As I approached graduation, I found myself surrounded by peers who seemed certain about their future paths, while I remained in the dark. Most of my friends had secured jobs before receiving their diplomas, while I had purposely avoided contemplating my next steps. I pursued degrees in mathematics and philosophy, but neither seemed to resonate with me as a career choice—finance and teaching were the obvious routes, yet they didn’t excite me. Philosophy, while intellectually stimulating, didn’t provide a clear career path.
Reflecting on that time, I realize I was mistaken in assuming everyone had it all figured out. Now, when I reconnect with those friends who appeared to have their careers mapped out, many express dissatisfaction with their jobs. While a few may decide at a young age to pursue professions like medicine or law—and stick with those choices—this is a rarity. In reality, many individuals grapple with their career choices well into their 40s, long after leaving college.
Recently, I was invited back to my alma mater to share my journey of graduating without a clear plan. I’ve since ventured into finance, helped establish a nonprofit, and begun a doctorate in Behavioral Science (along with writing for various platforms). This reflection brought to light some valuable lessons I’ve learned over the years:
1. Feeling Lost is Normal
When children are asked about their future aspirations, we often dismiss their answers as whimsical. However, there’s an unspoken expectation that college students should have their career paths figured out. This pressure can lead to significant anxiety, as evidenced by a survey from the National Union of Students that highlighted graduate employment worries as a major contributor to mental health issues. Acknowledging that these choices can take time could alleviate some of that stress and prevent hasty decisions that lead to unsuitable careers.
2. Career Choices Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
We often frame career selection as a monumental, one-time decision, as if graduates must declare their lifelong paths immediately. I’ve learned to view my career as a collection of smaller, flexible choices rather than a single, irreversible commitment. When you graduate, focus on what you want to do in the short term rather than the next 40 years. While some choices may lead to greater commitment, it’s beneficial to explore various roles, especially if you feel uncertain about your direction.
3. Experience is Key to Discovery
After graduating, I sought a nannying position in London—not because I had a passion for it, but because it offered flexibility. Though I didn’t get that job, I was offered an internship at a finance firm, which I initially thought I wouldn’t enjoy. To my surprise, the work proved engaging and rewarding, even if it wasn’t my ultimate passion. Conversely, while pursuing my PhD has been fulfilling, I’ve discovered aspects of it that I dislike, such as the lack of structure. It’s challenging to predict what you’ll appreciate until you gain firsthand experience.
4. Your Early Career is for Exploration
Most individuals take years to truly understand what they enjoy professionally. However, you can expedite this process by experimenting with different roles. The first job you try may not resonate with you, and that’s perfectly acceptable. By engaging in diverse internships or short-term roles, you can clarify what you value in a job and where your strengths lie.
5. Don’t Confine Yourself to Conventional Paths
A former classmate of mine, struggling to find traditional career options, decided to write a book on popular statistics. The success of his book allowed him to travel and pursue various interests, ultimately leading him to start his own business. This illustrates that you need not adhere to standard career trajectories. There are numerous ways to earn a living outside conventional roles, such as freelancing or tutoring. If you can sustain yourself financially, you’re free to devote your time to pursuits that genuinely interest you.
The common thread in these insights is to approach your 20s as a period of growth and learning. Take the time to understand yourself and your aspirations without the pressure to have it all figured out right away.
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Summary:
Navigating your career in your early years can be daunting, but embracing confusion and uncertainty is part of the process. Your career is a series of choices rather than a single decision, and gaining experience is essential to understanding what you enjoy. Explore various paths without feeling confined to traditional career routes, and use your 20s to learn about yourself and the world around you.