Navigating Career Decisions When You Don’t Know What You Want to Be Yet
By Paige Marley, Employment and Training Consultant, Youth and Young Adults
It might feel like everyone else your age already has a plan, a dream job, a college major, or a perfect path. But truthfully, most teens and young adults don’t know what they want to be yet, and that’s completely normal. Many adults don’t even know where their future is going to take them! Career decisions take time, curiosity, and experimentation.
Start With What You Do Know: Your Interests, Strengths, and Values
Even if you don’t have a specific job in mind, you already know things about yourself that can point you in the right direction. Ask yourself:
What activities make me feel energized?
When do I feel proud of something I’ve done?
What subjects or tasks come more naturally to me?
What kind of environment helps me do my best (fast-paced, hands-on, calm, creative)?
These clues help build a picture of careers that might fit you, maybe not for forever, but at least for right now. There are also free tools and programs that can help you learn more about yourself and what types of careers align with your strengths:
Learn About the World of Work Without Overwhelm
There are hundreds of possible career paths, and looking at all of them at once can feel impossible. Instead of trying to choose “the one,” start exploring in small steps. Try:
Short virtual job shadow videos from career websites
Quick snapshots of local high-growth, high-demand industries
Asking someone about their job (a teacher, coach, family member, supervisor, etc.)
You’re not committing to anything yet, you’re just gathering information. Think of this like browsing through options rather than making a decision.
Try Things Out: “Career Sampling” Helps You Learn What Fits
The fastest way to figure out what you like is by doing, not just thinking. Here are some small, low-pressure ways to sample careers:
Volunteering at community organizations
Shadowing a professional for a few hours or completing an informational interview
Joining FCWS youth experiences, like the Work Ready: Summer Jobs Program
Applying for a part-time or seasonal job
Trying virtual industry tours
Every experience, even if you don’t love it, teaches you something. You might learn what you do enjoy, or you might learn what you definitely don’t like; both are valuable!
Build Skills That Work for ANY Career Path
The good news is you don’t have to choose a career to start preparing for one. Building strong, general skills opens doors to lots of different opportunities. Skills that matter everywhere include:
Communication
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Time management
Digital literacy
Programs at FCWS and other community partners can help you build these skills through workshops, training, and hands-on experiences. No matter where your career journey leads, these abilities willtravel with you.
Set Small, Flexible Career Goals (Not Big, Stressful Ones)
Instead of putting pressure on yourself to “figure it all out,” focus on small, simple goals. These smaller goals can help you learn more about yourself and build confidence. Here are some examples:
Watch three videos about different careers this week
Apply for one part-time job
Meet with a job coach (or career coach if you’re currently in school with FCPS)
Attend a skill-building workshop
You Don’t Have to Navigate Alone, Support Is Here
Career exploration doesn’t have to be something you do by yourself. Whether you’re unsure, overwhelmed, or just curious, reaching out for guidance can make the process a whole lot easier. FCWS youth and young adult programs are designed to help you:
Explore career options
Build skills
Connect with employers
Learn about training opportunities
Talk through decisions with a career professional
Remember, you don’t have to know your final destination right now, you just have to keep moving forward, one step at a time!