Still Trying to Figure Out What To Be When You "Grow Up"

Many times people have said to me, "I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up". Generally, the individual is already what one would consider grown. In most cases, the individual is someone who has several (or many) years of work experience, but that work is not what they want to keep doing.

If you feel the same way, maybe you should take some time to figure out what you would like to do. It can seem like an overwhelming task, so it usually helps to break it into smaller pieces. You may begin by thinking of career dreams you have had and starting a list of possible career directions. Don't eliminate possible jobs because of preconceived notations you have about what the field is like - without getting the facts. Initially, just brainstorm and come up with a list.

Some people find it helps to complete some assessments to identify interests, abilities, and other strengths and preferences. Formal assessments are available that will provide a report with potential occupations that may fit with your interests, abilities, and other personal preferences. There are also assessments that will help to clarify your personal strengths/personality type or your values, as they relate to work.

Although I recommend a formal assessment, if that is not feasible, it may be helpful to do some informal self-assessments or reflect upon your work-related preferences. Set aside small blocks of time to work on those so that you can make progress.

Review the list of occupations you created from your brainstorming or from the assessment results. It is generally helpful to read some information about some of the potential occupations that you are not familiar with. Then you can determine from those potential occupations if there are any you would want to prepare for or pursue. Perhaps then you will have figured out what you want to do - now that you are grown up.


Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor (L/WC) by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.