We all experience doubt and uncertainty.
Sometimes we need to pause and take a breath to remind ourselves of what’s important.
1. It’s okay to be unsure.
In a world where you are always having to decide things (what to have for dinner, what to watch on Netflix, what to wear, which social media platform to scroll through while procrastinating), it can be hard to get used to uncertainty. Maybe you feel pressured to make a decision just because it’s the norm. I know I certainly do. In fact, when I first came to SFU, I had a major picked out already!
However, this rush to make a decision, especially one about a potential career path, can do more harm than good. No one wants to be stuck in a job they hate, ten years down the road. It can be difficult to know what the future will be like, especially since we’re always growing and changing. Embracing this uncertainty can free some space in your mind to explore your possibilities.
2. Challenge yourself every day.
Try to do one thing every day that “normal” you wouldn’t do. For example, as an arts major, I normally wouldn’t go to business-like networking events.
Because I challenged myself and attended an SFU LYFE event, I discovered a new part of myself. I realized that I didn’t have to be a business student to learn how to establish and use my own personal brand.
3. Dip your toe in.
A way to test out different career paths is to volunteer. Volunteering in a field you find interesting means that you don’t have to commit to working in that field, but it can also give you the experience you need to decide whether or not you would like to pursue a career there.
If you’re more self-driven, you can also research different career fields and learn about them online. Try a one-week challenge: pretend you work in that field for a week and see if you like it enough to learn more about it. For example, if I was curious about web development, I could learn a bit of HTML, CSS, and Javascript online and pretend to be a web developer for a week (or as long as I’d like).
You can also connect with industry experts. Try connecting with experts through LinkedIn, social media, or networking events. Here’s a little secret: engage with the person you’re trying to connect with! If you’re enthusiastic and genuinely curious about the person (i.e. not just liking, but also commenting on their posts), chances are, they’ll say yes when you ask to meet up with them for a chat. Then, you can ask all sorts of questions and gauge for yourself whether or not you’d like to pursue a career in their field.
4. Remind yourself that you have time.
It’s okay to take your time when deciding what career you’d like to pursue. Keep in mind that you can also change your mind at any time (I’ve definitely changed my major many, many times). As long as you’re adaptable, passionate, and eager to learn, you can thrive in any career you set your mind on.
5. Change your mind.
Making a career-related decision can be daunting, especially if you’re in the mindset of “I’ll be stuck with whatever I choose so I have to choose something good.”
This isn’t the case in today’s world.
People change – your interests may be different five years from now. You could decide to pursue further education in a completely different field, and that’s okay!
Remembering to be flexible and adapting to change is something that can relieve some pressure behind choosing your path.
About the Author
Jennifer Chou is a second-year psychology major who loves playing around with graphic design. When she’s not on social media looking at memes, she’s binge-watching comedies on Netflix (but not comedies with laugh tracks. Laugh tracks are evil). You can find her knitting on the 145 bus or walking around campus in search of some delicious vegan food!