How to get started when you dont know where
I remember feeling completely lost after college. I had a degree, sure, but I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with it. It felt like everyone else had a plan, a career path, a burning passion. I just had a mountain of student loan debt and a vague sense of impending doom. So, how do you get started when you don’t know where to start? It’s a daunting question, but it’s definitely solvable.
My first step was to stop panicking. Easier said than done, I know. But seriously, take a deep breath. The world isn't ending. You have time. Next, I decided to experiment. I started small. I volunteered at a local animal shelter. I took a pottery class. I even tried coding using an online course. The point wasn’t to become a master potter or a software engineer, it was to expose myself to new things.
Think of it as throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. I kept a journal during this period. Every day, I’d write down what I did, how I felt about it, and what I learned. This helped me identify patterns. I realized I enjoyed working with animals more than working with clay. I hated coding. This information was gold. Don't underestimate the power of self-reflection.
I also started talking to people. Not just my friends and family, but professionals in various fields. I scheduled informational interviews. I asked them about their careers, their challenges, their advice for someone just starting out. Most people are surprisingly willing to help if you just ask. LinkedIn became my best friend. Don't be afraid to reach out to people you admire. Networking, even if it feels awkward at first, is crucial.
As I learned more about different career options, I started to focus my energy. I identified a few areas that seemed interesting and I researched them thoroughly. What skills were required? What was the job market like? What was the salary potential? Knowledge is power. I then started building my skills in those areas. I took online courses, attended workshops, and even started a small side project to gain experience.
Remember, even small steps forward are still steps forward. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Eventually, I landed an internship in a field I was interested in. It wasn't my dream job, but it was a start. And it gave me valuable experience and connections. From there, I was able to move into a full-time position. It took time, effort, and a lot of trial and error, but I finally found a career path that I enjoyed.
The key is to be patient, persistent, and open to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is just a learning opportunity in disguise. Embrace the unknown. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Your journey starts now. Just take that first step. Random Wanderer: I would recommend trying out different free online courses on platforms like Coursera or edX to explore potential interests.
This is great advice!
Curious Cat: Networking is key! Don't be afraid to reach out to people in fields you're curious about. Informational interviews can be incredibly helpful.
Career Noob: I feel so lost right now, this article actually gave me some hope and practical steps to take. Thank you!
Susan Miller: Journaling is a fantastic tip!
I'm going to start doing that to track my progress and figure out what I truly enjoy.
TechGuy87: The side project idea is excellent. Building something tangible, even if it's small, is a great way to learn and showcase your skills.
LazyLlama: This makes me feel better. Its ok to not know right away. Small steps are better than none.
SunshineDay: I agree with the sentiment of experimenting and trying new things.
Volunteer work is a great way to discover hidden passions!
ThinkingMan: Don't underestimate the power of reading widely. Books and articles can expose you to new ideas and perspectives.
ArtLover22: It's important to remember that your first job doesn't have to be your forever job. It's a stepping stone.
HappyFeet: This is exactly what I needed to read today.
Feeling less overwhelmed already!