I narrow down my interests into a career I will find fulfilling in my later life?

technology medicine science career-path job help career-choice careers career-paths stem forensics women-in-stem future-careers foreign-languages forensic-science retail physical-fitness retail-pharmacy woodworking anatomy-and-physiology
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Nick’s Answer

I wish I could give you a specific answer but you have good interests and are asking an important question. However, one thing I can tell you for sure is that success, happiness and fulfillment in a career depends on what you put into it. People who put in their best effort and work truly well with colleagues have a natural tendency to be recognized and rewarded. Be prepared to adjust your goals and situation if it's not happening. Be honest with yourself about your abilities. Be generous with your talent. Find like minded people, not meaning "group thinkers" but forward thinkers, perhaps with different ideas, who are also generous in return. The best colleagues will make each other better.

Your exploration is on the right track. Get meaningful internships as soon as possible and a path will open before you.

This is based on my actual experience in my 44 year career which I look back on fondly and a lot of good to look forward to in retirement.

Best wishes to you.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you're insight, thank you for your answer, I will keep it in mind going forward. Thank you, Nick! Jessica
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Jessica !

You have had some wonderful experiences and I can see why now is a time to think about a life's career choice.

One way that you can discover what career to study for would be to enroll in college. Pharmacy Tech is a great position but you seem to be wondering if there is anything else out there for you and there probably is. College is a great way to get a feel for the subjects that you are interested in because you are fortunate to have many interests and skills. You do not have to settle upon one, you can pursue more than one if you choose. But being in college will greatly help you explore this in a way that you haven't done before.

I would advise looking into both community colleges and Universities in your local area. Visit the campuses in person and see if you could have an orientation. Read their websites for the majors that they offer and narrow the colleges down. This experience could possibly spark inspiration for you if nothing else has already. We all figure out our life career at different times in our lives and sometimes we transition from one field of work to a completely different field or do two at the same time. So, you see, you have many options.

You seem to be special in that you've put your heart into everything you have done so far. You have a rich work experience background and seem to be highly motivated, responsible and conscientious. I think that by reading up on colleges and than visiting them can be a step you can take to perhaps narrow down one or two career paths.

I hope this has been a help and I wish you all the best !
Thank you comment icon thank you for the advice, I appreciate it Michelle! Jessica
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Jessica ! Michelle M.
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Jim’s Answer

Hello Jessica,

Your question is indeed a fantastic one, and it's something nearly everyone ponders at some point in their lives. In my case, it's a question I revisit every few years.

There are already many insightful responses here. I'll keep my advice straightforward: If a job feels like the right fit, don't hesitate to pursue it. If you're a person of faith, let that guide you. One valuable piece of advice I've received is this: "Don't stress over making the right decision, instead focus on making your decision right." Approaching any situation with this mindset will surely yield positive results.

Since my early 20s, I've held about seven different positions. It's quite rare for someone to stick with a single career from their 20s until retirement. So, whatever your heart and mind are compelling you towards at this moment, chase it. Sure, there might be a few detours along the way, but remember, you can always find your way back to the path.

Wishing you all the best!
Jim
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Jim! Jessica
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Ramsey’s Answer

Hello Jessica,

Your current approach to determining your career path is commendable. I'd like to offer some insights that could be beneficial to your journey.

During your research and dialogues with prospective employers, consider applying the S.Q.U.A.D. Model. Here's what it stands for:

S = Skilled: Identify your inherent talents. These are your natural abilities that you've successfully applied in your career, forming your strengths.
Q = Qualified: Reflect on your experiences and the skills you've gained from them, which make you an ideal candidate. Aim to expand these experiences and emphasize them in your conversations.
U = Unique: Remember, there's no one quite like you. What sets you apart? What unique value can you contribute?
A = Agile: Change is inevitable, as the COVID pandemic has shown us. How well can you adapt and respond effectively to change?
D = Driven: What fuels your drive towards success? Stay curious and eager to reach new heights.

Understanding this model will help you evaluate job opportunities based on three fundamental pillars:
1. Aligns with your passions.
2. Matches your strengths so you can be the BEST as per the SQUAD framework.
3. Fulfills your financial aspirations. Ensure your choice provides a satisfactory compensation.

I hope this guidance assists you in shaping your approach towards finding the right career path for you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice and I'll try the SQUAD layout to help me in the future, thank you, Ramsey! Jessica
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Ryan’s Answer

Firstly, understand that uncovering the perfect career path is a process that requires time and might include some exploration and adjustment. Show kindness to yourself and stay adaptable as you steer your career voyage. Welcome chances for advancement and knowledge, even if they lead you down unanticipated paths.

Keep in mind that your career journey is distinctly yours, and there isn't a universal formula to discover a lifelong career that brings joy. Stay faithful to who you are, pursue your passions, and keep your heart and mind open to fresh opportunities that come your way. Wishing you the best of luck!
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Jacklyn’s Answer

Absolutely, go for internships that ignite your passion! Remember, the guidance counselors at your college are always there to assist you in discovering internships that align with your interests. They're a great resource, so don't hesitate to reach out to them!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Jessica
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Donna’s Answer

Hi Jessica- sounds like you have really tested the waters in many ways. I had every intention of working for a fashion magazine after getting my graphic design degree- I wound up applying for a parttime sales job at Macy's while I interviewed. It turned out they had a position open in the display dept and saw I had an art degree and offered me the jo. I took it with intention of quitting when I got my "dream job at Vogue. Well, one month into Macy's I knew this was my career path. My leap of faith has served me well for 4 decades! It sounds like you have already had some experience in fashion sales. I'd follow that maybe pursuing an international path (Dubai, Abu Dabai, Far East, Harrods in London ?) or staying in the US. Off price retail is the growth industry- I was with Macy's, Bloomingdale's , Kohls and spent the past 15 years at Burlington which is by far the best company I've worked for! Retail offers a wide variety of opportunities from sales to buying to IT to marketing. Once you're in be open to going with your gut and trusting a mentor who can really help you build your career. Give it some time. Bonne Chance!
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Manuel’s Answer

Hi Jessica,

for me, the answer can be quite simple: look for a job that does not seem like a job for you. That way you will be enjoying at least 8 hours a day.

Good luck,
Manuel
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Manuel, this is helpful! Jessica
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Doreen’s Answer

My favorite way to determine if a job or project is the right one for me is to first create a list of the SPECIFIC activities I love and loathe. In other words, don't just say "I love troubleshooting problems" - dig deeper - what kind of problems? in what platforms or situations? for whom or with whom? for what purpose or objective?

After you create your list of let's say 8-10 loves and 3-5 loathes, use them to ask questions of people who are doing jobs that you think you might be interested in. Ask them, "how many of THESE activities do you do in your work and how often?" This can then help you to compare jobs to each other, in the hopes of finding the one that will have the MOST of your loves, and the LEAST of your loathes.

Hope that helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Doreen! Jessica
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Gabrielle’s Answer

Hi! Fellow STEM woman here. I’d recommend attending an accredited Associate’s level college to start. I began my journey at Gwinnett Technical College. I was originally in pre-nursing concentration, but then I fell in love with Bioscience Technology! It then led to a scholarship to a four-year college, in which I attended Kennesaw State University and finished my bachelors in Biology. All that to say, I’m a huge proponent of trade schools, certificates, two year schools, etc. in order to navigate your interests in a less-daunting way. Both mentally and financially alleviated the burden of a four year school, while giving you more of a “ready-to-work” hands-on technical education.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your insight, Gabrielle! Jessica
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Brandon’s Answer

I am 46 and still not sure what I want to do when I grow up. One thing to consider is whatever you choose, make sure the company is the right fit. It can get you through a lot of stress and monotony that comes with any job, if you love your co-workers and know that the people you work for have your back. If you can vent with people that are going through the same stuff, but ultimately have the same goals of being successful, it will get you through many days, and make the good days and the rewarding parts that much more enjoyable.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this, thank you, Brandon! Jessica
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Karen’s Answer

Congratulations on all you have accomplished! Already you are on the road to success.

Most people end up having more than one career in their lifetime. I managed a travel department, led a training program, managed a nonprofit and now being retired am involved in quite a variety of volunteer activities doing things I've never done before. During each of these, I was passionate about what I was doing and when that passion seemed to decrease, I moved on to something else. So where you begin will not necessarily determine where you end up.

With your adventurous spirit, you can choose one that sounds appealing and go for it. Take time to enjoy life and give back to others.

With every good wish.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Karen! Jessica
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Dominic’s Answer

Based on your interests there - you should look into a physical therapy as possible career path - good alignment with physical fitness, anatomy/physiology, medicine. It's also a job you can do almost anywhere people and healthcare businesses exist. You're committing to a medical/doctorate education to become a PT. Chemistry and woodworking are two things that you can bring together also - if you have a passion for that - you could build decorative wood furniture. Look into how much you can sell a custom wood and epoxy bar top for. I have a circle of friends who all have side hustles outside of their careers - one of whom builds custom furniture, cabinets, tables, etc. You can set up an LLC and get your woodworking business going while you work on your career - excellent tax benefits as well - all the equipment and materials you need to make furniture become business expenses. Definitely consult an accountant - but it's super easy to set up an LLC through legal zoom or similar sites.

Dominic recommends the following next steps:

Look into the demand for PTs and earning potential in your region
Look into setting up an LLC - whether or not you're ready to start selling wood products, it's good to know the process and benefits
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Jessica
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George’s Answer

Hi Jessica. I can answer your main question based primarily on my own experience working a lifetime as a Healthcare worker. In my case, it was a question of being in the right place at the right time. My intention, probably since I was four years old (according to my mother), was to become a doctor. I graduated from an excellent University with a very good Pre-Med program and even its own Medical School. But (sometimes in life there is "but"), I felt my chances of being accepted to a Medical School program at the time were fair. I decided to apply for jobs instead that fit my background in science. I was hired right after graduation by the Upjohn Company to work as a Sales Representative. The pay was very good, I had a new company car and lived in a very nice apartment in Vermont. Their training program was actually very academic and I learned a great deal. One problem, I was not meant to be a Sales person and needed to find another career. I was in my third year of working when I walked into the office of a Podiatrist late on a work day. My life changed forever after that visit. In a nutshell, by the end of that visit, that doctor had encouraged me to apply to a Podiatric College of Medicine. I researched the profession and actually was very impressed with everything I learned. That was 40 years ago. Podiatry now, compared to then, has advanced tremendously in every aspect one can imagine. I had completed all the courses that were needed to apply to any Medical School and took the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). I was accepted to the New York College of Podiatric Medicine for the coming year. The time I spent there were some of the best and most interesting years of my life. I recently retired after 40 plus years of a very happy and rewarding lifetime career. Jessica, you already have accomplished quite a bit for a young person. Keep an opened mind. Continue with your great enthusiasm and visit as many people as you can (that will allow it, of course) that share your interests. Learn as much as you can about different careers that fit you educational background. Do not let anyone discourage you and always stay positive. In my case, I never imagined Podiatry would change my life by being in the right place at the right time. Best of luck to you.

George recommends the following next steps:

Make sure you have all your required courses before you apply to Professional Programs.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the wonderful insight, thank you for sharing your story with me, and thank you for the encouragement I appreciate it, Thanks a million George! Jessica
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Matthew’s Answer

Hi Jessica,

Your question is a good one and the same one I've struggled with. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do in college so I took a wide variety of subjects to try to help narrow it down. I started off with Genetics (pre-med) but after digging through the course work and talking to other people at different places on the pre-med journey decided becoming a doctor wouldn't be the best fit for me. I then shifted to Computer Science which I really enjoyed but didn't want to be stuck in front of a computer all day for a job (especially when I enjoy playing around with computers in my spare time) so I shifted away from that. Then I decided I wanted to live in Madrid (previously took years of Spanish) so pivoted to a Spanish major and studied abroad in Madrid. While there I decided I really wanted to do International Business but by that point I wasn't able to change major over to business so decided to just graduate in 4 years with a Spanish degree.

I graduated in 2009 and the job market wasn't great so finding a job with a Spanish degree was very difficult. To pay for my student loans, I ended up bar tending at a country club. While there one of the members there convinced me to try a Sales job and put a plan together to go get an MBA if I truly wanted to pursue business. I started off in Retail sales for Verizon and have been with the company ever since. I went back and did my MBA while still doing sales for them, once I completed it I ended up moving to a headquarters role managing Systems for Agents. I've continued to learn and grow through the different career opportunities.

I give all of that background to say that there is no right answer. You'll need to make the tough decision of which path to start down but be open and confident to pivot if you no longer feel that your current journey is the one you want to be on long term. There are so many things that have impacted my journey, and/or things that I said I'd never do that later in life I end up doing. Be open to opportunities & experiences, give them your best shot and follow your gut.

I hope that's helpful and best of luck,

-Matt
Thank you comment icon Thank you sharing your perspective, Matthew! Jessica
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