Career questions tagged motivation
What motivates people to continue pursuing engineering despite the difficult coursework and career ahead in the future?
I'm currently in my sophomore year of civil engineering, and I'm feeling burnt out. How do people deal with this feeling, and what mindset can help me push through?
How do you stay motivated to keep going when days get repetitive?
I am an accounting major, and days are already pretty repetitive. How do I find adventure in my field and keep from getting burned out?
Any advice for an adult going back to school ?
I graduated high school in 2020. I am choosing to go back to school now because it finally feels right. I feel I have a direction and purpose. How do I keep the motivation I have now? Any tips on how to balance going to school while working full-time?
I have always struggled with motivation- my earlier life was a struggle. But now, on my way to college, I'm worried about losing motivation and not being able to become the best version of myself. Between feeling homesick, seasonal depression, my own mental illness, and making friends, I'm worried that I might lose motivation and struggle in my classes. What are some tips and habits that can help me do all of my educational work while still being social enough to make friends and join communities Does anyone else struggle with this? What works for you guys? Thank you so much! #Fall25?
I have always struggled with motivation- my earlier life was a struggle. But now, on my way to college, I'm worried about losing motivation and not being able to become the best version of myself. Between feeling homesick, seasonal depression, my own mental illness, and making friends, I'm worried that I might lose motivation and struggle in my classes. What are some tips and habits that can help me do all of my educational work while still being social enough to make friends and join communities? Does anyone else struggle with this? What works for you guys? Thank you so much! #Fall25
What are some ways to stay motivated when feeling burnt out?
I feel burnt out when I constantly overwork myself or when I'm stressed by the workload. I still get the work done, but I end up losing my motivation and start dreading school.
is it possible to still be suceful after dropping out of school and getting a GED?
is it possible to still be suceful after dropping out of school and getting a GED?
No motivation left to finish my major
Hello, I'm currently computer engineering student in uni. Next semester I can start enrolling in senior project and embedded systems 3. I've got 3 semesters left after this one; I'm glad to be almost done with uni, but I'm feeling like meh and useless. I don't have any more motivation to finish my major anymore. I hate what I'm doing and I'm not having any fun. I hate embedded systems and programming. The only thing I was slightly good at was circuit analysis, but I barely see in my upper division classes. I have no idea what's going on any more and I don't care to finish my major anymore. I just feel so dumb and useless. I have no internship experience because every job description sounds mad boring/depressing and I never hear back from any companies. I've only got study abroad experience but I feel like when because I don't really have the hard skills, I'm not desirable to employers in the job market. I'm also pursuing a minor in applied math. I'm having much more fun in the math classes, even though they can be just as confusing as my engineering classes sometimes, I feel like it's been more rewarding in those classes. I want to change my major so bad to applied math because, finally after four years of confusion, I perhaps found my calling. The only issue is that I'm so close to finishing my major and I'm not sure if I can spend more time in university because of cost. I just feel so defeated and regretful because I just wasted all this time learning nothing and I don't really care to finish it. I really wished I knew about Applied Math when I applied to univeristy. I'm not sure what I want to do anymore. How can I make myself more interested in my major until I finish?
How does someone with little to no motivation choose their career path?
I'm a junior in high school, and while I have an interest in writing and many other kinds of art, I have little to no motivation to actually pursue these things or work at them, especially when it's such an uncertain field. I'm not sure I should bother trying to pursue something I like, and really, I have no desire to pursue anything at all. Any advice?
How to stay motivated in school ?
can you help me i really needed it pls give me atleast 5 sentence please if you answer it thankyou so much you might help me.
I am struggling to think of a career or goal for the future. Any advice?
I'm thinking about going to university but I'm not sure what career I'm working towards. I have an interest in history and psychology, but I can't think of goals to work towards to become motivated. My hobbies include gaming and I love to read. I also love learning but I just don't know where i want to go in life.
How do I stay motivated when I feel like I’m falling behind everyone else?
Sometimes it feels like my classmates are doing so well — getting awards, knowing what they want in life, or even running side projects. Meanwhile, I feel stuck or unsure. How do I stop comparing myself and just focus on my own growth?
What would you do for a living if money wasn't a factor?
I have been thinking about this a lot lately. So much of our career choices are shaped by survival, not passion. We all have that childhood dream to help the needy and now, somehow, most of us are the needy. But if money wasn’t a factor, no pressure, no bills, no expectations. What would we really choose? Would we still do what we do now? Or would we create, teach, build, explore, heal, write, or help in ways we have buried for years? I’m genuinely curious. What would you do for a living if money didn’t matter?
What motivates you to pursue both technology and music in your career?
Aspiring cybersecurity enthusiast and high school student passionate about technology and problem-solving. Alongside advancing my tech skills through online courses, I’m also a dedicated music producer and DJ, creating and performing to connect with audiences and bring energy to events. Experienced in supporting community projects and helping others with tech challenges. Eager to grow professionally in both customer support and creative fields. Always ready to learn, adapt, and contribute.
How do I really know what I want to do with my life?
How do I really know what I want to do with my life? It's just so hard to narrow it down right now. I'm considering majoring in journalism or communications, but I can't see myself writing life-changing stories right now. I'm a incoming high school senior, just for reference.
Feeling lost! Can I build a remote tech/AI career without experience?
Hi everyone, I’m going through a really difficult period in my life and would be incredibly grateful for some honest advice. I am 34 years old and I recently moved to Japan (Fukuoka), and I’m struggling to find a viable career path. I don’t speak Japanese yet (I’ve started studying it), and I’ve been applying for English or Italian teaching jobs (I'm Italian) just to keep things moving but that’s not my real passion. My background is in commercial HVAC pipefitting, with over 10 years of experience on large construction sites across Australia and New Zealand. Unfortunately, without Japanese language skills, it’s nearly impossible to continue in that field here in Japan. In the past 5-6 months I started studying cybersecurity, using platforms like Coursera and TryHackMe (earning two certificates: Google IT Support and Google Cybersecurity). I was really motivated, but just recently I started to feel discouraged, without hands-on experience or industry connections, it felt like I wouldn’t be able to break into the field. I paused my studies because I was afraid I was wasting time, but deep down I still want to continue. I’ve always been passionate about IT. I’ve had a strong interest in this world for as long as I can remember, and recently I’ve become more and more fascinated by how AI is changing the way we work and solve problems. I love exploring tools and workflows that help automate tasks, improve productivity, and create new opportunities for people like me, without a formal background in the industry. I’m also interested in the creative side of AI, such as image generation (which I occasionally share on socials), but my main goal is to find ways to use AI and IT tools to build a remote career, even starting small. That’s why I’m reaching out here. I’d really appreciate any honest, practical advice on: Is it truly possible to start a remote career in IT, without prior experience or a degree? What learning paths, certifications, or tools are actually worth focusing on? How can someone like me start from scratch and build a sustainable future in IT while managing day-to-day survival? Are there beginner-friendly roles where curiosity, consistency, and self-teaching are enough to open doors? Thank you so much for reading. I’m feeling lost, but still hopeful. Even a bit of direction or encouragement would mean a lot to me right now.
How can I get more motivation to finish the things I start?
I often start writing a lot of things. I have a lot of unfinished passion projects that I get others involved in, but then lose motivation for and start slacking off on. It always seems like an amazing Idea until I actually have to do something. I genuinely do't want to let the people I've gotten involved down and need ways to region motivation, and fast. Edit: The project I' working on is a small visual novel formatted series with small animations and cutscenes made by some people I have helping with the project. I write the script myself and make the episodes. The characters and stuff are all made and I have the times from the voice actors. The part I'm falling short with is the making of the actual episode.
How do you stay motivated while pursuing a demanding degree?
For context, I come from a low-income background and am pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine. I know that this career path is difficult in terms of coursework and requires many years of schooling. I am transferring from a Community College to a 4-year institution this fall, with veterinary school following afterward. As I am transferring into such a specific major so my academic pathway requires at least 2.5 years, with the addition of taking Summer and Winter classes, with veterinary school being 4 years. My financial background also sets me back in struggling to pay for school and likely needing to work full time, which hinders my studies. Veterinary school is noted to be very competitive, and most people get rejected in their first year of applying. I am trying to stay optimistic throughout the hardships and also want to make the most of my time in college. Overall, how do you stay motivated in such a difficult career path while also balancing personal life, work, and getting involved on campus? #Spring25
How do I know I am not messing up my life?
Hello Career Village! I am a 2nd-year college student at RPI, and I've come to a point in my life where I am in this shell and can't seem to break out of it because I am afraid of taking risks in my academic career. I have so many ambitions I want to tackle, but as I am finally getting the courage to take on the opportunity presented in front of me, these malicious thoughts creep in and start to invade every motivation I had initially, and ultimately, I walk away. My question is, how can I have confidence and trust in my capabilities?
What helped you gain confidence in your work, especially when presenting your ideas to others who might not see your vision right away?
I’m a college sophomore, and I’m really interested in interior design. I also enjoy reading, writing, and painting—basically anything creative that lets me express myself or see things from a different perspective. I like the idea of designing spaces that feel both functional and meaningful.
How did you balance work/school/ life during university?
I'm currently going to University full-time, work part-time and I have pets at home. I feel like I'm struggling to stay on top of everything when days start to blur together.
What is your favorite tool or habit to keep yourself motivated at work or school on an everyday basis ?
What is your favorite tool or habit to keep yourself motivated at work or school on an everyday basis?
How do I stay motivated and focused when things get overwhelming during my academic journey?
I'm currently a high school senior preparing for college. I've always been a good student, but often times get overwhelmed. Now that I'll be starting college in the fall, I know this won't get any easier and would appreciate some tips on how to stay motivated and focused.
What is some helpful advice for avoiding burnout and continuing to drive motivation throughout your career, especially after graduating from college? #Spring25
I'm currently a student and working part-time. I have grown accustomed to my working routine after so many years and feel like I'll get burnt out if I quit and look for another employment related to my major.
How do you stay motivated until the end, through the ups and downs? Nursing school is hard. Is there ever a point where you feel like the sacrifices aren't worth it or won't pay off in the end? #Spring25
After years of different medical programs, I've finally been accepted into an ABSN program. Now, with restricted financing and funding, having to step back from work and time with my family, I wonder if my dream of becoming a nurse is worth the sacrifices, blood, sweat, and tears.
How should I manage procrastination and avoid distractions while studying ?
I am currently a high school senior who struggles to stay focused and manage my time wisely especially when the tasks are boring or mentally exhausting. I get easily distracted by things like social media or my phone and I want to build better study habits before I get to college.
What is something that can prepare me to get into the dental field, especially like dental hygiene?
I'm in college getting a BA in Dental Hygiene. I have some experience from a Dental class that I took in high school. I want to know what all there is to know about the field. The mental, physical struggles. Google does provide information, but that's from a search engine and not from a known experience.
Self-Motivation lacking
What other ways can I keep up my self motivation for school? When my life gets dark.
What is some advice on staying positive and motivated when still in school and pursuing my career ?
I am currently in school finishing pre reqs for nursing. I will apply to nursing school soon and struggle sometimes staying motivated because school can get overwhelming and seems like it is just the beginning.
How do you find motivation when you have so many burdens in life?
I feel so exhausted all the time, even with small tasks such as putting away laundry or dishes. I work roughly 25 hours a week. For the past four years I have been dealing with vision problems. It feels like I can't do anything and that I am constantly catching up. Even doing one thing a day completely drains me.
How to find motivation to do work?
I haven't gotten any motivation to do any of my work.