What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do

Not sure about the career you want to pursue? Don’t think the job you’re in is a perfect match? Well, you’re not alone

- Helen Wallace

I thought I was going to study fine art after school. I decided to take a gap year, which turned into four, during which time I changed my mind.

After a year at university doing a Bachelor of Arts, I decided it wasn’t for me and opted to study special-effects makeup instead. After a year of that,

I realised I didn’t want to do that either. (See the pattern here?) I had an existential crisis: at 24, shouldn’t I know exactly what I wanted to do with my life? But here’s the thing: you shouldn’t. Or, at least, it’s OK if you don’t.

Take these tips and apply them to your career sweet spot diagram to identify your best fit. Got a clearer picture? Now you need to figure out how to get there...

TO STUDY OR NOT?

If you want a degree

‘Start with a broad-based bachelor’s degree with subjects that pique your interest,’ says career-development consultant Annette Miller. ‘This gives you a year to understand which fields could excite you long-term.’ Then pick more specific subjects in your next few years. If your career sweet spot results suggest numbers and finance as a great track for you, opt for a broad business or finance course to upskill yourself without having to lock down an exact career yet.

If a degree isn’t for you