Being the best version of yourself takes time, patience and exploration but it is also freeing and can create such confidence. This is also very true when you take the time to discover your passions and apply those passions to your career. For example, if you were at child and at 9 years old you decided you wanted to become a nurse because you have three family members in healthcare, you already know a lot of education is ahead of you.
You decide at the age of 16 that you want to volunteer in a hospital during the summer and apply for a volunteer position. Shortly after that you go to college and decide to register for the courses that prepare you for a career in medicine. At no time during this journey have you asked yourself how you feel about math and bodily fluids. You get into your second year of classes and find out you must first complete certain courses to become a certified nurse’s aide. In these classes you are exposed to things you were not prepared for and saw things that upset your stomach. Now your are rethinking your whole life’s plan.
Often the high school counselors don’t have the opportunity to help you with specific details, but you can also rely on yourself to ask questions about almost anything you want. Great questions for you to ask yourself or others include:
Who can I talk to about this career path? Informational interviews are free and infrequently used
Can I find any videos about this career path? The Bureau of Labor Statistics has great resources
What are my values, and do they fit into this role?
Can I make money with what I love to do?
What are my personal passions?
What do others say I am good at doing?
We have a variety of resources, free and fee, that will help you start exploring what you value, your strengths, and the right career pathway to consider based on your personality and traits. Examining these things will help you know the answers and avoid some unnecessary detours in life. Do not be afraid to ask questions, research your options and explore what you want. It is the only way to live a full life. Don’t let the lack of knowledge stop you from anything.
