I haven't got a clue what career I want to follow in life!?

Question

I'm 23, a psychology graduate in an admin job (hell I needed the money) earning £16,000 a year. Please give me some idea on how I can decide what role is for me. Ok I know you don't know me so won't know what is right for me, but please tell me, how did you decide on what career was right for you?

Answer 1

I think the most important thing is that you are happy at whatever you choose to do. Money may seem important to you now, but you're making about what I am and I am 34. I am a receptionist and medical biller at an optometry office and I have to tell you, I love it! I've had other jobs that I've been so miserable at making $13 an hour and even though I don't make much now, I am truly happy where I am. Money is nice to get you things, but as long as I have enough to pay the bills, groceries and have a little fun money, that's all I need. Don't look for a job just because you want to make more money. Look for a job that you know you will love to do. It's nice when you wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work, not dread it!

Answer 2

Well I've not had a clue what I wanted to do. I'm 24 and am only now about to start my first year at uni! Since you already have your degree, you have to think about whether this is what you want a job in. If you do want a job in psychology then you have to start really pushing for another job. If you cant get the exact job you want then at least get something related to that field instead of admin work. You could work in a hospital or do some volontary work that will look good on your cv. At least you will be able to tell if you like the field of work or not. If not then you can always go back to education to do what you really want. But, dont worry. It will come to you eventually!! Good luck.

Answer 3

I think it is quite natural to be in this sort of sitaution.

Not everyone is like Rusty. Nowadays many people do not know what they want to do until they are in their mid to late twenties. Even then one tends to start a career and over a period of time specialise in various different aspects of that career. Psychology is a classic example, it can lead to all sorts of different jobs.

Be realistic about the work you would like to do. Some jobs are very well paid, but they tend to be stressful or attract a certain sort of person who you may not be able to stand working with. I saw one well paid job for people your age which said the successful applicant needed to be motivated etc (they all say that) but also "agressive"! Do you want to work in that environment?

I didn't really get my act together until I was 25, when I started a long slow process to my now very interesting and reasonably well paid job. It was like being on a boat in a river, various currents came and went and I steered my way into different ones and let them take me on to the next current.

Look at your strengths. You have time and independence on your side. You could do a TeFL and teach English in Japan or China, or travel overseas some other way. The "gap year" is a bit of a cliche nowadays, so maybe just go on a few budget flights (they are so cheap these days) and have a few long weekends in foreign cities.

One thing I would say is that the world is changing very quickly. I would advise you read the Economist every week for a few months. It comes out on Fridays and if you can't afford the three quid a big library should have a copy - worth looking at for half an hour each saturday. You may not agree with its politics, it is very free-market oriented, but it gives you a broader picture of what is going on in the world, e.g. the growth of low-cost manufacturing in China, the rise of business process outsourcing and IT services to India etc. it makes you think about the wider world, how it has changed over one lifetime and how it may change during your lifetime. It always has interesting little bits about how the world of work, products and services are all constantly changing, new trends etc.

Another thing is think about whether you enjoy working with things, people or ideas. Which of those three do you love working with? Or one you particularly do not like? Do you like the indoors or outdoors?

Just some ideas. Make the most of your youth, try different stuff out. Good luck!

Answer 4

Well your 2 years older than me, making $10,000 less. I would keep putting out resumes and follow the money. One thing I have always done is dress very cosmopolitan at interviews, and act much older. Most people think I am late 20's. I don't follow fashion trends, I wear tailored business clothes, heels and stockings, everyday, and jeans heels and stockings on casual Friday.

I never let down my guard, and am looking to another big promotion. I am looking to a career in business, and I really don't care what I am doing as long as I'm successful. Psychology doesn't pay much, so I would follow the money and see where it takes you.

Answer 5

One way you can find out is by researching prospective interests that you have. I'm sure there are certain jobs you've always wondered about. Go to the library and read books about these careers. Or better yet, talk with people who are in the field. Make connections! Sometimes getting a great job is more about who you know, then what you know.

Answer 6

The questions you should ask yourself is - what is your interest, what is your flair and what is your strongpoints. Being a psychology graduate, you can answer this better than anybody else. You should go in for Master's degree, if time and money permits. I always liked to learn a little more, a little more even after I turned 50 years of age. Good luck!

Answer 7

I feel ya. I'm 23 and will be graduating in December with my psych degree. I have no idea what I want to do with my life either. unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to go on to grad school and I know a B.A. in psych isn't the most popular degree out there. Wish I had some advice for you, but hopefully it makes you feel better to know that your not alone!!

Answer 8

I have a daughter who was very confused about what direction to take as a young woman of about your age - she'd even "decided" to take up accounting, and promptly became miserable.

Finally we took her to a professional whose job it is to evaluate a person's aptitudes, attitudes, etc., and make an informed suggestion as to what would "most likely" be a career path. This particular "career counselor" worked wonders for her.

I know you're in the UK and I'm the U.S. but having lived there I know your counselors are at least as competent as the Yank version. (I knew a few off of Harley St. in London.) It might be a "quid" or two, but the few appointments we paid for were worth every penny.

PS My "accountant" daughter wound up in medicine. And good luck!

Answer 9

I'm in the same predicament, i'm 23 and i'm a joiner earning good money but it's going nowhere, thinking of joining up with the army so as i can travel abit...... anyway decide what will make you happy, you spend alot of time at work, make sure you're happy with the job more than the money.
good luck

Answer 10

I knew that biochemistry was right for me when I remembered the exact formula of alcohol in alcoholic beverages. It basically replaces chemicals used in the body and multiplies the effects of OTC drugs like Tylenol and Advil which is why they always say "Do not use with alcohol" on commercials for drugs, whether OTC or prescription.