As a recent college graduate just beginning my professional career, these types of questions come up often:
“What did you major in, again? Oh, so are you using that degree? So.. what’s the next step? What’s your DREAM job???”
Every college student or recent graduate has experienced the panic and self-doubt that arises when asked these kinds of life-deciding questions.
What my type-A, planning brain really hears is:
“So, what’s the career path that perfectly combines your interests, talents, and the college degree you just spent thousands of dollars and hours on where you will spend 40 hours a week and the rest of your life committed to?”
Which is enough to send me in a panic REAL quick.
“Did I just waste four years of my life studying something I don’t even know if I want to do for the rest of my life??”
“What if I never find the PERFECT job? Am I just going to be climbing some corporate ladder for the rest of my life? What if I change my mind?”
“And how do I even get my foot in the door towards my dream career if I don’t even know what that is?”
I’ve always been interested in a variety of hobbies, sports, and subjects. Whether it was baking, biology, gymnastics, music, home decorating, algebra, or history, I’ve always been curious and passionate about a multitude of subjects. That made choosing a major especially difficult in college, where from the get go, you’re encouraged to choose a path that represents the optimal combination of your skills and interests and stick to it, or else suffer wasting time and money in extra classes you didn’t really need to take.
I don’t mean to blame the college education system for my anxieties; if anything, it’s my own pride, ambition, and self-imposed academic standards that put the most pressure on me. I’ve long been terrified of new things, and the idea that somewhere out there, a career exists that perfectly matches my strengths and passions is very appealing.
But the more I talk to experienced professionals in the working world, the more I doubt the traditional career road that’s been sold to me.
Pick a major.
Network. Network. Network.
Get that internship.
Climb the corporate ladder…
and VOILA! You’ve gotten your dream job!
Not to say that it’s impossible to find a job that “checks all my boxes”… but I’m just not sure this will be my story. Millennials are notorious for being “job hoppers”, disengaged, unwilling to make long- term commitments, and always open to new job opportunities. Many think these are unique faults of my generation.. that we are scared of commitment and specialization in a particular field.
However, I think that there’s freedom and excitement in knowing that there are diverse opportunities to make the world a better place all around you, and your growing skills and passions could be utilized in a variety of different ways.
Maybe I’ll become a design researcher. I am empathetic and love numbers, statistics, surveys, and data. I could use these things to analyze, design products, and help people help people.
Maybe I’ll become a master wood worker. I’ve always loved geometry, craftsmanship, and working with my hands.
Maybe I’ll go to culinary school in Paris and become a professional chef. I LOVE travel, sourcing quality ingredients, making delicious food, and sharing it with people.
Or maybe, I’ll be a homemaker and raise kids someday. I’ve volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, worked countless summer camps, and have always had a soft spot for little kiddos.
One of my favorite writers and missionaries Jim Elliot once said, “Wherever you are, be all there.” In the midst of anxiety, fear, doubt, and an insane 2020/transitionary season where honestly, no one can plan for the future, these wise words ring true.
I hope that whatever work is established before me, whether it be a specific lifelong career path or a plethora of different jobs, that I do it heartily and with joy, knowing that my life has purpose and meaning beyond a big paycheck and completed tasks done well.
