Whether you graduated from high school, attended college, or explored a few other pathways, thinking about the next steps can feel overwhelming—especially if burnout or anxiety has been a big part of your experience. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about what comes next, but each step you take can help you find clarity, build confidence, and create a path that aligns with your strengths, personality, and unique preferences. Let’s start with rebuilding confidence and move into first steps that can lead to meaningful work experiences.
Step 1: Rebuild Confidence by Recognizing Your Strengths
Feeling lost is natural, especially after a period of burnout or uncertainty. But within each person are unique strengths, interests, and abilities that can help point them in a meaningful direction. Below are exercises and prompts to guide you in discovering what makes you feel energized and what may suit you in the world of work.
Exercise 1: Explore What Brings You Energy
Reflect on a time you felt genuinely engaged in something, even if it was just for a few moments. Describe the activity and why you think it held your attention. Example Answer: “I felt engaged when organizing my art supplies. The process of sorting colors and arranging tools helped me feel calm and organized.”
Imagine a day when you have no obligations. What activities would you choose to fill that time with. Example Answer: “I’d spend time reading about animal care, taking a walk in nature, and maybe doing a small art project or baking.”
Consider moments when you felt energized or peaceful. What common themes or types of tasks show up? Example Answer: “I find peace when I’m creating something physical, like baking or doing DIY crafts. It helps me unwind.”
Exercise 2: Discover Patterns in Your Everyday Tasks
Think about a recent task you handled without much difficulty. What was it, and what did you enjoy about it? Example Answer: “I helped my friend organize a small gathering. I enjoyed planning the details, like the music and food options, and seeing everyone enjoy the event.”
Notice how you approach tasks that require problem-solving. Do you break things down step-by-step, or are you more intuitive? Example Answer: “When I troubleshoot tech problems, I like going through a step-by-step process, which makes me feel calm and in control.”
Consider if there are specific ways you prefer to work—maybe you enjoy tasks that have a clear structure, or perhaps you prefer open-ended activities. Write down your preferences. Example Answer: “I like knowing exactly what’s expected, so I feel more confident if there’s a list or instructions to follow.”
Exercise 3: Recall Positive Feedback from Others
Write down a few compliments you’ve received from friends, teachers, or family. What did they recognize in you? Example Answer: “My friends say I’m a good listener and that they feel comfortable sharing with me.”
·Think about times when others asked for your help with something specific. Why did they come to you? Example Answer: “People often ask me to help them calm down when they’re stressed. I seem to have a way of grounding them.”
Exercise 4: Reflect on Past Achievements and Moments of Pride
Recall a time you felt proud of yourself. Describe the situation and why it felt meaningful. Example Answer: “I felt proud when I completed a series of small paintings over the summer. It was something I did just for myself, and it reminded me of how much I love being creative.”
Exercise 5: Understand Your Sensory Preferences and Ideal Environments
Reflect on environments that feel calming or overwhelming to you. Write down specific elements that affect you positively or negatively. Example Answer: “I feel best in quiet spaces without too much clutter. Bright lights and loud noises make it hard for me to focus.”
Step 2: Explore Small, Low-Pressure Experiences to Build Skills
Starting with manageable, low-commitment activities is a great way to gain experience without overwhelming yourself. These options allow you to explore your interests, build confidence, and begin adding practical experiences to your resume.
Try Micro-Volunteering
VolunteerMatch: Find remote or in-person opportunities, like creating newsletters or organizing data for nonprofits.
Catchafire: Choose project-based work for nonprofits, such as proofreading a brochure or reviewing website content.
Be My Eyes: Provide visual assistance to blind or low-vision individuals through short video calls.
Translators Without Borders: If you’re multilingual, translate materials for crisis relief and other causes.
Zooniverse: Participate in citizen science projects by categorizing images or analyzing data for research.
DoSomething.org: Get involved in social causes with campaigns focused on topics like mental health or civic engagement.
BookShare: Help make books accessible for individuals with reading disabilities by proofreading or editing scanned text.
Distributed Proofreaders: Assist with proofreading texts for (formally called Project Gutenberg) Distributed Proofreaders' free digital library.
Smithsonian Digital Volunteers: Transcribe historical documents and field notes for the Smithsonian’s digital archives.
LibriVox: Volunteer as a solo reader for public domain audiobooks, recording readings for the public.
TranscribeMe: For those who enjoy transcription work, TranscribeMe offers volunteer transcription opportunities from home.
Experiment with Freelance Gigs on Your Own Terms
Freelancing provides the flexibility to choose work based on your interests and schedule. Here are some freelance platforms suitable for those starting out, especially if you have limited experience or no formal education: Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, TaskRabbit, and SolidGigs offer entry-level gigs in design, writing, virtual assistance, and more.
Consider Short, Skill-Specific Courses
Short courses offer a way to develop specific skills at your own pace. These platforms provide a variety of practical, hands-on courses that can enhance your resume and give you a sense of accomplishment:
edX: Offers courses from universities like Harvard and MIT, many of which are free to audit. Great for structured, reputable learning.
Udemy: A wide range of affordable courses, often on sale, covering creative, technical, and professional skills.
Khan Academy: Free foundational courses on topics like math, finance, and digital literacy.
HubSpot Academy: Free courses and certifications in digital marketing, content creation, and social media.
Pluralsight: Technical courses in IT, cybersecurity, and software development, with structured learning paths.
Codecademy: Interactive courses in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS.
Coursera’s Guided Projects: Short, project-based learning with tangible outcomes, such as Excel skills.
LinkedIn Learning Paths: Curated learning paths that provide comprehensive skills training in targeted areas.
Step 3: Start a Personal Project That Reflects Your Interests
Personal projects are a powerful way to explore your interests, build skills, and gain hands-on experience—all while working at your own pace. Here are some ideas to get started:
·In-Depth Guide: Hands-On Projects for Personal Growth
Hands-on projects provide a chance to dive into a creative or practical task that you can see and touch. These projects often bring a unique sense of accomplishment, as they produce something tangible and can even serve as a portfolio piece to showcase your skills to future employers.
Jewelry Making
Crafting jewelry lets you work with materials like beads, metals, or resin to create unique pieces. Document each piece with photos or videos, and consider setting up an online portfolio to display your work.
Woodworking
Start with small, manageable projects like crafting picture frames, shelves, or simple furniture. Document each project to create a portfolio showcasing your craftsmanship and problem-solving skills.
Gardening or Plant Care
Whether in a backyard or small pots indoors, caring for plants is rewarding. Document growth stages, experiment with plant types, and share your green-thumb knowledge through a blog or photo album.
Baking or Cooking
Experiment with new recipes and take photos of the final products. Create a recipe portfolio or a food blog showcasing your culinary adventures.
Textile Arts
Try simple items like scarves, bags, or pillows, or experiment with embroidery. Create an online gallery or Instagram page to share your progress and showcase your designs.
DIY Home Projects
Start small with projects like decorating a room or repainting furniture. Take before-and-after photos or create a mini portfolio showing your transformations.
Getting Started with a Hands-On Project
Set a Clear Goal: Define what you want to create or accomplish. For example, aim to complete a small collection of items like jewelry pieces or baked goods each month.
Gather Materials: Make a list of needed materials, and start with a small investment if you’re new. Many craft stores have beginner kits.
Establish a Routine: Dedicate a specific time each week to work on your project. Regular practice builds confidence and keeps you motivated.
Experiment and Have Fun: Allow yourself to make mistakes and try new techniques—hands-on projects are as much about the process as the final result.
Track Your Progress: Keep a project journal, noting challenges and achievements. Photos or videos of each stage can remind you of how far you’ve come.
Sharing and Showcasing Your Hands-On Work
Your hands-on project can be a valuable portfolio piece or serve as a personal accomplishment. Here are some ways to share your work: - Create an Online Portfolio: Use platforms like Behance or Instagram to document and display projects. - Document a Before-and-After Series: Showcase each stage of your work to potential employers or collaborators. - Consider Selling Your Work: If your project produces items you love, like jewelry or pottery, consider selling through Etsy or at local fairs.
Step 4: Finding Connection and Support When You Feel Alone
Starting a career can feel lonely without a network, especially if you’ve been focused on solitary activities. Here’s how to begin building connections from scratch:
Small Steps to Build Connection
· Join Online Interest Groups: Platforms like Reddit and Discord host communities centered on various interests, allowing you to connect with others who share similar hobbies and career goals.
· Look for Neurodivergent-Friendly Online Communities: Communities such as the Neurodiversity Hub, ASAN, and LinkedIn neurodivergent groups are supportive spaces where you can find advice, resources, and encouragement.
Exploring Mentorship When You Don’t Know Where to Start
If you feel you lack connections or haven’t had someone to guide you, starting with small mentorship-like relationships can be a good first step. Here are some mentorship programs for beginners:
MentorNet: Connects individuals interested in STEM fields with mentors who offer virtual guidance, helping you explore tech, science, and engineering pathways.
SCORE: Provides mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs, pairing them with experienced mentors who can offer career insights and business advice.
Ten Thousand Coffees: This platform connects you with professionals for informal “coffee chats,” helping you build connections and gain career insights.
Adler Mentorship Program: Provides free mentorship focused on career transitions and mental wellness, suitable for recent graduates or young adults.
Bumble Bizz: An app-based networking tool that lets you swipe through potential mentors, collaborators, and connections in your field for more casual networking.
Conclusion: Embracing Your Unique Path
Starting your career journey is an opportunity to explore, discover, and build on your individual strengths. By taking small steps—building confidence, trying new experiences, and connecting with others—you’re setting the foundation for a path that’s all your own. Trust in your abilities, embrace each new experience, and know that you’re shaping a future filled with growth and possibility.
Looking Ahead: Finding Your Next Steps in the Job Market
As you explore your strengths and gain hands-on experience, the next step is connecting these insights to real-world opportunities. In another article on Building Your Career Path, we’ll dive into practical job search strategies tailored for young adults starting their career paths.
We’ll cover how to identify roles that align with your strengths, navigate job listings with confidence, and use your new experiences to create meaningful connections in the workplace. Whether you’re stepping into your first job or seeking a role that truly fits, this next guide will bring you closer to a fulfilling career path.
