Life's Menu: What Will You Pick?

You have come to a point where you are told that you have to make a decision.​

Your Life Your Responsibility 

“Your life is your responsibility", says career expert Dr Ken Keis.

• What to do?
• How do you handle the pressure to narrow down university choices when you have no idea where to start?
• How do you create a future you know nothing about?

I Understand

I understand that it can be scary to choose one experience when there are so many opportunities out there. Do not worry.
 
Choosing one university/college program is a big decision and it is normal to think that you do not have a clue. Most young people don’t. While some of your friends may seem to have their whole life plotted, there are many who do not have a plan and will go where opportunities push them.

In a recent study students “strongly agreed that one of the reasons for choosing the school is its well- known high-quality standards, well-qualified instructors/professors and the school’s ability to become home of board passers” (Elaine Rico-Briones, 2019).

What are your thoughts on these reasons?

Do NOT spend too much time worried about it. Take a deep breath and look around you.

Engage In New Activities

Do NOT shy away from new experiences.
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Career experts agree that it’s important to engage in intentional exploratory actions to better understand future possibilities.  
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For example, a neighbor asks you to help with painting the fence, a friend suggests you join them in volunteering for an event and so on…if the task is half appealing to you then give it a try. Getting involved in community services is another great idea. Can you share other ideas that you have tried or would recommend?

Not for ME

Granted, the task itself might not turn out to be an interest or a skill you detest. REMEMBER. Engaging in new activities gives your clarity on the activities you do enjoy. Here's an example:
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“I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but then I went on that job shadow and was like ‘uh-oh.’ See, I don’t want to sit in a cubicle all day” (Petrillo).

However, it is not necessarily just what you are doing that will help you get to know what you like to do or to study. It is also the conversations you have or the people you meet. The neighbor might be the mentor with whom you could share your interests and the event organizer might be the role model for your future career.

Time Is of the Essence

Scary but true. If you are short on time, you may have to make a decision that you are not certain is the right one. If you left your decision to the last minute, do NOT expect to find your number one choice within a week. Give yourself a bit more time and choose what you think is best in that moment.
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Decisions like choosing a university program are complex and happen over time. If under pressure, never regret whatever decision you make today. Always look back at it as an exploratory experience and reflect on the lessons learned.

While it is ideal that you start reflecting and exploring experiences when you are in grade ten, if you are currently is grade 12, pondering what is next for you, you can still take time to reflect.

Reflect, Reflect and Reflect Some More

What is important is that you schedule time to reflect on the various activities you have explored.

You can make the time to reflect. You can, for example, reflect while doing everyday activities such as, when brushing your teeth. Ask yourself:
 

• What happened that day or is going to happen in the near future that you are excited about?
• Why a particular event was interesting, important or delightful?

The common thread is, important choices in life such as choosing a university, whom to marry and your next career step take some reflection time for them to be successful. PLEASE don’t wait till the last minute.

Unclog Your Worries

Do NOT overwhelm yourself with too many program/university choices if you are short on time.

Deep down inside, you know you hated your time during — add course name here — class. Be honest with yourself and stay away from programs that require too many courses of — add course name here — in that particular subject.
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Guess what may happen after you complete your research, you may find yourself going back to — add course name here — and questioning why you eliminated it. This is just fine because at that point you will have less choices to worry about.

Breathe

​In short, the famous adage, “don’t worry, be happy” applies here. Look at any choice you make today as a new opportunity to get to know you. It is only when you build self-awareness through reflection and exploration that you will start to make better decisions.

Take a deep breath, explore, experiment and most importantly reflect!

You will soon find yourself creating your right fit future.

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I am Hoda Kilani, Career and Academic Coach. I work with students, parents, teachers and community partners guiding you with the latest strategies to innovatively craft your career journey your way.