Career Search: What If I Don’t Know What I Enjoy Doing?

Whether you’re trying to carve out a career path for the first time or you think it’s time for a change, being able to decide what you want to do can feel overwhelming. There’s a common misconception that you only get one opportunity to decide on a career.  That puts a lot of pressure on you if you’re at the point of trying to decide on a career or you've already tried one career and are ready for a change. First, it’s important to know that in today’s work world, vocational paths don’t look the way they used to.  It’s very common for many people to take a few years early on to figure out the right career or, to choose a career early on, then change it, or even make a change when they’re mid-career. 

But what if you don’t know what you enjoy doing? How will you ever find a fulfilling career if you aren’t exactly sure what you want? 

It’s not an easy process but it starts with looking in the mirror, engaging in some serious reflection. Let’s cover a few helpful strategies that you can use to find a career that will align with your values and goals, even if you’re feeling a little lost right now.

Consider Your Interests

Before you start looking for a job, think about your interests. It’s easy to limit yourself when you only consider interests that you think would apply to a career. But chances are, at least one of your interests or hobbies could carry over into a career path.

What are some of the things you like to do, even ones that don’t seem connected to a specific job? What are some activities that you’ve enjoyed doing or volunteered your time doing? Thinking about those things can help you to start thinking about your particular strengths.

Compare Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Speaking of strengths, it’s important to recognize where you excel. If you’re unsure of which position you should apply for, make a list of some of your biggest strengths. Are you a great problem-solver? Do you have strong communication skills? Are you creative and imaginative? 

Once you have a list of a few things, consider different careers that might allow you to use these strengths. You might start looking at jobs you would have never considered, but ones that match your strengths and where you could apply your particular skills. 

Consult Outside Resources

There are many books written to help people find careers.  These books typically include short career tests, prompts for journaling, and reflective exercises, all aimed at helping you take a deep dive into your strengths, interests, and priorities.  If you invest in using one of these resources, you’ll learn more about yourself and be better equipped for choosing a career that aligns with your interests and values.   An excellent resource is  The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success

Think About the Past

Even if you aren’t sure what you enjoy doing, think about any job experiences you’ve had in the past. It could have been a summer job in high school or a job you just left recently to pursue other things, or even a volunteer opportunity.  You undoubtedly liked at least something about one of those positions. Maybe one of your previous jobs had a great collaborative environment? Maybe one allowed you to have creative freedom? 

Consider these things from the past as you move forward in your search. They can help you more clearly visualize the job environment you want. 

Shadow Someone

Do any of your friends or family members have careers you might be interested in? Maybe you aren’t sure if you would enjoy what they do, but their jobs have always intrigued you. 

Ask one of them if you can “shadow” their job for a day or two. Let them talk to you about what they do and what to expect. It’s a great way to get an up-close and personal experience and determine if a specific job would meet your needs.

Not having your career path all figured out right away doesn’t need to overwhelm you. Take your time and do some self-reflection. Even if you don’t know what you enjoy doing right now, trying some of these strategies can help you determine which jobs might interest you and align with your values.

About: Chanderbhan Psychological Services is a therapy practice located in Laredo, Texas. We help individuals and couples who are struggling in different areas of their lives gain the clarity they need to grow and change. We also offer telehealth to individuals located in the wider State of Texas.  To read blogs on mental health and relationships, visit our website.