'I Don't Know What to Do With My Life': How to Navigate This Feeling (2023)

FAQs

What to do if I don't know what to do with my life? ›

It's perfectly normal – in fact it's one of the most common things we hear. Few people have a grand career plan when they leave university, and for many it's daunting making such an important choice.

All life forms share at least one essential purpose: survival. This is even more important than another key purpose for life, reproduction. Plenty of organisms, after all, are alive but do not reproduce. To be alive is more than passing genes along to the next generation.

People often think things like money or luxury lead to happiness, but research indicates some healthy life practices may actually be the key. Simple experiences like spending time with friends and family or practicing gratitude may promote a healthier outlook on life. Looking for ways to shift negative thinking?

Lack of Experience. Limited work experience is another reason why you might find it tough to choose your career path. There are instances when talking with people who work in a career you're interested in pursuing isn't enough. You can overcome this hurdle by potentially participating in additional training.

Considered the best major for undecided students is liberal studies. This major offers broad studies that apply to different careers. As a liberal studies major, you will take humanities, social science, and other classes. From history to psychology, plan on taking many liberal arts courses.

Why am I so confused? See, the sole reason behind every career confusion in an individual's life is that when adults in their life tell them they can be anything they want to be, but by the time they reach their teenage years, those same individuals often start doubting their options and choices.

Boredom can manifest when you're unable to focus your attention. This can be because you are consumed by multiple stressors in your surroundings. If you're stressed out about something else, and your present situation is overly-stimulating, you may feel bored.

In some cases, boredom may occur due to: inadequate rest or nutrition. low levels of mental stimulation. lack of choice or control over your daily activities.

What causes a boring life? ›

One of the most common reasons why you feel bored is because your life is becoming too much of a routine to the point where you know what to expect in all your days to common. There are too many mundane things in your life that you lack spontaneity and adventure, and this is why your life can be perceived as boring.

Examples of biblical purpose statements

“I live to bring glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through consistent worship, by my praise and in my life; to cultivate a life of intimacy with God; and to equip women and men for ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

In The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren reveals the meaning of life from a Christian perspective—five purposes that you were created by God to fulfill: worship, unselfish fellowship, spiritual maturity, your ministry, and your mission.

The Upanishads mention four purusharth, aims, of human life: dharma, artha, kama, moksha.

Spending time with family and friends, laughing, experiencing heart-felt moments with a loved one – these times are precious, and free. Money brings comfort, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying that comfort.

But perhaps more interesting is what's scientifically proven to make us unhappy. It wouldn't take a genius to work out that tiredness, stress and loneliness are lead causes. But more surprising candidates include living at altitude and poor sibling relationships.

According to prolific novelist and playwright Weldon, women's sources of happiness are sex, food, friends, family, shopping and chocolate—in that order.

Is it easier for attractive people to get jobs? ›

Researchers showed more than 300 videos to a sample of hiring managers. The results were unequivocal: the better the looks, the better the chances of getting hired. Sophia Amoruso, the CEO of Nasty Girl, was voted sexist CEO on the planet by Business Insider magazine. She is worth $280m.

1. Military. Coming first on our list of the hardest jobs in the world is the military. Being in the military is a prestigious honor for many people who aren't afraid to take risks and who are looking for a high paycheck.

In general, STEM graduates were the least likely to regret their majors. Just 24% of those who studied engineering said they would make a different choice. People who studied math, computer science or physical sciences also felt good about their decisions — only one-third would study something else with hindsight.

Students should consider their interests and employment prospects when selecting a major. Students can choose in-demand college majors in healthcare, like nursing. Computer science, engineering, and IT are some of the most in-demand majors in STEM.

Perhaps the most obvious sign that you've picked the wrong career is that you absolutely hate the work that you do. You're disengaged, lack motivation, and even if you're not stressed about the work, you're not learning anything new. The whole thing is a bad cycle.

When you're doubting yourself and feel like giving up, remember that your doubt is merely a sign that you've chosen a worthy career goal. Realize that doubt is a normal part of the achievement process. Doubt happens to all of us.

Is it normal to not know what you want to be in the future? ›

It is actually fine if you don't know what you want to do in future. Most people are not necessarily doing what, some years ago, they envisioned themselves doing. Life happened to many of us! I have heard a lot of people tell me they are clueless about what they want to do after graduation, and they feel bad about it.

New statistics released by Allaboutcareers.com, a leading careers exploration website, reveal that 44% of undergraduates are unable to define the industry that they would like to work in once they graduate.

Not building a career progression plan is easily one of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to career progression.

Making decisions based on salary alone

One of the most common career mistakes is focusing on compensation alone. When choosing a job or career, there is more to consider besides just salary and perks.

A sense of foreshortened future involves feeling as if life will be cut short without any real explanation as to why. People who experience this may also feel they won't be able to reach milestones in their life, such as a career, marriage, or children.

While some anxiety before events and situations is common, excessive levels of anticipatory anxiety can suggest an anxiety disorder. Individuals who have overwhelming fears, or worry about the future, should speak to their doctor or a mental health professional.

Just over 8% of working age people (between 16 and 64), or 3.4 million in total, had never had a paid job.

How many jobs will the average person have in their lifetime? It is estimated that most people will have 12 jobs during their lives. In the last year, 32% of those 25 to 44 have considered a career change. Since starting their first job after college, 29% of people have completely changed fields.

What is the average age people change careers? ›

The average age Americans change their careers is 39. People under 24 years have approximately 3.8 more job changes than people over 45 years old.