How to Search for a Career When You're Uncertain of What You Want

There’s a common misconception that you either grow up knowing what you want to do or you’re at least supposed to know by the time you graduate high school or college. But that isn’t the case for everyone.

Unfortunately, that leads many people to choose a career path they’re uncertain about — or unhappy with. Or, maybe you’ve simply changed your mind over the years and know you want to try something new, but you’re uncertain of what you really want.

There is no shame in switching careers, no matter your stage of life or even if you don’t know where you want to go. It’s possible to search for a career, even through uncertainty, and find fulfillment in your decision. Let’s dig a little deeper into how to start your search.

Do Some Reflecting

The best place to start your search if you’re uncertain what you want is to look within. Take some time to do some self-reflection. What are your values? What’s important to you? When you consider your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and the things that drive you on a daily basis, you’ll be able to narrow down specific career paths fairly quickly.

If you’re unsure how to start the self-reflection process, it can be as easy as making a list of hobbies or things that interest you. Or, consider what kind of work environment would better fit your needs. Do you thrive in social settings? How important is a work-life balance to you? Do you need to be able to showcase your creativity?

Explore Your Options

Once you have a better idea of the things that truly matter to you, you can start to explore careers that match up.

Do your research on different industries to see if anything jumps out. What are the roles involved? What education or training is required? You might even consider talking to professionals in those industries to get insider information and a real idea of what specific jobs are like.

Gain Experience

Even if you think you’re interested in a specific career path, it never hurts to dip your toe in the water before fully jumping in. There are usually plenty of opportunities to gain experience in an industry before making a commitment.

Try job shadowing, volunteering, or even taking a part-time job to get your feet wet and get a feel for what to expect. Gaining experience in these ways can feel less overwhelming and help you build confidence before making a final decision.

Lean on the Right People

Searching for a career when you’re uncertain of what you want can feel overwhelming if you’re shouldering the burden on your own. Don’t hesitate to lean on others and seek support throughout your journey.

Consider consulting with a career coach or counselor to talk more about your needs and gain a new perspective. Or find a mentor in a field of interest. They might be able to provide more insight and advice as you make your decision.

It can also be helpful to lean on family and friends. The people who truly know you are often able to help you see things about yourself that you might not realize. Their insight can make certain paths clearer.

If you’re still struggling with what you want, working with an anxiety therapist can help. Not only will therapy allow you to dig deeper into self-reflection, but it can also build your confidence, help you overcome the fear of uncertainty, and help you choose a path forward you feel good about. I’m here to help if you’re at that stage. Don’t hesitate to set up a consultation today.