How do you figure out what you want to do with your life?

Question

Everyone always advises to "do what you love" & to find something you're passionate about.

What if you don't love or are passionate about anything?
What advice would you give such a person?

If it matters, I am 26 & hold a bachelor's degree.

I've posted this before in another category but I need different perspectives if you would be so kind as to accommodate. Thank you.

Answer 1

I am going through a similar situation and am finding that the more things I try in different fields, the more passionate I am about the field. You might try starting out with something really far from what you studied in college, then just see where that takes you. As long as you have a positive attitude, you will find little bits that you like along the way. If you follow those little bits, then you will soon end up doing something you love. I really don't think that you are meant for ONE thing, but have many great qualities. If you follow these clues, you will eventually find out what your best ones are and put them to use. If not, you can always become a flight attendant and travel for free (unless you are over 5'9'').

Answer 2

i dont understand, u have a bachelors, and yet u dont hold passion for anything? what do u do in ur spare time, what do u do for fun? when u spend ur money, other than bills, what do u buy? if u won the powerball, what would be the first 10 things u would do? when u get on the internet, what do u search out, or listen too. whats on ur favorites? i do understand where ur coming from, but other than questions, that only u can answer, i m of no help. all do know, is that there must be something, in this life of urs, that gets u pumped up, excited. good luck, and some how, i wish u could let me know what u come up with.

Answer 3

You don't.

The best you can do is to set goals for yourself and accomplish them. Most people change careers often in life. Many people, sadly, put their lives on hold hoping to find the "right" decision.

I am in a field today that I had never dreamed of being in years ago.

Stalling accomplishes nothing. Choose something. As you progress your future will become clearer. As you age, your interests in life will also change and this will be reflected in your career.

Passion is not a requirement to earn a living. Earning a living gives you the freedom to pursue your goals in your personal time.

The advice I give when asked, is to ask someone who holds a job that you think you might and enjoy and then ask them the pros and cons of their job and the education path it took to get their.

It is also possible to focus on your traits and qualities and then find the job or career that matches your personality type.

You seem to have bought into the idea that one must have passion. This is so untrue.

Answer 4

One can't do what they want untill they do what they need, since we need to eat and providing one doesn't want to end up as a homeless person, then we also need a roof over our heads and of course clothes to wear, with that said, i'd say your off to a good start by being educated, i did what i loved i even droped out of high school thinking i would sucseed one day in my dream and everything else would fall in place right? WRONG! The best advice to you is simply this, your 26 time's on your side so get more education, in the mean time just take it slow, the only thing that life
ever asks of us is to be prepared, yet not
everybody listens, apparently you did, the
thruth is no one does what they love to do less there smart enough to know even your
most fondest of passions and noblest of
dreams will fall flat on there face unless your willing to commit to it hence suddenly
that dream turns out to be a nightmare for
them.

Go for your masters and then go out in the real world you'd be surprised how passionate one can get when they have to take care of them self, in your case at least
you'll have the money to support what ever
it is you finnaly love to do, what ever it will
be rest assure even that will want a full time
commitment . . . Good Luck To You . . .

Answer 5

I was in your position, only I was 23, not 26. I had a BA in Political Science. Had NO idea what to do. I found a job I was at least interested in -- no "passion." Just find something you think you might have an interest in, or something you think you might be good at. Take it from there. In my case, I started working a reference desk at the local public library. Got so I loved it. I've been working in libraries now for 34 years.

Answer 6

i was thinking about that myself ,
when i was young i wanted to be a vet , as i got older i wanted be a doctor , now everyone expects that of me , i mean i am smart but , i don't think i want to be a doctor ,
something i love is writing and drawing , i also love space,
i am too scared of space to become an astronaut , and i don't believe that i am that good to be a writer and artist ,

i think you should stop and think , what do you like ( even if it may seem to have nothing to do with a career ) also think about how in some jobs you do the same thing every day ... and for some people after a long time it may began to get depressing

good luck ..

Answer 7

I honestly think, if you are not passionate about AND you don't love ANYTHING, your life is absolutely not worth living. For the sake of personal misery and a general social selfishness outlook, why are you still choosing to continue living? A BA can get you education, but that's not worth a dime when you're empty inside.

Answer 8

Not to sound fanatical, but praying for Gods will to happen in your life will produce tremendous results. The road might not seem clear at first, but if you cooperate you will be led on your lifes path by God.

Another idea is to imagine you are 90 years old laying in bed and looking back upon your life. What will want to have accomplished?

Answer 9

This is quite a difficult problem..you need to find what is your passionate and where is your good point.. maybe you can help people with your ability..don't be sand and don't think too much about it..you will soon find your passionate..try to hang out with more people,mingle with them and you'll find your life happy..

Answer 10

Do not keep doing things that you do not like, try echange every day, and you will see, what kind of think you like to do, is not easy answer this question but you have to look your needs, and talents, you must have some. Try to learn another lenguage. travel a lot eather if you do not have enoght money, life is just one. Good