How many of you have been told—at least once—that you need to have your career figured out by the time you turn 18? I’m guessing a lot of you have. And how did that make you feel? Anxious? Irritated? Maybe even a little angry?
Whatever you felt, it’s valid. Because seriously—how are we supposed to know what we want to do for the next 20 or 30 years of our lives when we’re still figuring out who we are?
Sure, for some people, the decision comes easy. They know what they want early on and build a happy, successful career around it. That’s great! But for many of us—including me, your Director of Career Services—it takes time to find our passion.
If you’re struggling to decide on a career path, I want to remind you of something important:
It’s okay not to know.
As humans, we evolve. Our interests, priorities, and values shift over time—and that’s completely normal. You might change your mind after your first semester, your first job, or even a few years into your career. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re growing.
Whether you’re a student at College of the Mainland or a member of our greater community, remember this: you get to decide your own timeline. Don’t let the pressure of others—friends who seem to “have it all figured out” or that internal voice comparing your progress to someone else’s—make you feel like you’re behind.
There’s absolutely no shame in taking your time.
Your journey is like I-45. One minute it’s smooth sailing, the next it’s 10 miles of construction. Then a detour. Then smooth again. And that’s okay. Life, like I-45, isn’t always predictable—but you’ll get where you’re going.
When I was 18, I started out as a music major. Later, I pivoted to Emergency Management and eventually earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in that field. I thought I’d go straight into law enforcement after grad school, but after testing those waters, I realized it wasn’t the right fit.
So I reevaluated. I looked at my experiences, reflected on what I truly enjoyed—and found myself back in higher education. Years later, here I am, lucky enough to support students and community members as they explore their own career journeys.
So if you’re unsure of your next step, take a breath. You’re not behind. You’re just on your own path—and it’s one worth walking at your own pace.
Let us help you along the way.
— Jeff English
Director of Career Services
College of the Mainland
