8 answers
Laikan
Student
Commodore, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
675 views
Why is it then when I pick a career I always end up changing my mind about it?
I want to be able to settle on something that contributes to many things I love like art and helping other people.
Login to comment
8 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I have had the same experiences. You get into a job or an occupation, and then you get what I describe as an uneasy feeling that something is not right, and that you are not in the right place.
This is because you are doing something that you are not passionate about, or plain do not love to do.
The formula is basically this: Do something that you love to do so much, that if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway.
It appears like you are heading the path towards something in public service, and this is one of the most satisfying careers, because you can actually see the results of your work with people. This might be another element at work in your career choice. You like to see the actual results and effects of your work with people and the public.
This is because you are doing something that you are not passionate about, or plain do not love to do.
The formula is basically this: Do something that you love to do so much, that if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway.
It appears like you are heading the path towards something in public service, and this is one of the most satisfying careers, because you can actually see the results of your work with people. This might be another element at work in your career choice. You like to see the actual results and effects of your work with people and the public.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1204
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Laikan !
The reason you keep changing your mind is because you are active, exploring, wondering and are inspired. It's okay to have a lot of interests and you have expressed a special interest in art and community service. That is greatly to be admired !
The two career studies that come to my mind for this are Art education or Art Therapy. Both will give you the opportunity to use your art talent at the same time the ability to help people. So if you are in high school, keep taking art classes and psychology classes, too. Continue to be active at your school in art events and activities until you graduate. Participate in any art shows that your school or community offers. Make sure to photograph all of your art work and the events and you can even make a video of your art, narrating when you created it and what inspired you and talk about what art means to you. That would be a good presentation to offer when applying for colleges or employment.
To become an Art Teacher, you could major in Education and minor in Art. You should get a Bachelors or Masters degree and get certified to teach. To become an Art Therapist you will study Art Therapy in college and go on for a Masters Degree. You will need to be Board Certified for this.
It's okay to change your mind. If art and community service is what you really want, make a decision but if you still are thinking of other things, do not rule them out. It takes people different length of times to really decide on what career to choose. Since you are adventurous with your interests, you never know when you will pick the exact career that will be satisfying and allow you to express your talents as well as touch the lives of students, clients or anyone. Just continue your involvement with what you are doing now and give it time. Keep reaching out for advice and base your choice on how you would like to spend your future. Do searches on line for various art/community service blend careers.
I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best !
The reason you keep changing your mind is because you are active, exploring, wondering and are inspired. It's okay to have a lot of interests and you have expressed a special interest in art and community service. That is greatly to be admired !
The two career studies that come to my mind for this are Art education or Art Therapy. Both will give you the opportunity to use your art talent at the same time the ability to help people. So if you are in high school, keep taking art classes and psychology classes, too. Continue to be active at your school in art events and activities until you graduate. Participate in any art shows that your school or community offers. Make sure to photograph all of your art work and the events and you can even make a video of your art, narrating when you created it and what inspired you and talk about what art means to you. That would be a good presentation to offer when applying for colleges or employment.
To become an Art Teacher, you could major in Education and minor in Art. You should get a Bachelors or Masters degree and get certified to teach. To become an Art Therapist you will study Art Therapy in college and go on for a Masters Degree. You will need to be Board Certified for this.
It's okay to change your mind. If art and community service is what you really want, make a decision but if you still are thinking of other things, do not rule them out. It takes people different length of times to really decide on what career to choose. Since you are adventurous with your interests, you never know when you will pick the exact career that will be satisfying and allow you to express your talents as well as touch the lives of students, clients or anyone. Just continue your involvement with what you are doing now and give it time. Keep reaching out for advice and base your choice on how you would like to spend your future. Do searches on line for various art/community service blend careers.
I hope that this has helped and I wish you all the best !
Deanna See
Consultant
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Deanna’s Answer
Hi Laikan!
It's perfectly okay to have many interests and change your mind often - that's how you find out what you want (or even don't want) in a career. Art is such a diverse space and you can help people in many different ways, whether through creating art or teaching others. One piece of advice would be to reach out to friends, teachers, or even people on LinkedIn with careers that you might be interested in, and ask them about their life. They might even be able to connect you to opportunities in their field.
One place where you can find more advice is Access Your Potential - it's an ecosystem of learning, support and connections for Black and Hispanic/Latinx college students, across all fields of study, as they explore their future careers. You will have access to mentorship with PwC professionals, paid consulting externships and free curriculums to help you grow and discover what you want for your career. Sign up to have access to these free programs here: accessyourpotential.pwc.com.
It's perfectly okay to have many interests and change your mind often - that's how you find out what you want (or even don't want) in a career. Art is such a diverse space and you can help people in many different ways, whether through creating art or teaching others. One piece of advice would be to reach out to friends, teachers, or even people on LinkedIn with careers that you might be interested in, and ask them about their life. They might even be able to connect you to opportunities in their field.
One place where you can find more advice is Access Your Potential - it's an ecosystem of learning, support and connections for Black and Hispanic/Latinx college students, across all fields of study, as they explore their future careers. You will have access to mentorship with PwC professionals, paid consulting externships and free curriculums to help you grow and discover what you want for your career. Sign up to have access to these free programs here: accessyourpotential.pwc.com.
Yaz M
Recruit
50
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Yaz’s Answer
Its normal to change your mind - dont worry! When I was in college, I thought I wanted to be a nurse, then I changed my mind to a Video Game artist, then I settled on HR. All of these are very different careers, but that's what's great about college. You can learn and explore different areas of focus/potential career choices. Even if you end up settling on art as a career (for example) that doesn't mean you cant contribute to helping people or your community. You can always join community service clubs on the side or do volunteering while you pursue your art career.
Richard Thornton
Aerospace Engineer
20
Answers
Robbinsville, New Jersey
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Laikan, this is absolutely NOT a bad thing, in fact having the drive to try new things and not being afraid to move on if you've changed your mind is a great advantage in life. The key is to go into it - whether "it" is an after school internship, or finding research that interests you in college, or even your first real job - with the mindset that you should find what you love doing and use that as a guiding principle in your next venture.
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/nls/questions-and-answers.htm#anch43) doesn't officially track the number of career changes the average person makes in their life, a number of sources claim the range is anywhere from 5-7 to even 10-15 times over the course of a person's life. This number has only gone up in recent years with people finding better opportunities and higher pay when they switch career's and remote working has made that easier. There's also a greater emphasis on work/life balance that makes switching companies more attractive for some people.
Going into a field that relates to art and helping people is something that should be admired, so don't worry if it feels like you haven't found "it" yet even if its your 10th time around. Often times, what feels right may even change along the way, but if you pick somewhere to start and work from there, you won't have to worry about thinking if you're in the perfect career with the perfect company - you'll only worry about building towards the next step.
I'll end by saying in my field of engineering, there are a million and one specialties and even more options if you expand engineering into general science and technology. I asked this question myself as well and I found that by staying flexible early on, I could move around and try out opportunities until something felt right. I ended up doing something completely different than my undergraduate degree while most people feel locked in when they just pick their degree. Hopefully that shows that its never too late to change and you shouldn't worry that your first job will be your last job.
For next steps, try asking your teachers and student counselor directly for advice on what careers you may be interested in
You can do random searches on Indeed or LinkedIn to see what jobs are available when you search a certain field
Try a career advice tool that can narrow your choice
Ask youtube for "day in the life" videos from different fields, many people out there like to share their day to day tasks
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/nls/questions-and-answers.htm#anch43) doesn't officially track the number of career changes the average person makes in their life, a number of sources claim the range is anywhere from 5-7 to even 10-15 times over the course of a person's life. This number has only gone up in recent years with people finding better opportunities and higher pay when they switch career's and remote working has made that easier. There's also a greater emphasis on work/life balance that makes switching companies more attractive for some people.
Going into a field that relates to art and helping people is something that should be admired, so don't worry if it feels like you haven't found "it" yet even if its your 10th time around. Often times, what feels right may even change along the way, but if you pick somewhere to start and work from there, you won't have to worry about thinking if you're in the perfect career with the perfect company - you'll only worry about building towards the next step.
I'll end by saying in my field of engineering, there are a million and one specialties and even more options if you expand engineering into general science and technology. I asked this question myself as well and I found that by staying flexible early on, I could move around and try out opportunities until something felt right. I ended up doing something completely different than my undergraduate degree while most people feel locked in when they just pick their degree. Hopefully that shows that its never too late to change and you shouldn't worry that your first job will be your last job.
Richard recommends the following next steps:
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
522
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I think we live in a time where there are so many different career paths that it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and indecisive. It took me a while to decide what I enjoyed and find roles that allowed me to have flexibility, travel, train others and work independently (mostly) while also working within groups of likeminded individuals.
Ask people around you want you are good at. Maybe there is something in there that can help you focus your efforts.
I hope you are able to figure things out.
Ask people around you want you are good at. Maybe there is something in there that can help you focus your efforts.
I hope you are able to figure things out.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4194
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Laikan,
Understanding Career Indecision
Choosing a career path can be a challenging and complex decision, especially when you have multiple interests and passions. It is not uncommon for individuals to change their minds about their career choices, and there are several reasons why this may happen.
1. Diverse Interests and Passions
One of the primary reasons for changing one’s mind about a career choice is having diverse interests and passions. If you are drawn to both art and helping others, it can be difficult to find a single career that encompasses both of these passions. As a result, you may find yourself exploring different options in an attempt to find a career that allows you to pursue both interests simultaneously.
2. Lack of Information
Another factor that contributes to changing career choices is a lack of information about various professions. Without a clear understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities, work environment, and potential for growth in a particular field, it is easy to feel uncertain about committing to a specific career path. This uncertainty can lead individuals to explore different options until they find one that aligns with their interests and values.
3. Evolving Priorities
As individuals grow and gain new experiences, their priorities and values may evolve. What once seemed like the perfect career choice may no longer align with your personal or professional goals as you continue to learn and develop. This evolution can lead to a shift in career aspirations as you seek opportunities that better reflect your current mindset and ambitions.
4. Fear of Commitment
The fear of making the wrong choice or committing to a single career path for the rest of your life can also contribute to indecision. This fear may stem from concerns about job satisfaction, financial stability, or the potential for advancement within a chosen field. As a result, individuals may hesitate to fully commit to a career, leading them to explore different options over time.
5. External Influences
External factors such as societal expectations, family pressure, or cultural norms can also play a significant role in shaping one’s career decisions. These influences may lead individuals to pursue certain careers that are perceived as more prestigious or financially rewarding, even if they do not align with their true passions and interests. Over time, the discrepancy between external expectations and personal aspirations can prompt individuals to reconsider their career choices.
6. Pursuing Fulfillment
Ultimately, the desire to find fulfillment in your career by integrating your passions for art and helping others is a noble pursuit. It is essential to recognize that there are numerous paths that can allow you to combine these interests, including roles in art therapy, community outreach programs, nonprofit organizations, or creative entrepreneurship. Exploring these diverse opportunities may help you identify a career path that resonates with your multifaceted passions.
In conclusion, it is entirely normal to experience uncertainty and change your mind about your career choice, especially when you have varied interests and aspirations. Embracing this process as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth can ultimately lead you to a fulfilling career that aligns with your values and allows you to contribute meaningfully to the things you love.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insights into career decision-making processes and factors influencing career choices.
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA offers valuable resources on understanding individual interests, values, and decision-making in relation to career development.
Forbes: Forbes publishes articles on navigating career indecision and finding fulfillment by integrating personal passions into professional pursuits.
These sources were instrumental in providing evidence-based insights into the complexities of career decision-making and the factors contributing to indecision.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.
Understanding Career Indecision
Choosing a career path can be a challenging and complex decision, especially when you have multiple interests and passions. It is not uncommon for individuals to change their minds about their career choices, and there are several reasons why this may happen.
1. Diverse Interests and Passions
One of the primary reasons for changing one’s mind about a career choice is having diverse interests and passions. If you are drawn to both art and helping others, it can be difficult to find a single career that encompasses both of these passions. As a result, you may find yourself exploring different options in an attempt to find a career that allows you to pursue both interests simultaneously.
2. Lack of Information
Another factor that contributes to changing career choices is a lack of information about various professions. Without a clear understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities, work environment, and potential for growth in a particular field, it is easy to feel uncertain about committing to a specific career path. This uncertainty can lead individuals to explore different options until they find one that aligns with their interests and values.
3. Evolving Priorities
As individuals grow and gain new experiences, their priorities and values may evolve. What once seemed like the perfect career choice may no longer align with your personal or professional goals as you continue to learn and develop. This evolution can lead to a shift in career aspirations as you seek opportunities that better reflect your current mindset and ambitions.
4. Fear of Commitment
The fear of making the wrong choice or committing to a single career path for the rest of your life can also contribute to indecision. This fear may stem from concerns about job satisfaction, financial stability, or the potential for advancement within a chosen field. As a result, individuals may hesitate to fully commit to a career, leading them to explore different options over time.
5. External Influences
External factors such as societal expectations, family pressure, or cultural norms can also play a significant role in shaping one’s career decisions. These influences may lead individuals to pursue certain careers that are perceived as more prestigious or financially rewarding, even if they do not align with their true passions and interests. Over time, the discrepancy between external expectations and personal aspirations can prompt individuals to reconsider their career choices.
6. Pursuing Fulfillment
Ultimately, the desire to find fulfillment in your career by integrating your passions for art and helping others is a noble pursuit. It is essential to recognize that there are numerous paths that can allow you to combine these interests, including roles in art therapy, community outreach programs, nonprofit organizations, or creative entrepreneurship. Exploring these diverse opportunities may help you identify a career path that resonates with your multifaceted passions.
In conclusion, it is entirely normal to experience uncertainty and change your mind about your career choice, especially when you have varied interests and aspirations. Embracing this process as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth can ultimately lead you to a fulfilling career that aligns with your values and allows you to contribute meaningfully to the things you love.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insights into career decision-making processes and factors influencing career choices.
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA offers valuable resources on understanding individual interests, values, and decision-making in relation to career development.
Forbes: Forbes publishes articles on navigating career indecision and finding fulfillment by integrating personal passions into professional pursuits.
These sources were instrumental in providing evidence-based insights into the complexities of career decision-making and the factors contributing to indecision.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
235
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Don't worry if you change your mind about your career choice. Explore careers that combine your interests in art and helping others. Seek guidance from professionals in those fields. Remember, it's okay to take your time to find a fulfilling career. Graduate school and work experience can also change your perspectives and help you find the right path. Embrace these opportunities for growth and exploration!