We know how you’re feeling … That everyone else has a calling. But every time you think you hear your phone ringing, it stops when you say: ‘Yes, this is it! I have a plan, just like everyone else.
But then you find something even better, and the first idea is long forgotten like last year’s Yeezys. Are you overwhelmed with the crazy amount of interests you have? Are you struggling to pick just one?
What you really want is to stop feeling confused about your career, about your future. You want certainty that you’re doing what you were meant to do, that you’ll be successful and have a good fulfilling life. You want a career based on your passions, values and abilities, even if there isn’t a clear-cut way of finding that.
Here are five tips to help you find your way:
Consider your hobbies
Before you do anything, consider what your hobbies are and write them down. Also think about why you enjoy these hobbies. If you like to bake, for example, perhaps the reason is you like to create, and a creative career such as wedding cake design would be a good fit for you.
Or if you enjoy running, maybe it’s because you like challenging yourself and working hard to achieve a goal. A career that demands and rewards hard work with pay raises, promotions or commission could be one to consider.
Interview professionals
If you’re interested in several great careers, interview people who are already working in those fields. Most people are happy to discuss their day-to-day activities with a willing listener.
Shadow someone
Find people who are in fields you like and ask if you may shadow them for a day. That will give you a clear idea of what their day is like.
Take a gap year
A gap year can give you the lens through which you can get clarity about your future study or career path. Some of the best possible attributes for a successful career are being self-reliant and resilient, traits that you will naturally develop by challenging yourself and getting out of your comfort zone. Some people spend years toiling in careers they cannot stand. If you can figure it out during a gap year, you’re doing pretty well.
Visit Gradesmatch
Gradesmatch has a database of over 1 600 career options. You can search for careers that interest you and find out about the skills you need, as well as the subjects and courses required to qualify. So head over to Gradesmatch now, and give yourself one less thing to stress about.
