Not Sure After School? Your Next Steps…
From your teens to early adulthood, your life changes a lot. This time of growth, learning, and socialization is often when many people feel uncertain about their future. Naturally, we’re asked to decide our life path between the ages of 15 to 18, which is, to be fair, pretty tricky considering how much is happening in our lives. As a result, it’s common that people aren’t happy with their education and subsequent career and wonder about making a change.
So, what can we do to find our way? Here are some suggestions, with hopes to help you understand your options.
Get to Know Yourself
The first step is to really think about what you want. Figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life isn’t easy. Most folks don’t realize their passion until they’ve hand-on experience in a typical job setup. Understanding your aptitudes and interests is crucial; if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, it’s going to be difficult to commit to it long term.
Test your interests when possible. Say, if you like the idea of game design, try a Unity tutorial for creating simple games. If not feasible, there are plenty of online resources that offer insights into various paths.
Research Jobs
Once you’ve got a handle on what you’re enthusiastic about, start examining specific roles in that field that align with your current skillset. Various job sites can help you understand what employers are looking for and how the job market looks. Remember, you can always start with entry-level positions and climb the ladder gradually.
Don’t forget to factor in the educational requirements of potential jobs. Nowadays, with online courses becoming popular, there are more opportunities to gain needed qualifications outside of the traditional education system.
Chart Your Path
After nailing down the what and where, the next step is determining how you’ll get there. Planning is essential to achieving career goals. Here are a couple of ways you can get to your dream job.
More School: If more education is the way forward, consider online postgraduate degrees that can build on your existing skills and education. These courses often provide insights into the industry you’re interested in.
Work Your Way Up: If education isn’t the path for you, another valid option is to start at an entry-level job and work your way up. For example, if you want to be a chef, starting as a kitchen assistant may be the right foot in the door. It may take longer than schooling, but you’ll be earning money the entire time, making it more affordable.
Feeling stuck after school is common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right effort and strategy, you can create a meaningful career path that aligns with your passions and skills. Always remember, it’s your life; take the time to make the decision that’s right for you.