Deciding what you will do for the rest of your life can feel overwhelming. Some people seem to be born with a strong idea of what they hope to become, but many others struggle. There is no one right or wrong answer. Taking some time to think about what you want to build is one way to help you come to a decision. Something that may factor into what your career goals are is how you plan to pay for school. Many people let the fear of college costs prevent them from following their dreams, but there are many options available to help pay for school. Grants and scholarships can bring down your tuition bill. Private student loans allow you to pay the balance, including education-related expenses such as rent and even childcare. Don’t let potential costs steer you away from a job you feel passionate about.
Think About Your Interests
Identifying the type of work you want to do starts with considering what you enjoy doing. If you are not a detail-oriented person, you may find working with numbers mind-numbing. If you enjoy being outside, many jobs allow you to work out of the office at least sometimes. Introverts may not want to take a job that requires presentations and group activities regularly. Of course, every job has tasks that are not favorites. While you cannot expect to love everything about your job, you should feel okay about heading to work most days of the week. If your job involves duties that you find dull, tedious, or repetitive, or you do not feel like you are making a meaningful contribution, you will face burnout.
Explore a Variety of Options
Once you have some ideas about the type of work you may enjoy, explore each option in a little more detail. Track down individuals who do the work you think you may enjoy, and ask if they would be willing to talk with you. People who enjoy their career generally don’t mind talking about it for a few minutes, whether over email or a cup of coffee. Talking to people who work in the field can give you a better idea of what the day to day activities look like in that position, the type of training expected, and the job outlook.
Consider How You Want Your Life to Look
When you are considering what you want to do with your life, don’t forget that work is only one part of your life. Take time to think about how you want your life to look in the future. If you hope to take some time off, or at least cut your hours back and have children, a career that is highly competitive and requires regular travel may not be the best choice. If you want to feel comfortable leaving work on time every day and taking your full vacation, certain industries may not be the best choice. There is no one right answer for everyone, but having an idea of the life you want to build is the best way to create a plan for getting there.
