Future Proofing Your Passion: Tips for Figuring Out What You Want to be When You Grow Up
Everyone at one point has considered what they want to be when they grow up. However, most people do not get to live out their days as a firefighter or ballerinas like their child selves had predicted.
Deciding what you want to be when you “grow up” is no easy feat at any age. There are many factors that influence your decision: do you want to pursue a degree? Do you want to pursue a trade or skill? Do you have previous work experience? Are you looking for a career change? Some people don’t know what they want to do with their future, even as adults.
The good news is that it’s okay. You are not alone in feeling lost about what you want to spend your days doing and how you want to support yourself. People change their minds (and change their jobs) all the time. In fact, data suggests about 12 million Americans changed jobs in just 3 months’ time, so you’re in good company.
Whether you are entering university, picking a major, and trying to determine your career path, or you have made the brave choice to switch careers, here are some tips for figuring out what is next for you and your career. If you find yourself feeling you need some support and guidance to talk through your career and future, speaking with a counselor can help you organize, brainstorm, and plan out your future.
If you need mental support, remember that our professionals are always here to help
Plans & Passions
There is a saying that goes, if you love your job, you will never work a day in your life. Though many people may not fully agree with this statement, it does hold some truth.
Anecdotally we know that it is easier to enjoy your job and be successful at it if it is something you are genuinely interested in and passionate about.
However, research on American’s job satisfaction has found that only about 20% of people are truly passionate about their jobs. From our perspective, the secret is not only in being selective about your initial career choice, but also about being intentional to merge passions and bring what you love to do into the workplace.
Below are some tips and steps to help you reflect on what you really (and realistically) want to be when you grow up.
Identify your interests
First, consider your hobbies or what you like to do for fun. Notice any common themes or interests. It could be something broad like organizing or being creative, or something more specific, like photography. Either way, make a list of things that you are passionate about and that excite you.
Identify your strengths and skills
This may be tricky for some people, as self-reflection can be sometimes, but you can do it. Think of things your friends or family can count on you for, or something previous employers, professors or teachers have commended you on. It could be your patience, your motivation, your quick thinking or quick responses. Really anything can be a marketable skill!
Research career paths and jobs that incorporate your interests, strengths and skills
Thank goodness for search engines! You can easily filter your interests and skills in Google searches, or even employment-specific engines such as Indeed or LinkedIn. This can help you get an idea of possible career paths and jobs that fit into your passions.
Consider your options
Now that you have found some contenders of companies, organizations or roles you are interested in, you need to consider some important personal factors to help you zero in on your needs and expectations. Do you need/want to relocate for this job? What are your salary expectations? Do you want a remote or in-person role? Now is the time to personalize your findings.
Research necessary steps
Perhaps you need to take a course or two to get a certification for this job. Or maybe your college major applies to this field. Perhaps you have enough relevant work experience that you do not need any more formal training or education. Either way, making a list of what would make you a promising candidate in this career will help you identify goals and timelines.
Action
Update your resume. Prepare the interview outfit you feel most confident in. Apply, apply, apply. Even if an interview does not lead to an offer, it can provide you with insight in the field and help you in future interviews. Ultimately, these steps will have hopefully helped to ensure that your passion shines through and shows your motivation and devotion to this next step.
Forming your Future
Once you have a plan, the future is much less daunting. After all, anxiety is the fear of the unknown, which for many people, includes the future and future plans. Though it can feel intimidating and time-consuming, a career change can have positive effects on your life and even your mental health.
Remember: not many people get it right the first time on the journey of finding a job they love. Change is normal and learning is important. If you find yourself needing some support maneuvering a career change, reach out today to get connected with someone who can address your fears and anxieties and help you on your mission to find your “dream job.”
