What Should I Do With My Life: A Young Professionals’ Guide

by | Jul 7, 2023 | Personal Development

what should i do with my life

Hey my name is Danny and I have spent many a sleepless night thinking about what should I do with my life. I bet I am not the only one, so if that important, life-defining question has been on your mind also then you are in the right place.

This isn’t just another ‘start making career decisions’ blog post, this is a comprehensive, pull-no-punches journey of self-discovery. I was not afraid to dig into what made me who I am and you should not be afraid to dig deep and find out who you are also.

We will start with the very foundations of what should I do with my life with a chapter on the importance of self-belief and understanding how your past experiences have helped to shape you. Then we will get a little introspective, identifying your passions, interests, and the values that drive you.

We will move on to discussing how to align your career choices with your personal values and how to unleash your professional potential with a good old resume update. We will also explore the different industries and job opportunities to find the perfect fit for you.

‘What should I do with my life’ isn’t a question you can answer without dreaming a little so we will be setting goals based on your ideal life vision and deciding on your preferred work environment, factoring the many types of people you enjoy being around to find the best way for you to make money.

Finally just when you may think we are done we will dive into how external perspectives can provide fresh insights and discuss embracing new adventures at any age. We will even address some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to ‘what should I do with my life.’

So, if you are ready for a journey of self-discovery then buckle up and let’s drive together towards answering that all-important question of ‘What should I do with my life?’.

Table of Contents:

Believing in Yourself and Defining Your Desires

The first step towards figuring out what I should do with my life especially when you finish school is self-belief. It’s alright not to be sure of everything immediately, yet having confidence in yourself can help you gain insight. Reflect on your past experiences, passions, and interests as they might hold the key to discovering a potential career change and where your true desires lie and how to create a meaningful life for yourself and of course make money.

Importance of Self-Belief

Believing in oneself is essential to unlocking one’s full potential, as it allows for an appreciation of strengths and areas needing development. Believing in oneself doesn’t mean being boastful or having an overinflated ego; it involves recognizing your strengths and areas for development. This belief forms the foundation upon which all other achievements are built.

Reflecting on Past Experiences

Your past experiences often provide valuable insights into what’s important and what should I do with my life. They shape who we are today and influence our future when we start making career decisions. Take some time out regularly to reflect on these experiences, both good and bad, so you don’t lose track and consider how they have shaped your current situation.

Identifying Passions and Interests

  • Determine What You Love: Identifying what truly excites you could indicate potential career paths or hobbies worth pursuing further.
  • Pursue Your Curiosities: Sometimes, things that pique our interest aren’t necessarily passions yet but they have the potential to become one. Don’t ignore these curiosities; instead, explore them more deeply by taking classes or spend time reading up online.
  • Evaluate How You Spend Free Time: Often, activities chosen during free time indicate underlying interests and these could potentially be transformed into fulfilling careers.

In essence, self-belief combined with a clear understanding of personal desires lays down a strong foundation when contemplating ‘what should I do with my life.’ Remember – every journey begins with a single step and that first step can be as soon as you finish school. 

Key Takeaway: 

Believe in yourself and define your desires to determine what you should do with your life. Self-confidence is essential for success, so reflect on past experiences and identify passions and interests to build a strong foundation for making decisions about your future.

Understanding Values and Motivations

The path to working out your future direction involves deep contemplation. One crucial step is understanding your values and motivations. What drives you? What makes time fly by without you even noticing?

Discovering Activities You Excel At Naturally

Finding activities that naturally engage you can indicate where your passions lie. Whether it’s painting, writing, coding, or playing an instrument, these could all point toward potential career paths where you’d excel. Check out the Mind Tools website for advice on identifying these activities.

Aligning Career Choices With Personal Values

Your personal values play a significant role in determining work that satisfies and fulfills you. If helping others is important, careers in healthcare or social work might appeal more than finance or technology. Make a list of what matters most to you, then consider which jobs match up with these priorities.

Use online tools like the Personal Values Assessment (PVA) to gain insights into what truly motivates and inspires you at your core.

In summary: understanding yourself better by identifying natural talents and aligning them with personal values is essential for deciding future directions. So take some time for introspective thinking as it may lead down exciting new pathways previously unexplored.

Resume Update: Unleash Your Professional Potential.

Updating your resume is like giving it a makeover, but it’s not just about looks – it’s about discovering your true professional self. This exercise helps you reflect on your past triumphs, skills, and experiences, while also uncovering hidden interests and areas for growth.

Unleashing Self-Discovery Through Resume Updates

Revamping your CV forces you to take a good look at your professional journey so far. It’s an occasion to applaud your triumphs, draw lessons from your disappointments, and gain a more profound comprehension of how you’ve come to where you are now. Perusing your background can uncover hidden desires and fascinations.

Exploring Exciting Industries and Job Opportunities

Updating your resume isn’t just about showcasing your achievements; it’s an opportunity to explore new horizons within industries that pique your interest. Whether it’s the thrilling world of technology, the caring field of healthcare, or the captivating realm of the arts – each sector offers many unique roles and responsibilities worth considering. Check out credible sources like Prospects UK for detailed insights into various professions across diverse sectors.

But don’t limit yourself to industry preferences alone – consider other factors too. Does the idea of working remotely make you jump for joy? Or do you thrive in the bustling environment of a multinational corporation? Take a well-rounded approach to understanding your career aspirations by considering preferred industries and suitable work environments.

So, dust off that resume and let it unleash your professional potential – it’s time to shine.

Setting Goals Based on Your Ideal Life Vision

Setting goals is like planning a road trip – you need a destination, but the journey is where the fun happens. So, imagine your dream life, and let’s get started.

Imagine Your Perfect Life

Picture yourself in the future – five or ten years from now. Who are you with? What are you doing? Let your imagination run wild.

Make Lists of Milestones and Relationships

Jot down all the aims you’re aiming to realize, as well as the connections you’d like to foster in the process. Think about career goals, personal growth, and making a positive impact on society.

Consider how you want to be perceived and the values that will shape your character, as part of a larger scheme for success. It’s all part of the grand plan.

With these goals in mind, create action plans to guide you toward success. Stay motivated and enjoy the ride.

Deciding on Your Preferred ‘People Environment’ in Professional Settings

In the professional world, it’s crucial to understand that not all environments are created equal. Some thrive in a hectic, challenging milieu, whereas others opt for a more tranquil and cooperative atmosphere. Knowing your preferred ‘people environment’ is key when deciding what to do with your life.

Contemplating the Types of People You Enjoy Being Around Before Making a Decision

Reflect on past experiences and consider the individuals you’ve enjoyed working with or being around most. Do you flourish amidst creative minds, relish intellectual debates with analytical thinkers, or feel inspired by compassionate caregivers? Recognizing these preferences can guide your career choices toward industries where such personalities prevail.

A Forbes article suggests considering factors like company culture, team size, and communication style when determining your ideal work environment.

If you’re still unsure about which type of ‘people environment’ suits you best, don’t fret. There are numerous online personality tests available that could provide insight into this matter, such as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test, which categorizes people into 16 different personality types based on their perceptions and decision-making patterns.

Besides self-reflection and online assessments, another helpful strategy involves networking within various fields of interest. Attending industry events and joining relevant forums, for example, may offer opportunities to meet diverse professionals and gain firsthand experience regarding potential future colleagues.

Prioritize Your Comfort and Happiness

Last but certainly not least: prioritize comfort and happiness too. No job title or salary amount will ever compensate if you feel miserable every day at work due to incompatible coworkers. Always keep personal well-being at the forefront during any decision-making process and consider if it’s an investment worth making for long-term satisfaction.

Key Takeaway: 

When deciding what to do with your life, it’s important to consider the type of people and environment you thrive in. Reflect on past experiences and preferences, use online assessments like the MBTI test, and network within different fields to gain insight into potential future colleagues. Prioritize your comfort and happiness by considering company culture and team dynamics before making a decision.

Seeking External Perspectives For Fresh Insights

Don’t get stuck in your own head. Look outside for a new perspective on life. It’s like taking a revitalizing mental inhalation.

The Power of Outside Opinions in Career Decisions

While self-reflection is important, outside opinions can offer a different angle you might have missed. Friends, family, and mentors can shed light on your blind spots. And don’t forget about career counselors – they’re like the Yodas of job advice.

To make the most of these external viewpoints:

  • Stay open-minded: Don’t dismiss suggestions outright – you might be surprised.
  • Avoid defensiveness: Take feedback as a chance to grow, not a personal attack.
  • Show gratitude: Thank those who share their perspective – they’re rooting for your success.

Adding external perspectives to your decision-making process gives you a well-rounded view. They might uncover hidden talents or suggest new industries to explore. So don’t be afraid to ask for outside opinions – they could hold the key to your next big move.

Embracing New Adventures Regardless of Age

The idea that age is a barrier to new adventures is so last century. It’s never too late to stir up the status quo and give your life a makeover. Whether you’re dreaming of working in nature reserves or going to law school, age should never hold you back.

Do Your Homework Before Taking the Plunge

Before committing to any substantial choices, it is vital to carry out research. Find out what the average salaries are in your desired field and read real-life stories from people already living the dream. Websites like Glassdoor can give you insights into salary ranges, while blogs and forums offer personal accounts that can help you prepare.

But it’s not just about the money. Think about the lifestyle changes that will come with your new adventure. Might you require to re-enroll in classes? Contemplate the consequences that this transformation will have on your family. What cultural adjustments will you need to make if you’re moving abroad?

  • Educational Requirements: Some fields may require specific qualifications or certifications, so be prepared to hit the books.
  • Cultural Adjustments: If you’re moving to a different country, take the time to learn about local customs and language requirements.
  • Familial Considerations: Talk to your family and make sure everyone is on board before you make any significant changes.

Making big decisions can be scary, but remember: every journey starts with a single step. Plan carefully and have the courage to embrace change, regardless of age. So go ahead, and dare to dream big, because it’s never too late for new beginnings.

FAQs in Relation to What Should I Do With My Life

– Personal anecdotes or experiences can provide valuable insights into finding your purpose in life, but remember to take them with a pinch of salt.
– Political views or controversial topics may stir up a heated debate, but they won’t necessarily help you figure out your career path.
– Religion or spirituality can offer guidance and comfort, but it’s not a foolproof compass for navigating your professional life.
– Negative aspects of life choices can teach us valuable lessons, but dwelling on them won’t lead to a clear direction.
– Unproven theories or concepts may sound intriguing, but it’s best to rely on evidence-based strategies when it comes to finding your calling.

How do I find out what should I do with my life?

Start by identifying your passions, interests, and values – they’re like breadcrumbs leading you to your purpose. Reflect on past experiences and consider activities you naturally excel at – they could be clues to your true calling. Seek external perspectives for objective viewpoints – sometimes others can see our potential better than we can.

What should you do if you don’t know what career you want?

Update your resume as a self-discovery exercise – you might uncover hidden talents or interests along the way. Explore jobs within appealing industries – you never know what might spark your passion. Set goals based on an ideal vision of life – envisioning your dream lifestyle can help you narrow down your career choices. Spend time researching thoroughly what should I do with my life before making any drastic changes – knowledge is power, my friend.

Conclusion

When it comes to figuring out what should I do with my life, believe in yourself, define your desires and dream job, and reflect on past experiences.

Update your resume to explore your dream job in appealing industries and set goals based on your meaningful life vision.

Consider the people and environment that suit you best professionally, seek objective viewpoints, and embrace new adventures at any age.

Remember, discovering your life’s path is a journey of self-exploration and growth.

By following these steps and reflecting on what truly matters to you, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your future.