I don't know what job to do and feel lost

Career confusion is a stage that many people experience, usually related to insufficient self-awareness, lack of career information, or changes in the external environment. Resolving career confusion requires starting from five aspects: interest exploration, ability assessment, collection of career information, short-term practice, and psychological adjustment.

1. Interest Exploration

Use career assessment tools or interest lists to sort out preference areas and record items with high sense of gain and pleasure in daily activities. The theory of career interests divides human interests into six categories: practical, research-oriented, artistic, social, entrepreneurial, and conventional, which can help identify potential suitable industry directions. Pay attention to distinguishing between short-term preferences and persistent enthusiasm, and observe which activities can bring sustained flow experiences.

2. Ability Assessment

Objectively analyze the professional skills and transferable abilities that have been possessed, including hard power such as educational background, certificate qualifications, project experience, as well as soft power such as communication and coordination, problem solving, etc. By sorting out the advantage areas and areas for improvement through the ability matrix, certain professions require specific qualification certification as an entry threshold, and learning paths need to be planned in advance. Colleagues or superiors can be invited to provide 360 degree capability feedback.

3. Occupational Information Collection

Systematically understand the job responsibilities, development paths, salary levels, and market demands of the target industry to avoid decision-making errors caused by information bias. Obtain real workplace information through industry reports, career interviews, internship experiences, etc., and focus on development opportunities in emerging fields and composite positions. Pay attention to distinguishing the impact of short-term fluctuations and long-term trends in the industry on career choices.

4. Short term practice

Low cost trial and error through part-time work, project cooperation, or volunteer activities, the experience of actual work scenarios is more valuable as a reference than theoretical speculation. It is recommended to choose a practice period of 3-6 months and record the specific performance of the job content matching oneself. Some companies offer job rotation or shadow plans as a window to gain a deeper understanding of specific professions.

5. Psychological adjustment

Accept the normality of confusion period and avoid anxiety caused by peer comparison. Set phased exploration goals instead of rushing to determine a lifelong career, and adopt a growth mindset to view the trial and error process in career development. When necessary, seek professional support from a professional planner, but pay attention to maintaining one's subjectivity in decision-making. During the period of career confusion, you can try recording three career related small achievements every day to cultivate career sensitivity. Regularly participate in industry exchange activities to broaden horizons and avoid getting trapped in information cocoons. Adding foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins to the diet can help maintain cognitive function, and moderate exercise can enhance psychological resilience during decision-making. It is recommended to set aside a fixed amount of time each week for organizing and reflecting on career information, gradually establishing a clear framework for career development.