It’s Okay to Feel Uncertain
Let’s start with an important truth: it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. The pressure to have a clear-cut career path immediately after graduation, or even if you didn’t attend college, can feel intense. Whether you’ve landed a job and it’s not what you thought it would be, or you’re still in the job-hunting phase, remember that it’s okay to explore and adjust.
Tips for Dealing with Uncertainty:
Give yourself permission to explore. You don’t have to stay on one path just because you started it. Allow yourself to explore different industries, roles, or interests, even if they seem unrelated to your degree or current job.
Reflect on what you’ve learned so far. Even if your current job isn’t what you expected, what have you learned about yourself, your skills, or your values? These lessons are invaluable as you figure out what you want next.
When I graduated, I thought I had everything mapped out, but life had other plans. It took time, trial and error, and a lot of self-reflection to find the path that truly felt right for me. If you're feeling uncertain, you're not alone—and trust me, it's part of the process.
When Your Job Isn’t What You Thought It Would Be
It’s not uncommon to find that your first job out of school (or your second, or third) doesn’t feel like the dream career you imagined. The reality of working in the field might be very different from your expectations. You might feel disconnected, under-challenged, or like the work just isn’t fulfilling. So what do you do next?
Strategies for Navigating a Job You Don’t Love:
Assess the situation: Is it the job itself that isn’t fulfilling, or could it be something else, like company culture or lack of opportunities for growth? Sometimes, small shifts like taking on new projects or advocating for more responsibilities can reignite your interest.
Consider pivoting: If you’ve realized the field you’re in just isn’t for you, that’s okay. Pivoting to a new career or industry is completely possible, and many people do it successfully.
Build transferable skills: Even if you’re not in your ideal role, you’re likely building skills that will be valuable in future positions. Focus on developing strengths like communication, problem-solving, or leadership that can serve you no matter where you go next.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Too Many Options?
Sometimes, the problem isn’t that you don’t have enough options—it’s that you have too many. Deciding between graduate school, changing careers, or sticking with your current path can feel like a lot of pressure. The fear of making the wrong choice can be paralyzing. And if you didn’t go to college, you may be weighing whether further education is even necessary for what you want to do.
Ways to Narrow Down Your Options:
Define your values: What’s most important to you in a career? Is it stability, creativity, making a social impact, or something else? Clarifying your values can help you filter through options and make decisions that align with what matters most.
Try informational interviews or job shadowing: If you’re considering a new field or going to graduate school, reach out to people who are already in that area. Ask them about their experiences, what they like about their career, and any advice they have for someone starting out.
Focus on short-term goals: If long-term planning feels overwhelming, focus on what’s next. What can you do in the next 6 months to move closer to where you want to be? Breaking your goals into smaller steps can make the decision-making process feel more manageable.
Considering More Education? Is Graduate School the Right Choice?
If you’re thinking about going to grad school, it’s important to weigh your options carefully. Graduate school can be an incredible opportunity to gain specialized knowledge, but it’s also a significant investment of time and money. On the other hand, if you haven’t completed a college degree, you might be wondering whether now is the time to pursue higher education or whether another career path would suit you better.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going Back to School:
Why am I considering this? Is it because you’re passionate about the subject or because you feel pressured to get another degree to stay competitive?
What are the career outcomes? Research the job market in your field to see if having a graduate degree will significantly improve your prospects.
Am I ready for the commitment? Graduate school requires a lot of focus and dedication. Consider whether you’re ready to take on that challenge, or if there’s another path that aligns better with your current needs.
If you’re someone without a college degree and wondering if it’s necessary, remember that not all careers require formal education. Careers in trade work, certifications in technical fields, and entrepreneurial ventures are just as valid and can provide fulfilling and meaningful work.
Finding Meaningful Work Takes Time
One of the biggest sources of stress for young adults is the pressure to find a career that feels meaningful and fulfilling right away. But the truth is, it often takes time to reach that point. You may need to start with jobs that help you gain experience, build skills, or just pay the bills while you figure out what you really want.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Every step counts: Even if your current job isn’t your dream career, it’s helping you learn more about yourself and what you want. Each step brings you closer to where you want to be.
You can change direction: You’re not locked into one path forever. Careers evolve, and it’s okay to pivot as you discover new interests or passions.
Fulfillment might take time: Many people find that their careers become more fulfilling as they gain experience and clarity over time. It’s okay if it doesn’t happen immediately.
Moving Forward: It’s Okay to Be in Transition
Feeling uncertain after school, or even if you never went to college, is completely normal. Whether you're considering graduate school, thinking about switching careers, or wondering if college is the right path for you, it's important to remember that there are multiple ways forward. Not every career requires a degree—trade schools, certifications, apprenticeships, or entrepreneurship can all be valid and fulfilling career paths.
If you're seeking something meaningful and fulfilling, know that finding the right fit might not happen overnight. It’s okay to take steps toward that goal while you explore your options. Sometimes, the work you do now can lead you toward something bigger down the line. Every step you take is progress, even if it feels small.
When things feel overwhelming, it can help to reach out for support. Whether it's talking to a career coach, a therapist, or someone who's been through similar crossroads, you're not alone in navigating these uncertainties. There are many resources available to help you explore your path at your own pace and find what feels right for you.
Attiya Awadallah, LCAT, ATR-BC, is a licensed psychotherapist and creative arts therapist specializing in treating anxiety, depression, and complex trauma, with a focus on young adults navigating career uncertainty and life transitions. At Lenora: Art Therapy and Counseling, Attiya helps clients embrace their identities, manage stress, and develop resilience.
If you’re interested in learning more about therapy services or booking a session, visit www.lenoratherapy.com or contact Attiya directly at lenoratherapy@gmail.com.
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