I Don't Know What I Want To Be When I Grow Up!

In a world of limitless opportunities, finding the right career can feel overwhelming. Many young people get frustrated trying to narrow down their options.

Some do not have enough work experience to know what kinds of jobs are even out there. Others have big dreams but do not know how to turn their passions into a paycheck. They search the internet, talk to parents, counselors, and friends, yet they still feel stuck.

In a previous article, I shared general advice on choosing a career that is fulfilling and honors God. That post explains how to handle criticism about non-traditional paths—like becoming a social media manager, artist, or tradesperson—and how to use your work to serve others.

Still, you might feel like you are standing in a room full of doors, wondering which one to open. If you feel trapped by choices, the guidelines below can help you find your direction.

You Will Probably Have Several Careers

Unlike previous generations, who often stayed with one company for their entire lives, you will likely work for multiple companies and change careers several times.

Most people start in entry-level, detail-oriented roles. Over time, they build expertise and move into managing projects, tasks, or people. As your skills grow, you might pivot (shift direction) to find more challenging and fulfilling work.

These shifts might happen within the same company, but they often require moving to new organizations. You might even end up freelancing—which means working for yourself by taking on projects for multiple different companies at the same time.

It is common to pursue one career for a decade or two, then switch to something completely new. Your past experience will help you in your next step. For example:

• A marketer might become an inventor.
• An accountant might become a business consultant.
• A businessman might decide to become a preacher.
• A stay-at-home parent might train to become a nurse or teacher.

Remember, the choice you make today does not lock you in forever. It only needs to suit you for this season of your life.

Start with Tasks, Not the Job Title

Many people feel anxious because they do not know what job “title” to look for. We are used to thinking of careers in neat categories, but trying to find the perfect label can be frustrating.

Instead, try a different approach: focus on what you want to do each day, not what the job is called.

When brainstorming, do not worry yet about who will hire you or how much the job pays. Focus on the actual activities. Make a list of the tasks you want to do every day and the goals you want to achieve. Keep in mind that every job includes some unpleasant but necessary chores.

Once you have your list, identify the skills needed to do those tasks. You can search the internet for specific activities—such as coding, welding, writing, or healthcare—to see what skills they require.

Keep your options broad and look for overlapping interests. For instance, if you enjoy gardening, you might also look into:

• Landscaping
• Food cultivation (farming or gardening)
• Hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil)

Next, look for ways to develop those skills right now. You do not have to wait for college or a trade school. You can watch online tutorials, read books, and learn to use specific software or tools.

Turning your skills into hobbies is one of the best ways to grow. Look for opportunities to practice:

• Volunteer: Help out at a local hospital, nursing home, or community garden.
• Build personal projects: Design websites, code apps, build furniture, or rebuild an engine.

Having real projects to show employers is far more valuable than just having a resume. If you build things on your own, employers might actually seek you out.

As your skills improve, new career paths will naturally open up. Many jobs and opportunities will only become visible after you start working and learning.

Therefore, start by exploring what genuinely excites you. Pay attention to the activities where you easily lose track of time or the things you have loved doing since childhood.

If you focus on developing a broad set of skills, you will eventually find the right path without all the anxiety.