Dear 18 year old Keller, this is Keller.. well this is 30 year old Keller.
With 12+ years experience on you, I wanted to have a little chat and give you some advice.
You have a lot of big life decisions to make with your education and career ahead of you.
I’ve noticed that everyone else has an opinion of what you should do with your life. I’ve also noticed that you care what everyone else thinks.
This is normal and it’s okay, but I want you to know that if you want to be happy and fulfilled you shouldn’t concern yourself with other people’s opinions about you and your life.
Did studying occupational therapy assisting online make your sister happy? Out of the 100+ online schools, she tried 4 before deciding, no, this won’t bring happiness.
Becoming an OTA is what your parents wanted for Heather but did Heather want this?
I see that your parents want you to study accounting but is that what you want?
Now that I’m 30 and I have that accounting degree and that career experience I can tell you that being an accountant won’t make you happy. Well, not that alone.
Happiness takes balance.
But don’t worry today I want to share a few secrets with you that will help you find happiness in your career.
Make Time for Yourself
The first piece of advice I have is to take some time for yourself.
The amount of time will vary for everyone. But everyone will consistently need some time and space in their schedule.
Maybe you should take a trip maybe you should just set time aside each day to meditate.
Regardless, this time should be spent alone, without the tv on. You can be reading but ideally you will be thinking.
The purpose is to get to know yourself. It sounds so simple, but honestly have you ever taken an hour to just sit and breathe and think?
It can be a very powerful exercise. Some call it meditation.
Many of the most successful people in the world from famous actors like Will Smith to notorious fighters like Mike Tyson all swear by meditation.
Regardless of how you decide to make time for yourself doing so will help you understand what it is in life that is fulfilling for you.
With this knowledge you can begin to explore more about these things and find education and career paths.
Do Your Own Research
The second piece of advice I have is to do your own research. Many people will suggest ideas of what they think you should do.
It is okay to consider their suggestions. But make sure your own research on their suggestions rather than accepting their word as the truth.
For example when I was in college everyone suggested I study accounting to ensure I got a job upon graduation.
It turns out, studying MIS was an even better degree choice for the job opportunities I would want upon graduating.
So, after doing my own research I decided to study both Accounting and MIS.
This is just one example, the point is not to just take someone’s advice as the truth without doing your own research and verifying everything.
Putting It All Together
The final piece of advice is to put the first two pieces together.
Once you’ve taken time to know yourself, you will understand the type of environment you will thrive in.
You will also learn what you’re passionate about and what drives you.
Keeping all of this in mind while you do your research will help you determine which career path will be most rewarding and make you happy.
Armed with all of this information, you will know the best career path for yourself.
No one else can decide that for you.
Once you’ve began walking down your career path, and completed your education, use my tips to find the perfect job.
Good luck my friend, and may the force be with you.