This blog post is for those of you in a predicament. The ones staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. thinking, “What the hell am I going to do with my life?” What career path is actually right for you?
Don’t worry, I’ve been in that exact same boat.
Even if you already have a career, those little doubts creep in: Am I on the right track? Did I choose the right path? If you’ve ever thought that, this post is for you too. I’m going to start with a little bit of backstory so you understand where I am coming from.
How I Got Here:
Once upon a midnight dreary… I was a shy, timid (can you believe that? lol) high school student about to graduate. I had zero clue what I wanted to do with my life. My parents nudged me toward college, so I arrived at the University of Nevada, Reno with an undeclared major.
After taking the basics, I thought, since I’d played sports my whole life, sports psychology must be my calling. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. I couldn’t have been less interested in my psychology classes (sorry!).
So I switched to Nutrition. Maybe a sports nutritionist is the dream!
Well… Organic Chemistry sure as hell was not the dream. Not. One. Bit.
I was at a crossroads. I loved sports, teamwork, and health, but none of my classes truly lit me up. Then the pandemic hit. It forced me to pause and reevaluate what I was doing (which was like 500 hobbies at the same time). I looked at my half-finished paint-by-numbers, my handmade Greek letters, and my makeshift driveway barbershop (yep, my friend and I started a barber shop – haircuts were in HIGH demand). I realized they told a story: that my passions went beyond sports. I was creative; I was entrepreneurial.
So I said what the hell, and signed up for an online marketing class. Guess what? I loved it. I switched my major at the last minute (dealt with all the Cocomelon memes…whatever), found internships, and even landed a job where I get to flex my creative side.
That’s what led me here and what this post is really about. YOU.
My Advice is this…
No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to change paths. And whether you have a degree or not, if there’s a will, there’s a way. You don’t need a marketing degree to land a marketing job, but I’ll never discredit education (I’m very proud of mine).
I want you to know this too: you can always start over. Don’t let fear or misery in your current field hold you hostage.
So where do you start? Exactly where I did, by taking a step back.
Step 1: Identify Your Core Values (Duh)
Think beyond “what sounds fun.” Ask yourself, What do I actually need in a career to feel fulfilled?
Some examples:
- Stability → steady paycheck, predictable hours
- Freedom → flexible schedule, remote work
- Impact → helping people, solving big problems
- Creativity → new ideas, design, innovation
Write down your top 3–5 non-negotiables. These will be your compass. 🧭
Step 2: Connect Your Interests to Your Values
Hobbies are clues, but the magic is in the why.
- Love gardening? Maybe it’s not just the plants, maybe you value nurturing, patience, and sustainability.
- Careers: Landscape designer, environmental scientist, sustainability consultant
- Love sports? It might be the teamwork, discipline, and achievement that light you up.
- Careers: Coach or trainer, physical therapist, sports marketing professional, event coordinator, project manager
- Love painting? That’s self-expression and creating beauty.
- Careers: Graphic designer, interior designer, creative director, visual merchandising
The “why” behind your hobbies is what translates into a fulfilling career path.
Step 3: Evaluate Work Environments
A career isn’t just about the tasks; it’s also about the culture, pace, and people.
- Do you thrive in a team or prefer solo projects?
- Do you want a fast-paced hustle or a steady rhythm?
- Do you want creative freedom or structured systems?
Even the “perfect” job will drain you if the environment clashes with your values.
Step 4: Test Before You Commit
You don’t need to go all in right away. Experiment first.
- Take a free online course
- Volunteer or try a side hustle
- Shadow someone in the field
- Set up an informational interview
It’s like test-driving a car before you’re locked in for 7 years.
Step 5: Avoid the NPC Trap (My personal fav)
Don’t just go through the motions. That’s how you wake up 5 years later, stuck in a job you can’t stand, staring at the ceiling wondering how you got here.
Be intentional. Aligning your career with your values helps you live on purpose and not on autopilot. Life’s too short to play an NPC role. Step into your main-character energy, make bold moves, and actually enjoy the story you’re in.
Step 6: You Can Pivot Anytime
Your career isn’t a one-way street. You can test, learn, adjust, and try again.
The goal isn’t to build a “perfect resume.” The goal is to make sure each move gets you closer to alignment with your values. It should lead to a life you actually enjoy living.
Remember: your career doesn’t need to be linear. It needs to be aligned.
So take a breath, open your notes app, and type out what matters to you. Start plotting a path that actually feels like yours. I know I did.
Test Your Career Fit: Bonus Quiz
(Because, why not? You’re going to get sick of me lol)
The CareerExplorer Assessment can spark some ideas! Its free, don’t worry.
And if you’re still feeling stuck, check out some of my other blog post. Sometimes comparing insights shows patterns you didn’t notice before.
Thank you for reading! Until next time,
Callie 💗
Nine to Thrive. 
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