Stop Chasing Approval: Build a Future That’s Actually YOURS
Here is my top 10 career advice for young people considering their academic and career future.
Your Passion Won’t Solve Everything
You might be super passionate about a certain subject or dream job right now. That’s awesome! But here’s the truth: just loving something won’t make every part of a college major or future career perfect. If a program’s teaching style doesn’t fit you, or a job’s daily grind goes against your personal ethics, your passion alone can’t fix it.
Even when you love something, it won’t always make an imperfect situation ideal.
Make time to get to know yourself and your values before making important decisions about your future.
Your Future Path Shouldn’t Run Over Your Core Values
As you think about colleges or careers, don’t let the shiny brochures or big salaries blind you. If a university program pushes you to cheat, or a future job expects you to sacrifice all your free time, that’s a warning sign.
Prioritizing your core values—like honesty, balance, or helping others—is how you’ll build a future that feels genuinely right for you, not just impressive to others.
Picking a Path Just for the “Look” Risks Losing Who You Are
It’s tempting to pick a college or career because it sounds good on paper, or because it’s what everyone expects. But if you choose a path just for the money, even though you truly value creativity, or if you enroll in a demanding major that makes you miserable, you risk losing touch with your real self.
Your college experience and future career should help you grow into your best self, not force you to abandon who you are.
When Opportunity Knocks But Your Gut Says No, Trust Your Gut
You’ll encounter amazing opportunities for college, scholarships, or first jobs. But if one of those exciting chances feels wrong deep down, clashing with your core values, listen to that feeling.
It’s tough to turn down something impressive, but choosing a path that aligns with your values means you’re building a future based on integrity. You’ll thank yourself later for being true to what matters most to you.
Ignoring What Truly Matters Leads to Future Burnout
Thinking you can just push through a college major or a first job that doesn’t align with what you deeply value? Think again. Over time, those ignored differences — maybe you need hands-on learning but are stuck in lectures, or you value teamwork but are always working alone — will lead to stress, frustration, and eventually, a total lack of motivation.
What seems like a small compromise now can seriously derail your future happiness.
Don’t ignore your values and dreams.
You Can Only Control Your Own Choices, Not Others’ Opinions
As you make decisions about college and careers, you’ll probably face lots of opinions from family, friends, or even strangers. You might try super hard to make everyone happy or to earn their approval. But here’s a key insight: no matter how much effort you put in, you can’t force others to accept your choices or agree with your path.
Their acceptance is their decision, and understanding this frees you up to make the best choices for you.
A “Half-Hearted” Commitment Won’t Bring True Satisfaction
You might consider settling for a college major you’re only half-interested in, or a job that doesn’t quite fulfill your main goals, just to get started. But you’ll discover that going for a “partial” version of what you truly want often leads to long-term disappointment.
Trying to ignore what you genuinely want can cause serious regret later on. You simply won’t find lasting happiness by settling for less than your authentic aspirations.
Your Values Are Your Inner Compass for a Meaningful Life
When you’re feeling lost about what to study or what career to pursue, your values are your most reliable guide.
You’ll find that these fundamental beliefs clarify who you are, give purpose to your daily efforts, and provide the essential roadmap for a meaningful life.
Ignoring them doesn’t just feel off; it actively pushes you away from your true path, leading to unnecessary stress and confusion.
Sacrificing Your Authenticity Risks Losing Respect for Yourself
You’ll face pressure to fit in—whether it’s at a new college, in a social group, or in a workplace. But if you constantly pretend to be someone you’re not, or if you compromise your true self to gain acceptance, you risk losing self-respect.
Sticking to your values, even when it’s hard, ensures you live genuinely. This builds confidence and helps you look in the mirror knowing you’re being true to yourself.
Your Values Show You What’s Truly Most Important to You
Even if you don’t always say it out loud or have the confidence to act on it, deep down, you know what truly matters to you. Your values act like a personal filter, making your non-negotiable priorities crystal clear. When you go against these priorities, you’re essentially devaluing the very things that are most important to your happiness and well-being. And you’ll quickly realize that never feels right or leads to genuine contentment.
Related Articles on Career Advice for Young People:
The Moment I Heard the Call to Reinvent Myself
From Side-Hustles to Dreams Come True
Love and Passion Does Not Prevail Over This One Thing
Is Going to University Right for You