Advice to High Schoolers

When I was a senior in high school, the advice came from all directions. It was like the adults in my life had compulsions they couldn’t control. Teachers, family, friends and even the occasional stranger needed to tell me what I should do with my future. They (mostly) meant well, but the constant stream of “help” got overwhelming.

Now, 10 years since my high school graduation, here I am writing a blog with advice for high schoolers. The irony isn’t lost on me.

But before I dive in, here’s a crucial disclaimer nobody mentioned to me: Take what resonates and leave the rest. Ultimately, your future is yours to shape. Your passions and strengths are unique to you, and only you can decide what’s right for the path ahead.

1. Be introspective and block out the noise.

The urge to do everything your friends are doing is real. The impulse to one-up your frenemy is strong. But do you really want to make a huge life decision without putting yourself at the center of that call?

Start imagining what you want your life to look like. Where do you live? Are you working at home? In an office? Outdoors? Which future sounds more exciting?

Think about your strengths — we all have them, whether it’s acing a subject effortlessly or a skill you’re particularly proud of.

I’m willing to bet there’s overlap between what you see your future looking like and the things you’re best at. Try to mold those two ideas into a plan for a career.

2. Talk with someone you admire.

Once you have a hazy vision of what your future might entail, try to find someone who has what you admire. Whether it’s a friend’s mom who always has an exciting story to tell or your aunt who seems to be living the dream, ask them for a chat. How did they get where they are today? What’s their job like? What kind of training did they need to land the position?

Even if their career isn’t exactly what you want for yourself, learning from their experiences can provide invaluable insights and help you set realistic goals.

3. Be realistic about your financial situation.

Money matters, even if it’s not the most exciting topic. If your dream career requires a hefty financial investment like a university degree, consider practical ways to manage costs. Look into community college options for foundational courses or explore apprenticeships in your field of interest. Being savvy about your finances now can pave the way for a smoother (and less stressful) journey later.

4. Don’t panic.

If you’re feeling the pressure to have your whole life mapped out at this stage, it’s OK to take a deep breath. Choosing a career path is a significant decision, but remember: It’s not set in stone. Your interests and priorities may evolve over time, which is totally normal. If you find yourself wanting to switch gears down the road, trust that you have the resilience and adaptability to make it happen.

Addie Justus is the program manager for HirePaths. She is also a senior content marketer at New Boston Creative Group LLC, an integrated marketing communications firm based in Manhattan. Born and raised in Kansas, Ms. Justus is passionate about workforce development and seeing our state continue to grow.