How to choose a career when you're lost

How do you pick what you want to do for the rest of your life when you aren’t even totally sure who you are? I want to switch up the format a bit and talk candidly about how to choose which career path to take, my story, and some of the advice I have to 17 year olds when you are trying to figure out the direction you need to take in life.

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[chrism]

Thing is, I DON'T WANT A "CAREER". I want to continuously learn a variety of different skills as they peak my interest. I don't want to dedicate my WHOLE LIFE, to one focal point. And frankly I think people are crazy if they do. Careers turn people into single use tools, and do nit make them multifaceted

[hilldaron]

I'm 24 and still dont really know what I wanna do. And I get stressed watching my peers pass me by doing great things

[skylahenry]

I feel like the things im interested in, i wouldn't wanna do/wouldn't be good at. But the things im good at, i don't think I'd wanna do it for a career

[andrewsaylor]

I’m 35 and feel this so much. It’s worse for people (like me) that have so many interests. I envy people who realize their dream job in their 20s!

[shellfish]

This is exactly the video I needed right now. I just started college last week, and I feel so lost in every way possible

[cindywright]

I did know what I wanted to do, then I did it, then after 26 years it was time to change - now I'm 50 and starting all over - I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up...

[feline]

I'm 28 and am this. For a decade I thought I was sure I knew the degree/career for me but crashed&burned at entry-level. I wish everyone well with making these decisions. Love your explaining the layers within the message 'pick something you won't hate doing!'

[elisabethgriswold]

I love what you said about picking a career based on the day to day work and not just what you want to go to school to study. I spent my first 2 years studying engineering because everyone said if you're good at and enjoy studying math and science then you should be an engineer... while the material in school was fine, once I got exposure to what an engineer would actually be doing in their day to day, it was totally unappealing to me. I followed my gut and switched to environmental science and now my actual career work is exciting and fulfilling for me.

[cosmichasm]

Words I will never forgot while getting dropped off at my first day of college. "If you only remember one thing I tell you, it should be this; you can do anything, but you cannot do everything."

[morganlingerfelt]

this is my first year of college and i've honestly never felt as lost and hopeless as i have the last several months. i originally planned on becoming a therapist to help people like myself but i never truly felt passionate about it. i've always loved animals and nature but i never thought i would be smart enough to go into such a science intense field. your channel has inspired me to chase my passion and switch my major so that i'll hopefully become a wildlife veterinarian. i really appreciate the message you spread and how you want to educate and help your audience. keep up the good work!!

[fabianaa.]

Thank you reminding us that even people that look like they have it all figured out, sometimes still have doubts. I know I can speak for many of us that we look at your videos for advice, and we need to to remember that everyone has been/is a little confused. Such great tips in this video, appreciate your honesty and love your videos!!

[dylan]

This is such an important topic and you honestly nailed it head on! I’m now a junior at community college and switched my major to wildlife, fish, and conservation biology. Before, I had been majoring in graphic design. Although im passionate about art, I realized I would rather pursue something more challenging for me. I then got a job working at a facility taking care of and pack-walking dogs. I’ve always loved animals but did not think I would enjoy working with them as much as I do. At the end of the day, you have to do something you enjoy but should also be practical so you can be happy. Your videos really help me ease my mind that I am doing the right thing, even if it may be more challenging. Thank you!

[missbunnylee]

Good video. Life is a journey and you’re constantly growing and things are changing all the time, so you cant decide at the age of 17 what you’re going to do with the rest of your life because it will change as you get older, you will be a totally different person in your 20s than In your 30s and on. Totally agree on that last part about being independent on your decisions and not letting a gf/bf influence your decision. I also want to comment for those in high school and college that are indecisive like me: don’t let your parents decide what you’re going to do with the rest of your life. I learned the hard way and became very confused as to what I wanted to do because I wanted to please my parents. I wasted a lot of years going back and forth with them. I understand that they play a part in financially supporting you, but they should also understand to support you as an individual and respect your desires because it’s your life and you get to decide what to do with it. If they don’t support you, find a way to support yourself. Never let anyone decide what you’re going to do. You are responsible for your own life.

[drewgrad]

People get lost with what they want to do and it gets worse as you get older because we are attached to a money system and that creates bias in our judgements. The fun jobs with less stress are volunteer. If you eliminate money from the equation than all of us can do fun volunteer jobs and create our own schedules when we want and actually have some variety. Now that's life worth living. 😁

[SkippyLytle]

I just found this channel and love it. I am returning to college after almost 10 years and going for a different focus then when I started. Life unfortunately doesn't just have things fall into place (for everyone, some are luck). I think this is a great topic and video, hopefully it helps everyone

[dorothyupton]

I really appreciate your honesty in this video, Kristina. It's comforting to know I'm not alone in feeling lost and not knowing what I'm doing with my life at 28 years old

[IvyJadeBucher]

I resonate with the part about the study vs the actual job. I studied psychology for 2 years and loved it but the more I looked into actual jobs/careers I don't think I could do any of it and it fills me with dread. Yet, psychology is still the only thing I can study for hours and stay interested.

[gabigabca]

Thank you for this such honest and humble talk! I can totally relate! I'm 26, already finished a master's and going into PhD and until today I have the feeling I have no idea what I'm doing and whether I'm on the right path. I love what I do, and love how life has presentd me with the greatest and craziest opportunities but my days are full of the "what ifs". Thanks so much for sharing this because it gives a sense of reality that we are not alone. Adulting is hard and I guess it will just keep being it- we just have to learn to enjoy the journey :)

[lunadee]

I needed this so much ♥️ I’m 30 and planning on going back to school. Because of my current job I know I need to work outside (I’ve never been able to sit still) and I would love to make a positive impact on the world/help wildlife. The only thing that’s discouraging is the job outlook where I live.

[spaceyBISH]

This video is so reassuring. I’m currently going to a community college. For my first two semesters I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I’ve been looking into botany, but the worry of will I be doing this for the rest of my life has made choosing a career difficult, thanks for the reassurance.