Not sure what you want to do in the future? You’re not alone. Choosing a career path can feel like a big decision – especially when people keep asking, “So what do you want to be when you grow up?”
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to have it all figured out right now. Careers don’t always follow a straight line, and it’s totally normal to explore different ideas before finding something that feels right for you.
Let’s break it down with some simple steps to help you start thinking about your future and what you might want to do.
Think about what you enjoy
A great place to start is with the things you already like doing. Your interests, hobbies and strengths can give you clues about careers that might suit you.
Ask yourself:
- What school subjects do I enjoy most?
- Do I prefer working with people, with my hands, or on my own?
- What do I enjoy doing in my free time?
- What kind of activities make me feel good or proud?
For example:
- If you love helping others, you might enjoy a role in healthcare or social care.
- If you’re into solving puzzles or building things, maybe something in engineering or IT could suit you.
- Love being creative? Think about design, writing, art, or media.
You don’t have to have it all mapped out – just notice what makes you feel excited or curious.
Explore different career options
Once you’ve got some ideas, it’s time to explore what jobs are out there. You might be surprised at how many different paths exist.
Try this:
- Look at job profiles online (like the National Careers Service website)
- Watch videos about “a day in the life” of different jobs on YouTube
- Ask people in your life about what they do – and what they enjoy about it
- Talk to your teachers or support workers – they might have suggestions you haven’t thought of
There’s no harm in looking into lots of different roles. The more you know, the easier it is to see what might suit you.
Think about what matters to you
A job isn’t just about money – although that’s important too! It’s also about what kind of life you want, what makes you feel proud, and how you like to work.
You might ask yourself:
- Do I want a job where I help others?
- Would I prefer working inside or outdoors?
- Do I want to work with animals, computers, people, food, music, numbers…?
- Is it important to me to work close to home, or would I like to travel?
You’re allowed to have your own values, interests and goals – and your career can reflect those.
Try things out – with help from FCA’s Participation Team
Trying something new is one of the best ways to learn what you enjoy – and what you don’t. That’s where the FCA Participation Team comes in.
We run all kinds of activities to help you build skills, discover new interests and have fun while you’re doing it.
You could get involved with:
- AQA Unit Awards – great for learning new skills and getting recognised for your achievements.
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – try volunteering, learn a new skill, get active, and even go on an expedition!
- Career workshops – hear from people in different jobs, learn how to apply for work, and explore your options with support.
These opportunities are a brilliant way to grow your confidence, meet new people and get a feel for what you might like to do in the future. And the best bit? We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Ask your foster parent, participation worker or social worker how to get involved.
Don’t panic if you change your mind
It’s totally normal to change your mind – even more than once! Lots of people start in one job and end up doing something completely different later on.
The important thing is to keep learning, keep trying, and stay open to new things.
Remember:
- You don’t need to choose the “perfect” job right now
- You can always learn new skills or change direction later
- It’s your journey – take it at your own pace
Talk to people who want to help
You’re not in this alone. There are people around you who want to help you figure things out.
Try talking to:
- A trusted adult like your foster parent, teacher or key worker
- A school careers adviser
- Friends or family members
- Your social worker or support team
You don’t have to have all the answers – just asking questions is a great first step.
Choosing a career path isn’t about locking yourself into one thing forever. It’s about exploring what lights you up, learning as you go, and giving yourself permission to dream big.
Start with what you enjoy, get curious, ask questions – and keep going. You’ve got everything it takes to build a future that works for you.
