7 answers
britney
Student
Frisco, Texas
1
Question
Asked
1500 views
Is it normal to not have a career in mind in 11th grade?
I’m in 11th grade and haven’t really thought of a career to do in my life, I’ve been kind of stuck in thought of what to do either it being art, psychology, or something random like business. I tried going to friends and family for help but they just say “follow your heart!” and it’s kind of hard because my heart doesn’t know what it wants. I just need help, is this normal??
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7 answers
Ryan Kretz
46
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Yes, it is completely normal to feel uncertain about your career path, especially at your stage in 11th grade. Many students go through a period of exploration and uncertainty when it comes to choosing a career. It's important to remember that finding the right career path takes time and self-discovery. Here are some steps you can take to navigate this process:
Self-reflection: Take the time to reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and skills. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy, what motivates you, and what you excel at. Reflecting on these aspects can help you identify potential career paths that align with your personal preferences.
Explore different options: Research and explore various career paths that interest you. Look into different industries, job roles, and educational requirements. Consider what excites you and what you can envision yourself doing in the long term. Take advantage of online resources, career assessments, and informational interviews to gather information and gain insights into different fields.
Gain exposure and experience: Seek out opportunities to gain exposure and experience in areas that interest you. This can include volunteering, internships, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities. Engaging in these experiences can help you gain insights, develop skills, and clarify your interests.
Talk to professionals: Reach out to professionals in fields that interest you and request informational interviews. Professionals can provide valuable insights into their careers, the industry, and the day-to-day realities of their work. Their experiences and advice can help you gain a better understanding of different career paths.
Seek guidance: Consider seeking guidance from a career counselor or mentor who can provide support and guidance throughout your career exploration process. They can help you navigate your options, provide resources, and assist you in making informed decisions.
Embrace flexibility: It's important to remember that career paths are not always linear, and it's okay to change directions or explore multiple interests. Many people have diverse careers that evolve over time. Embrace the idea that your interests and goals may change as you gain more experiences and insights.
Remember, choosing a career is a journey, and it's okay to feel uncertain or explore different options. Be patient with yourself, stay open-minded, and trust that with time and self-discovery, you will find a career path that aligns with your interests and aspirations.
Self-reflection: Take the time to reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and skills. Consider what subjects or activities you enjoy, what motivates you, and what you excel at. Reflecting on these aspects can help you identify potential career paths that align with your personal preferences.
Explore different options: Research and explore various career paths that interest you. Look into different industries, job roles, and educational requirements. Consider what excites you and what you can envision yourself doing in the long term. Take advantage of online resources, career assessments, and informational interviews to gather information and gain insights into different fields.
Gain exposure and experience: Seek out opportunities to gain exposure and experience in areas that interest you. This can include volunteering, internships, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities. Engaging in these experiences can help you gain insights, develop skills, and clarify your interests.
Talk to professionals: Reach out to professionals in fields that interest you and request informational interviews. Professionals can provide valuable insights into their careers, the industry, and the day-to-day realities of their work. Their experiences and advice can help you gain a better understanding of different career paths.
Seek guidance: Consider seeking guidance from a career counselor or mentor who can provide support and guidance throughout your career exploration process. They can help you navigate your options, provide resources, and assist you in making informed decisions.
Embrace flexibility: It's important to remember that career paths are not always linear, and it's okay to change directions or explore multiple interests. Many people have diverse careers that evolve over time. Embrace the idea that your interests and goals may change as you gain more experiences and insights.
Remember, choosing a career is a journey, and it's okay to feel uncertain or explore different options. Be patient with yourself, stay open-minded, and trust that with time and self-discovery, you will find a career path that aligns with your interests and aspirations.
Michael Giles
Technical Publications and Training Manager
14
Answers
Mayflower, Arkansas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Absolutely. I was in my early 20s working my way through college, and still didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I loved the sciences and the arts, leading me to flip-flop between English professor and engineer. One Mexican-American Lit professor who knew that suggested technical writing. She said I would be good at it because I had one foot on both sides of the fence, which is what a good tech writer needs. She was right (thanks Dr. G at UH). I finished my degree in English and have done that ever since. That was the sage advice I got from an instructor who knew me. Growing up, I only wanted to be a pilot, but my eyesight went before I got the chance, so I rolled with what I had, two passions.
I believe young folks are in two categories. They are so passionate about something, as I was, that's what they focus on and follow. Others, have multiple interests and talents, which leads to the indecision I faced after becoming a pilot was out of the question. Enjoy being young, and don't focus too much on what you want to be. Focus on your strengths and passions. It will come to you.
I still work as a tech writer for a company that makes electric tractors, which help to save the planet from hydrocarbon emissions, leaving a world better for my two granddaughters who live with me here on a lake in central Arkansas, regularly pursuing one of my other passions, fishing.
In summary, you don't have to make a choice right now. Examine your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. As time goes by, tailor that to what will make you happy and get to a point where you feel you've led a happy, productive life, and left something better behind for you children and grandchildren.
Often attributed to Confucious, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life".
I believe young folks are in two categories. They are so passionate about something, as I was, that's what they focus on and follow. Others, have multiple interests and talents, which leads to the indecision I faced after becoming a pilot was out of the question. Enjoy being young, and don't focus too much on what you want to be. Focus on your strengths and passions. It will come to you.
I still work as a tech writer for a company that makes electric tractors, which help to save the planet from hydrocarbon emissions, leaving a world better for my two granddaughters who live with me here on a lake in central Arkansas, regularly pursuing one of my other passions, fishing.
In summary, you don't have to make a choice right now. Examine your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. As time goes by, tailor that to what will make you happy and get to a point where you feel you've led a happy, productive life, and left something better behind for you children and grandchildren.
Often attributed to Confucious, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life".
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Britney, If you've got any idea at all about what you want to do then you've probably got a better idea than me because I've had no lesson about 100 jobs in the last 50 years. Things just happen to me and I drifted into trying to help people that were in trouble. After my Greek family members started dying from cardiovascular disease, I decided to pursue nutrition and try and help them.
Linda Mire
Interior Design
139
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Linda’s Answer
This is one of the biggest discussions you will make in your life and you are very young which means limited experiences and experiences are what we draw knowledge from so no it is not unusual for someone in the 11 th grade, and this is the best advice I can give to anyone searching for there career path. Here goes If you were independently wealthy and didn't have to work what would you do with your time that brought you the most pleasure? So give this some thought when you find the answer look for a career that will pay you to do your favorite pastime and you will love your work because it won't be work for you. Hope this helps because what you do for a career is a big part of having a happy life spent and many people go down the wrong career path and become stuck and are so unhappy. You are never stuck and don't stay in a career you don't love if you discover this unhappiness get out quick and don't waist time. It is key to remember find something you love to do first and foremost.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2432
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Many students are facing similar question. You may need to determine what careers you have interest in coming year.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, 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 counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Elizabeth Keith
Associate
1
Answer
Lake Elsinore, California
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi, Britney!
It is totally normal to be uncertain about a career in 11th grade. High school is a great time to explore and pursue your interests. Maybe talk to a career counselor at school to get some ideas on potential careers. The good news is that you don't have to pick one career and stick with it for the rest of your life, especially nowadays. Personally, I have had numerous careers over my lifetime. Some were a good fit for me, and some weren't, but I always like having the option of doing something different. You can also look at different colleges or vocational schools to get an idea of some of the subjects you might be interested in studying to further your education and that might be helpful in figuring out what career you might want to pursue. Also, getting a part-time or even full-time job somewhere that interests you might be helpful as well.
Don't worry or be too hard on yourself - you will figure it out - you have so many options out there and you will find something that you love and is a good fit for you! I wish you all the luck in the world!
It is totally normal to be uncertain about a career in 11th grade. High school is a great time to explore and pursue your interests. Maybe talk to a career counselor at school to get some ideas on potential careers. The good news is that you don't have to pick one career and stick with it for the rest of your life, especially nowadays. Personally, I have had numerous careers over my lifetime. Some were a good fit for me, and some weren't, but I always like having the option of doing something different. You can also look at different colleges or vocational schools to get an idea of some of the subjects you might be interested in studying to further your education and that might be helpful in figuring out what career you might want to pursue. Also, getting a part-time or even full-time job somewhere that interests you might be helpful as well.
Don't worry or be too hard on yourself - you will figure it out - you have so many options out there and you will find something that you love and is a good fit for you! I wish you all the luck in the world!
Hellena Banner
Digital and Generative Artist
29
Answers
Port Huron, Michigan
Updated
Hellena’s Answer
Yes, it's completely normal not to know what career path you want to pursue, especially in 11th grade. Many people don't have a clear idea of their future career at that stage. It's a process that takes time, exploration, and self-discovery. You can start by exploring your interests, strengths, and values, and seeking advice from teachers, counselors, or career advisors. Remember, it's okay to take your time and explore different options before making a decision.