That isn’t necessarily the case, though.
It used to be the norm, but that’s no longer the case.
Nowadays, close to half the American population changes careers when they’re just shy of 40 years old!
Thomas Barwick/Stone/Getty
Are you unsure about what to do your life?
You’re far from alone, and most people have felt that at one time or another.
Below, find the steps to take to help you figure out what to do with your life.
Find out which option is the best for you.
If you spend a lot of time around people, are you happy and fulfilled by that?
Look closely at how you spend your days, and at what activities in them bring you joy.
Equally important is to examine what elements of your life you just don’t care for.
Do you want to earn high wages, or does that feel unimportant?
Take time to sit with these questions, and considerjournalingto help you work through your thoughts and feelings.
Everyone has talents, but we don’t always recognize them.
Some people havesocial anxietyand may find talking to those they don’t know well to be anxiety-inducing.
Chances are, much of your personality is actually comprised of your individual talents as a person.
If you’re having trouble deciding what your own talents are, ask your friends and loved ones.
You might think you just like doodling, but a close friend might consider you a gifted artist.
Discern How You Work Best
Jobs vary immensely in terms of process.
Jobs can be project-oriented, such as the film industry, or long term stable with a large company.
Think about what excites you when you consider all the various workplaces, times, and methods out there.
Journaling can also help in this phase, and give you better clarity on your feelings.
If they agree, ask them questions about their job.
How did they find this field?
What made them know it was right for them?
What about their job makes them feel fulfilled?
How important is their job to their overall happiness in life?
When you receive answers, check in with how they make you feel.
Fortunately, that isn’t always the case.
There are many types of help available (that aren’t student loans).
Your gut instinct is helpful here, too.
Try New Things
This is the perfect phase of life to give new things a try.
you’re free to find career counselors at your local high school, college, or vocational school.
A Word From Verywell
Not knowing what to do with your life can feel incredibly stressful.
17 remarkable career change statistics to know(2022)[Internet].
2022 [cited 2022 May 10].
Number of jobs labor market experience marital status and health results …Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Accessed May 10, 2022.
