So, you’ve finished school or uni. Congrats! But now what?
Once the dust has settled, it’s normal to feel a little lost when thinking about the future. Especially when being quizzed by family and friends every time you see them. We’re sure they mean well, but it doesn’t help with your constant I don’t know what to do with my life internal dialogue.
For the past few years, you’ve known exactly what’s coming next – coursework, exams or placements. But now that’s over, and it’s time for you to take everything you’ve learnt out into the world.
You’re not alone in this feeling – it’s very common to feel anxious about making life decisions at this age. While it’s unsettling, it’s a time to explore, make mistakes and see what path works for you.
This Unite Students guide should help shed some light on how to figure out what to do with your life.
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Why it’s okay not to have it all figured out
Life is a journey, not a race. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to make the right decision. Decisions can always be revisited – you can’t always tell the right thing to do in the moment. Plus, sometimes the best experiences take a leap of faith.
While the ‘what do I do with my life?’ questions are valid, once you’re in a job, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Career goals can change. The average British worker changes jobs every five years – a job isn’t necessarily for life. Plus, Gen Z workers only spend an average of 1.7 years in each job.
Whether you’ve just finished sixth form or completed four years at uni, it’s important to gain varied experiences. This is not only so you can learn about the type of career and life you want, but also to learn about yourself and what you enjoy doing.
Exploring your options
Don't forget to explore all of the options available to you, even ones you might not have considered before. This allows you to make more informed decisions by considering a wide range of possibilities, ultimately helping you make your overall decision.
Going to university or college
University is the tried and tested route after leaving school. Not only does it allow you to gain specialised knowledge, but it also helps open your eyes to a new city and new friends. University is so much more than just studying – you build a whole new life. While it may be daunting, sometimes a degree and the doors it’ll open are what you need to pursue your dream career.
It’s important to weigh this up against the substantial costs involved and the time commitment. While you may be eligible for a loan, there are still living costs to consider. It’s also a big decision choosing what course to study for three or four years, day in, day out.
Not all professions need a degree, so it’s worth considering how far the course will be able to take you. It can be an expensive route to find your path, so make sure you chat to your family, friends and career advisers.
Starting a career or apprenticeship
You may decide that uni isn’t the right path for you. And that’s okay! There’s plenty of careers to get stuck into that don’t require a degree.
An apprenticeship allows you to work and gain hands-on experience alongside a qualification. This enables you to develop practical skills that can position you well to secure a position in your chosen industry. An apprenticeship may be a more financially viable option for some students too, as you’ll be able to start earning straight away.
This might sound great, but some people may feel limited going into a career path right away. There are so many options out there, it can be hard to commit to one thing so early on. An apprenticeship may tie you into a certain amount of time, and you’ll only be learning the skills for that profession or industry.
For some industries, an apprenticeship can be a great way to get up to speed with techniques quickly. Hands-on experience can go a long way in fields like construction, hospitality, business and administration, as well as engineering and manufacturing. Many more sectors are now offering apprenticeships – you may be surprised at what you can find!
Taking a gap year or travelling
Taking some time off to go travelling can be hugely rewarding. Not only does it broaden your horizons, but you’ll meet so many likeminded people along the way and discover some incredible sights. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and how to handle situations, and you may discover a new passion or two.
It’s also a good stepping stone to gain independence before potentially heading off to uni, and a great way to let off some steam and see the world before joining the workforce. Just reassure worried family that this isn’t a I don’t know what I’m doing with my life whim and try to make a plan (or at least pretend).
But there are cost implications to consider before you jet off on a world adventure, as well as the potential for aimlessness if you don’t have a return date in mind. You might need to spend some time working first to save up enough money to travel for any length of time. But depending on where you go, you could also work while on the move. Lots of hostels let travellers pay for accommodation by working shifts on the front desk or cleaning rooms.
If you decide that travelling is the path for you, why not try to embark on some meaningful travel? You could look for working abroad or volunteering opportunities. This will help you gain new skills and maybe even give you something to chat about in future interviews.
Strategies to figure out what you want
It can be overwhelming to know where to start if you’re not sure what to do with your life. We’ve broken it down into four sections to try to make thinking about the future more manageable.
Try everything
Say yes to as much as you can, from side-jobs to experiences. Take the internship or work experience to gain the skills you need to get to the next level. Sometimes you don’t know what’s right for you unless you try it. Just bear in mind the importance of knowing your limits to avoid burnout too.
Embrace self-reflection exercises
Try some self-reflection to see if you can unlock something you’re passionate about. From journalling to speaking to your mentors, you’re sure to find something that stands out. And if not, don’t panic. Try personality tests, like Myers-Briggs, to narrow down the type of work that might suit you.
Set small goals
Finding the right path isn’t simple. You may need to take small steps to see what you can unlock on the way. Perhaps it’s learning a new language or taking a social media course. Achieving a personal goal may lead to more clarity.
Network, network, network
More often than not, it’s about who you know – not what you know. As clichéd as it sounds, it really is important to get yourself in front of the right people. Attend careers fairs to try to speak to people in the industry you’re interested in – or anyone in the workforce that could open doors.
This isn’t limited to academic or career-focused events. Try to make connections everywhere you can. If you’re interested in retail, why not attend pop-up sales and events and speak to those running them? While there might not be a job at the end of it, you never know when a contact may come in handy.
Overcoming the fear of making the “wrong” choice
There’s no such thing as a “wrong choice”. If you change your mind in a year’s time, that’s okay!
If you’re feeling at a crossroads with your what do I do with my life decision, try reframing it as a learning experience, rather than anything permanent. Life throws us all sorts of curveballs and whichever path you choose now is likely not going to be what you’re doing for the rest of your life. Most people have multiple career changes throughout their lives.
There are also many success stories of people finding their passion later in their career. This decision is just a stepping stone, not the end destination.
Try to weigh up the pros and cons of your decision. Consider things like experience, exposure and enjoyment against costs, commitment and challenges.
Your path, your rules
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life. Everyone has a different journey, so it’s never helpful to compare yourself to others around you. You’ll find your path – if it takes weeks, months or even years.
Embrace the uncertainty of this time – finding your way is exciting! Whatever steps you take to get to your end goal are all part of the journey. Your family and friends understand it’s a challenging time, so lean on them for support if you can.
For more advice on navigating life decisions, check out Unite Students’ Common Room.
