Stuck in Uncertainty? What to Do When You’re Unsure of Your Career Path

Maybe you’ve been working in the same field for years. Perhaps you’ve never really enjoyed your job, but you figured you could cope with the downsides for a regular paycheck. Yet now, you feel burned out and bored. You want to take a chance at breaking into a new field that you feel more passionate about. However, you’re not sure which path is right for you.

Alternatively, you might have enjoyed your job in the past, but you’re ready for new horizons. You feel like you’ve reached your potential in your current field. You’re curious about a few different jobs, and you’re confused about which job title you should pursue. If you’re trapped by uncertainty about your career path, here are a few tips to help you figure out your direction.

Reflect on Your Favorite Aspects of Your Job

Even if you’re unsatisfied with your job, take some time to reflect on the aspects of your job that you do like. Maybe you feel fulfilled when you’re able to help out a customer or coworker with a tricky troubleshooting situation. You might enjoy training new employees, working on communications projects, managing data analysis, taking on creative marketing tasks, or finding new ways to speed up processes. Identifying the best parts of your job can help you determine what sorts of opportunities you’re seeking in your next role.

Think About How You Like to Structure Your Days

Do you prefer to work at an office with your teammates and bounce ideas around in person, or at home where you can work quietly and have more control over your environment? Have you enjoyed traveling for work in the past, or do you like staying close to home? Are you happiest as part of a large team, or have you achieved more professional growth while working with small, tight-knit teams?

Your specific role isn’t the only thing that will affect your experience at work. Determine the kind of environment that you truly thrive in to find the right industry and role.

Talk to People in Interesting Fields

What’s the best way to learn about the pros and cons of a particular job? Talk to people who have the job you want! You might be able to connect with people in your fields of interest through your personal social circle, professional organizations, or even LinkedIn.

If someone takes the time to talk with you about their job, make sure to thank them in some way. You could buy them lunch or coffee, or send a kind thank-you note. Write up a list of questions in advance so that you don’t forget to ask anything important.

Try Volunteering

Perhaps you’ve wished that you could “try out” a different job for a little while just to see if you really liked it. This is where volunteering comes into play! Look into different organizations in your area that are seeking volunteers for responsibilities related to your career interests. Find a volunteer role that works with your schedule. Commit for a period of time to see if you like it.

Consider Talking to a Career Coach

If you have room in your budget, working with a career coach could be a smart investment in your future. They can help you set clear goals and manage the job-hunting process. Additionally, if your career concerns are having a negative effect on your mental health, you may want to reach out to an anxiety therapist as well.

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You do not have to make big career decisions all by yourself. By scheduling a free therapy consultation or booking your first counseling session, our team can help guide you through this process.