How did you know what you wanted to do, without ever trying it?

[IFeelSoLost]

This question is primarily directed at those people who have 'always known what they wanted to be since they were little'. I can understand how people have interests and excel in certain areas and that this would draw them to pursue it as a career, but one thing I have had a really hard time with is how your interests,etc. transfer into a job. Just because you love something and are great at it doesn't mean the actual job itself would suit you. There could be many reasons why it just would be a fit despite being the thing you always wanted to do.
I haven't been able to pin down what it is I want to do and I think it's because I am highly concerned that once I do decide the job will not be what I want or though it would be. Let's say I want to go back to school to be a doctor. I would spend the next 10 years of my life wearing myself to the bone working nonstop and accumlating debt in the process. Once I get out in the field I realize although I have always loved medicine and had a great aptitude for it, I don't want to work with sick people all day and feel like this is not what I imagined at all. I know there is a certain level of risk involved in any decision like this, but I am trying to seek some guidance from those who have been through this.
I don't want to make the wrong choice and end up with a career I hate and in debt. I guess interning somewhere might provide further insight, but can you really be a scientist intern or a zookeeper intern or a movie maker intern?
I hope I have not made this difficult to understand. It just seems like we have millions of choices in the world and have to make our choice at a young age in college and without any real experience in the fields we are getting outselves into. I'm not even getting into the fact that we grow and change throughout our lives and how this affects career choices. I would love any input anyone has.

Thanks

[nikorock28]

I completely understand what you are saying and I don't have an answer. I have contemplated this exact same question many a time. I think it is logical that you don't know whether you want to do something or not until you actually do it. So, how you choose a career path, etc. is beyond me. I have a degree in civil engineering, but I really don't have any reason why I chose to study that over something else... it was because I had to pick something, and that is what it ended up being. For some people, they have always known what they wanted to do, and that is great. I, however, am perpetually undecided even on the simplest of issues (such as whether I am hungry or not... lol). But, realistically, every person is different, so I think it is very possible that there really are no careers out there that are ideal for some people. Also, as you mentioned, your interests may change with time, so this throws another curveball into it.

[TinyDancer]

I'm not going to be able to add a lot of insight here. . . because I oddly have known that I wanted to be in HR since I read through course catalogs for college when I was in high school and trying to think about what I would major in. I was pretty sure that I wanted to do something with business. . . and was looking through the the org. behavior section and thought. . . that sounds like fun.

When I HATED some of my business classes my soph year and hadn't really gotten any of my major courses yet, I was seriously considering changing my major to education and being a teacher. I'm glad that I stuck it out where I was because I ended up volunteering in schools. . . and I LOVED it, but in small doses. I had some awesome classes and horrible classes. I also substituted at one point, and loved some classes. . . and HATED some classes. I've never been more frustrated in my life.

My advice to you would be to try out different things. You get very little insight from college courses. If you know people in certain fields you are interested in. . . call them up, go to dinner with them and ask lots of questions, see if you can shadow them.

While I thought knew I wanted to do HR when I picked my major, my internship my junior year in college confirmed it.

[wordsmith]

I've made all my employment decisions based on things that I've always found myself to be a "natural" at doing. I love to write, I love explaining things to people, I love learning and doing research, I love imparting the knowledge that I've found to others. Not only do I love all those things, I'm damned good at them. There are lots and lots of fields where these things can come into play.

So, for me, I just took the things that come most naturally to me and that I truly enjoy, and have sought out ways to use them in the various jobs I've held.

[winneythepooh7]

I had an idea of what field I ultimately wanted to work in, but honestly, it was really trial and error, as well as a great deal of luck, to find a job that I feel pretty comfortable and happy in.

[awhitmer83]

I started college with absolutely no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I listed my intended major as early childhood ed, but I had worked in a school and knew that wasn't what I wanted. While in college, I depended heavily on my instructors to give me contacts in different fields. I made a lot of calls and did a lot of shadowing - sometimes just spending a few hours with someone can help you weed out what you don't want to do.

[GoogleGirl]

Since I was a little kid I wanted to be a veterinarian. Took one step into a chem class 1st semester college and switched majors. That's probably the biggest regret I have now. Giving up too easily. I switched to education, but I am still not sure that that is what I want to do. I think I have to agree with the others and say that it is a trial and error type of thing with jobs. As I have finally decided where to move during the summer, I'm really doing some major thinking about this exact topic. I want to find a job that I would be happy in. I just don't know what that is right now..

[redav]

How did you know what you wanted to do, without ever trying it?
I think the answer, unfortunately, is to try it. Internships, co-ops, summer jobs, talking to people who have that profession, etc. If you enjoy doing certain activities/environments, then the ODDS are better that you will enjoy that profession. Often we need to make decisions based on probabilities rather than exact facts. Some of it is luck.

Just because I love my job (engineering) doesn't mean that there are different jobs in my field with other companies that I would like at all.

No job is perfect. You won't find one that is everything you ever wanted without anything you don't like. Also, there isn't only one thing you can do, enjoy, & be passionate about.

[winneythepooh7]

I started college with absolutely no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I listed my intended major as early childhood ed, but I had worked in a school and knew that wasn't what I wanted. While in college, I depended heavily on my instructors to give me contacts in different fields. I made a lot of calls and did a lot of shadowing - sometimes just spending a few hours with someone can help you weed out what you don't want to do.

Interesting. I started out in early childhood ed at a community college, with full intentions to go into education. Having a mother as a teacher, and living in an area at the time where teacher jobs were few and far between, I changed my mind. Somedays I wonder "what if" but it probably is for the best........

[winneythepooh7]

Since I was a little kid I wanted to be a veterinarian. Took one step into a chem class 1st semester college and switched majors. That's probably the biggest regret I have now. Giving up too easily. I switched to education, but I am still not sure that that is what I want to do. I think I have to agree with the others and say that it is a trial and error type of thing with jobs. As I have finally decided where to move during the summer, I'm really doing some major thinking about this exact topic. I want to find a job that I would be happy in. I just don't know what that is right now..


Have you considered becoming a vet tech? I know there are even programs you can do partially online.

[GoogleGirl]

Have you considered becoming a vet tech? I know there are even programs you can do partially online.


That's an interesting thought. I'm not sure they get paid very much, but I'll definitely look into it.

[winneythepooh7]

That's an interesting thought. I'm not sure they get paid very much, but I'll definitely look into it.

I think they do much better than say, a vet assistant, because they are actually involved in a lot of the medical procedures. I mean, obviously the big bucks is being a vet and having your own practice. It's also very competitive from what I hear, and isn't length of time just like medical school? Also, there are not a ton of schools that offer the program from what I've learned.........is being a vet something you would still consider?

[NewMrs.]

I think they do much better than say, a vet assistant, because they are actually involved in a lot of the medical procedures. I mean, obviously the big bucks is being a vet and having your own practice. It's also very competitive from what I hear, and isn't length of time just like medical school? Also, there are not a ton of schools that offer the program from what I've learned.........is being a vet something you would still consider?


Do you mean that its competitive to become a vet tech or a veterinarian? I know one guy in college who majored in biology and was not able to get accepted into an American veterinarian college. Actually, I don't know if he wasn't accepted to any American veterinarian colleges or if he just couldn't afford to attend any of them. Regardless of the reason, he ended up attending some veterinarian school in South America for one or two years and then transferred to a school in the United States. He graduated from the American school and from what I understand is now a practicing vet somewhere in Pennsylvania.

[winneythepooh7]

Do you mean that its competitive to become a vet tech or a veterinarian? I know one guy in college who majored in biology and was not able to get accepted into an American veterinarian college. Actually, I don't know if he wasn't accepted to any American veterinarian colleges or if he just couldn't afford to attend any of them. Regardless of the reason, he ended up attending some veterinarian school in South America for one or two years and then transferred to a school in the United States. He graduated from the American school and from what I understand is now a practicing vet somewhere in Pennsylvania.

I meant it's really competitive to become a veterinarian.

[caostotale]

Since I was a little kid I wanted to be a veterinarian. Took one step into a chem class 1st semester college and switched majors. That's probably the biggest regret I have now. Giving up too easily. I switched to education, but I am still not sure that that is what I want to do. I think I have to agree with the others and say that it is a trial and error type of thing with jobs. As I have finally decided where to move during the summer, I'm really doing some major thinking about this exact topic. I want to find a job that I would be happy in. I just don't know what that is right now..

Yup, I know this situation. I started as a chemistry major in college and pushed myself through two years of it before I gave up (mostly for schedule and financial reasons) and decided to build my history minor into a major and grabbed up a comp lit major through many more years of part-time class. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't chastize myself for stopping the science degree because I hate my situation and I wish my history degree never came to be (even though I dearly love history and literature). If I had stayed the original course I'd probably have a decent position somewhere working on a subject I really wanted to pursue (and still spend a lot of time reading up on). Everyday I look around for any possible online programs in chemistry or biochemistry so I can maybe pick up my own pieces but I have a feeling that those degrees will never find an accredited form off-campus. It hurt my and made me hate my life even more when I worked in a lab full-time and realized that I'm better at that shit than most a-holes that were able to stay the course on those degrees. It's a total nightmare and I wouldn't wish my situation on anybody.

[nikorock28]

Yup, I know this situation. I started as a chemistry major in college and pushed myself through two years of it before I gave up (mostly for schedule and financial reasons) and decided to build my history minor into a major and grabbed up a comp lit major through many more years of part-time class. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't chastize myself for stopping the science degree because I hate my situation and I wish my history degree never came to be (even though I dearly love history and literature). If I had stayed the original course I'd probably have a decent position somewhere working on a subject I really wanted to pursue (and still spend a lot of time reading up on). Everyday I look around for any possible online programs in chemistry or biochemistry so I can maybe pick up my own pieces but I have a feeling that those degrees will never find an accredited form off-campus. It hurt my and made me hate my life even more when I worked in a lab full-time and realized that I'm better at that shit than most a-holes that were able to stay the course on those degrees. It's a total nightmare and I wouldn't wish my situation on anybody.

Why can't you go back on-campus and get your chemistry degree. According to you, you should only have 2 more years. Don't say financially that you can't do it... you can take out loans. Go to a reasonable state school or something.

[Ciderhillnh]

Try and take the Myers Briggs test. It will give you an idea of the type of personality you have, and some ideas on what fields to go into. A companion book is Why we do what we do.

I always talk to people to try and help them with this.
Are you a people person?
Are you better alone with your work or in group projects?
Do you want to look at the small or big picture?

Some of these help gather ideas for what might interest you and what might be a good path.

[caostotale]

Why can't you go back on-campus and get your chemistry degree. According to you, you should only have 2 more years. Don't say financially that you can't do it... you can take out loans. Go to a reasonable state school or something.

Loans on top of previous loans and debts is certainly too much to handle. I'd be paying it off after death. Also, the programs I'd love to do are all taught at horrible times like 1pm and 10:30am. If you think I'm finding a lame excuse, breeze through the schedules for Rutgers Cook campus, a school that offers several great programs that I would love to pursue if only work could be reconciled with it.

I'm not trying to be negative, but I can't go into any more debt. Also, my mind is not really in the right place for school and part of me doubts it will ever be again. I just need to work something out with the academics I have. If I become one of those life-time undergraduates who gets a pile of degrees and no work experience it won't make me any better.

[nikorock28]

Loans on top of previous loans and debts is certainly too much to handle. I'd be paying it off after death. Also, the programs I'd love to do are all taught at horrible times like 1pm and 10:30am. If you think I'm finding a lame excuse, breeze through the schedules for Rutgers Cook campus, a school that offers several great programs that I would love to pursue if only work could be reconciled with it.

I'm not trying to be negative, but I can't go into any more debt. Also, my mind is not really in the right place for school and part of me doubts it will ever be again. I just need to work something out with the academics I have. If I become one of those life-time undergraduates who gets a pile of degrees and no work experience it won't make me any better.

I was proposing that you drop EVERYTHING and go back to school. Seriously, if you hate yourself everyday for not sticking out your major, then the only option in my opinion is to go back and complete your degree. It is only two yrs. You can look into financial aid to see if you qualify. Don't limit yourself to the school that you already went to... you can certainly look into going to other schools. And, if need be, you can take out loans. It doesn't matter that you already have loans and debt... presumably, you can get a good job after you complete the degree, so it shouldn't be a problem paying off the debts. Scale back your lifestyle... live with roomies, go live with your parents or other family members. Do whatever you have to do to make it happen. These are my suggestions. Don't let what you did or didn't do in the past forfeit your future. If you truly do HATE yourself, drastic measures have to be taken to rectify the situation.

Even if you don't go back and get the degree, quit beating yourself up over your past. You have to move on. Even if you would have stuck out the chem degree, there is no saying that you would have regret not changing your major. The grass is always greener on the other side. All we can do in this life is try our very best and never give up.

[caostotale]

I was proposing that you drop EVERYTHING and go back to school. Seriously, if you hate yourself everyday for not sticking out your major, then the only option in my opinion is to go back and complete your degree. It is only two yrs. You can look into financial aid to see if you qualify. Don't limit yourself to the school that you already went to... you can certainly look into going to other schools. And, if need be, you can take out loans. It doesn't matter that you already have loans and debt... presumably, you can get a good job after you complete the degree, so it shouldn't be a problem paying off the debts. Scale back your lifestyle... live with roomies, go live with your parents or other family members. Do whatever you have to do to make it happen. These are my suggestions. Don't let what you did or didn't do in the past forfeit your future. If you truly do HATE yourself, drastic measures have to be taken to rectify the situation.

Even if you don't go back and get the degree, quit beating yourself up over your past. You have to move on. Even if you would have stuck out the chem degree, there is no saying that you would have regret not changing your major. The grass is always greener on the other side. All we can do in this life is try our very best and never give up.

I certainly appreciate this type of approach, but I'm probably going to find out a decent way to work with what I've got. The state of having that chem degree under my belt is not as big an issue as the weight of not having learned all of the material involved with that discipline. An interesting suggestion that people have given me is to learn it on my own (which, if anyone has ever taken chem courses, is the best method anyway) and figure out a way to integrate that field of information with the writing and researching abilities I've gained pursuing history and lit. It's certainly not a conventional approach, but I do wonder if it's a prudent line of thought. To avoid the nonsense of dealing with a college curriculum again would probably be most beneficial for other parts of my life.

I never said I hated myself. More accurately, I lament the amount of difficulty that seems to be involved in wanting to shift academic backgrounds. I wish that the institutions would cut the bullshit and just make science degrees available through online (accredited) programs or at least on a more liberal schedule. The best programs are way too geared towards students who don't have to work and have few outside obligations to sully their schedules.

[protovack]

The chicken and the egg problem.

Modern society suffers from the problem that people are not mentored well enough early in life, nor are we exposed to a variety of careers. Thus many people take after their parents, which is reasonable to me. Another thing to do is internships, shadowing, or volunteering in a field that you are interested in.

But how do you make that initial decision of which path to follow? Look at your strengths. Take the MBTI test as someone suggested. Really do some introspection, or if you are bad at that, have someone else do it for you. Ask a family member, "what can you see me doing? What are my strengths?"

The answer won't just "come to you." It takes some thought and getting in touch with yourself is the first step.

http://www.personalitypage.com/careers.html

I would really recommend checking out this entire website!

[star_gazer]

I started out going to school for Computer Science hoping to focus it in some way so I could make video games. Then, I realized how much math is involved in programming. I'm horrible at math. Computer Science was supposed to be my money making career so I could support myself and write on the side. After going for three years and feeling like I was always struggling in programming, I decided to just face the fact that I needed to focus on my big dream and what I'm actually good at - writing. So, I've been in school for English and I do very well at it. It's also a degree that helps in many jobs.

[Mini14]

I guess interning somewhere might provide further insight, but can you really be a scientist intern or a zookeeper intern or a movie maker intern?
Thanks

Could you do work experience? I'm not sure if it's the same where you are, but in Australia it's very common for young people to spend a week or 2 (unpaid) in one or more workplaces, to learn about them and about work in general, and see if they'd like working in that area. (Or is this the same thing as an internship? Sorry I'm a bit unsure on the terms).

At high school it was compulsory for us to do a week of work experience, one girl I knew actually did do it at a zoo...(and I think she may actually be a vet now, incidentally).
I think there was a fairly long waiting list to do work experience at the zoo, but for other places people basically just rang up and asked if they could come in and observe for a week, so they could learn more about it.
I remember another girl did a week in a hospital, she was considering becoming a nurse. One of my sisters did a week in an art/craft studio and my other sister did hers with the mounted police!

I did work experience in a science lab while I was studying at uni - I basically got to hang out in a university lab for a week. They had several different electron microscopes and other microscopes, they showed me how to use them and I even got to complete a mini project and write a report on it at the end. It was awesome!

I really wish I had done more of this stuff, it gave me an idea of what people actually do at work.. and what it looks like, how many people are around, how they dress, how much they talk to each other, what sort of personalities are attracted to that type of job, whether everyone's fairly "equal" or if there's a definite boss etc.. Things that are so important to know but that you would never find out until you got there, it was really useful.

Anyway just a thought, if you can do anything like this then I reckon the more the better! Also would it be possible to do any volunteer work in potential areas of interest?

[Mini14]

ok I just checked Wikipedia.. I guess work experience = internship :)

[LaChiCa]

Ive been having trouble trying to figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am bilingual (Spanish) and thought that maybe as a HS Spanish teacher I could fulfill my dreams of helping people. Yesterday, I went to an info session at a grad school and I just realized "this is not for me". I only know that I want to help people, I just cant seem to figure out how. I have a BA in Social Work and no experience whatsover in the counseling field other than my internship with mentally disable older women and being a Resident Assistant in the halls of the dorm. So.. no one wants to hire me. Everyone wants an MSW and experience. How can I determine I should go back to school for at least 2 years get more student loans and truly love this career?!?!? I just got myself in a mortgage I cannot just get another job and get a pay cut, I just CANNOT afford it. Im going crazy. I really am. I feel like I will be working at a call center my entire life. I am going to die someday and God will ask me "what did you do in your life?" and I will respond with "I couldnt help anyone.. I am a failure"....