is it normal for a 21yr old to have no idea what they want to do for a career?

Answer 1

Many people do not figure that out until they have tried a few different types of jobs and see what suits them best.

I didn't figure it out until I was 40.

Answer 2

I think in this day it is very normal. Children are not exposed to various job careers early in life in many schools. They certainly are not interested in doing what their parents do. So they start college with no idea and change majors several times and perhaps attend college longer because they have no clue. I think they would have a better chance on a decision if the parents didn't do so much for kids these days. If the money issue of college was left in the kids hands they would make up their mind real quick.

Answer 3

Are you worried about being normal, or about figuring out what you want to do for a career?

First of all - yes.

Second - choosing a career at 21 does not necessarily mean you are destined to spend the rest of your life in that career. It used to be fairly common that people would stick with one career - even one job - the majority of their adult lives. Or so the story goes. But these days, it's much more flexible - and much less certain.

Choose something right now that gives you a good base to grow from. Choose something you like to do, that gives you enough freedom to branch out if you choose, or go to school (again?) if you choose to, or that you can make your own and stick with it if you decide it's the right thing for you.

Alternately, you don't have to find a "career" right now - you can just get a job.

My one piece of life advice would be don't jump from job to job. It's fun to look around and do different things, but in the long run, employers look for loyalty. They tend not to hire you if you have a history of spending a year in a job and then moving on. I speak from experience on this one - trust me. A few jobs in your youth - okay. But once you hit 26 or so, make sure the job you pick is something you feel comfortable with for a minimum of 2-3 years - 5 is better. They like that.

Don't stress - think about what you like to do, then figure out who the people are working in that field. Talk to them. You'll find your way.

Answer 4

absolutely. It's perfectly normal.

In fact, I know plenty of people in their late 20's and early 30's that have no idea what they want to do. .

why not go to a career counselor type. . . . take one of those tests to see what your aptitudes are and where your interests lie. . that's a good place to start. .

it's a really good idea to do something you enjoy for a living. .

after you figure out what that is, then work towards that goal. .

the man who aims for nothing always hits it

Answer 5

It's not a big surprise that many don't. They have so many choices we didn't have decades ago. However I do know some fifty something year olds who don't know what they want to be when they grow up either.