Deciding what do with your life

studentphil

How can you decide what you want to do with your life career wise?

Is it really even possible to decide what you want to do or do you just get swept along?

(I do admit that I have a self interest in this topic before anyone says)

astonsmummy

I think some people 'just know' what they want to do or they find a job and realise it's what they want to do, while others never really know and just do whatever job can pay the bills.

Quasar

Surely phil, people do have some idea of what they want to do in life. Doctors don't become doctors because they were "swept along"!

Highly motivated people will pursue a career suited to their talents and abilities, because they have analysed them and know what they can offer, and because they go out and do what they need to do to make it happen. Those who are not so motivated will drift along, maybe doing jobs they like, maybe not, irrespective of their intelligence and abilities.

Motivation and determination carry you forward to your goals, other things being equal, and nothing else.

aurora_borealis_2

I had no idea that I'd end up doing what I do.

I missed the deadline for applying to teacher training which is what I was heading for. Turned out to be a fortuitous turn of events

Quasar

aurora_borealis wrote:

I had no idea that I'd end up doing what I do.

I missed the deadline for applying to teacher training which is what I was heading for. Turned out to be a fortuitous turn of events

Yes aurora, but I imagine this is a line of work you are suited to, because you have the necessary talents for it. So yes, you did not expect to end up in this job, but within certain broad constraints it is something you are cut for, Dr Aurora?

nelly_2

Just post questions on the internet mate thats the best way

studentphil

nelly wrote:

Just post questions on the internet mate thats the best way

I have tried careers advisors, books, looking at job ads, careers websites and nothing gives me a spark.

meher

studentphil wrote:

How can you decide what you want to do with your life career wise?

Is it really even possible to decide what you want to do or do you just get swept along?

(I do admit that I have a self interest in this topic before anyone says)

Motivation, ambition, interest, perseverance, determination in no particular order surely play a major role but seems like circumstances too play an equally important part.

Having said that people who have a passion just about anything they wish to pursue make the difference in their own career, destiny and for the others - just my observation.

savingsgirl

The job I am currently doing I fell into by accident but it has made me realise what I want to do in the near future.

aurora_borealis_2

Quasar wrote:

Yes aurora, but I imagine this is a line of work you are suited to, because you have the necessary talents for it. So yes, you did not expect to end up in this job, but within certain broad constraints it is something you are cut for, Dr Aurora?

Well I'd like to think so :cool:

If at first you don't succeed ... do something better!

stamford

studentphil wrote:

I have tried careers advisors, books, looking at job ads, careers websites and nothing gives me a spark.

Gravedigger ?