I Don’t Know What To Do With My Life. What Are My Next Steps As A Student?

“I don’t know what to do with my life.” If this statement resonates with you, then you may already know what it’s like to worry about where you want to take your life after school. Finding a purpose in life is often a gradual process, but there may be steps you can take to find a sense of direction, such as reflecting on your interests, learning new skills, and talking with mentors. In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons for feeling unsure about what to do with your life, as well as tips for identifying your purpose. For more personalized guidance, consider working with a licensed mental health professional.

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Lacking direction in life: A common experience among young adults

If you believe you lack direction in life, know that you aren’t alone. In a 2022 study, researchers analyzed survey data from over 1,000 participants. They found that 58% of young adults in the United States reported experiencing a lack of meaning, direction, or purpose in their lives. 

It may also help to remember that interests, jobs, and life goals often change. Some analysts estimate that the average person in the U.S. will have seven different careers in their lifetime. Finding direction can take time, and you don’t have to have your whole life planned out perfectly, especially if you’re still in school. That said, there may still be ways to narrow down your options. 

Reasons you might be feeling stuck

Although feeling unsure of what you want in life can be common in young adulthood, the reasons for this uncertainty can vary. Reflecting on why you feel confused about your life goals can be a useful first step. Let’s explore a few common reasons you might sense you lack direction. 

Your loved ones’ opinions conflict with your own

The people with whom you spend your time can have a significant impact on your sense of purpose in life. Romantic relationships, parental pressure, and the guidance of your teachers may all influence the future you see for yourself. When others’ opinions conflict with your interests and goals, you may lose sight of what you really want in life. 

You’re stuck in your comfort zone

Humans tend to be naturally inclined to stay in our comfort zones to protect ourselves from potential threats. Pushing yourself into too many risks may not be healthy, but staying too deep in your comfort zone may also make it harder to grow, learn, and progress. If it seems like your career or studies have stalled, it’s possible that the fear of leaving your comfort zone could be limiting your decisions. 

You’re struggling to make up your mind

Feeling unsure about where you want to take your life may also be due to simple indecision. When faced with a wide range of potential career paths, you might experience the choice overload effect. As your choices increase, so may your level of indecision, and putting pressure on yourself to choose may intensify it further.

How a sense of being lost can affect your mental health

Uncertainty about whether your life is going in the right direction can be stressful. While occasional stress might not be a problem, you may be exposed to chronic stress if your struggle to find a path lasts a long time. Chronic stress can be a risk factor for mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

Given these mental health considerations, you might wonder what steps you can take to decide on your life direction. In the next few sections, we’ll discuss strategies that may be helpful for clarifying what you want to do with your life. Taking initial steps toward self-discovery and personal growth may help you regain a sense of control, even if you haven’t identified a larger goal yet. 

Reflecting on your interests and values

Everyone takes their own path in life, and the journey to finding one’s purpose can look different for different people. However, self-reflection may help you gain clarity. To start this process, take a moment to reflect on the following:

• Subjects in school that you find interesting or challenging
• Hobbies and sports you particularly enjoy, and what about them makes them fun for you
• Any skills for which you have a natural talent or an interest in developing
• What you hope to gain from your dream career
• Your values and the role they might play in a future career

Expanding your mind and stepping out of your comfort zone

As we discussed earlier, comfort zones can help keep us safe, which may not always be a problem. That said, if avoiding risks is holding you back from discovering new interests, passions, and strengths, you may want to look for ways to stretch yourself and try new things. You can start broadening your horizons by having new experiences and meeting new people.

Gaining new experience

Having new life experiences can be a valuable way to expand your comfort zone. From hobbies to jobs, there may be a wide range of ways to challenge yourself and gain clarity:

• Studying or working abroad for a year
• Starting a personal project that you’ve never done before
• Joining an extracurricular activity that you might not otherwise join
• Taking on a part-time job
• Volunteering for a cause about which you feel strongly

Meeting new people

In addition to having new experiences, making new social connections may also help you find direction. Building relationships can be a chance to gain mentors and expose yourself to new perspectives. Some options for doing this include the following:

• Attending networking events, either through your school or a professional organization
• Joining a school club or other social organization
• Taking up a sport
• Practicing social skills like active listening and open body language
• Attending more social events, even if you might not know the other people there

Developing skills

Learning new skills can be valuable, whether you’re considering a career change or you’re still in school and looking ahead. Spending time expanding your abilities can introduce you to new areas of interest and skills that you may be able to transfer to future jobs. Even if you can’t change your area of study, you may still be able to develop new skills by trying the activities below:

• Checking out college textbooks from your library 
• Joining a school organization, such as a debate team, cooking club, or robotics club
• Taking courses through your local library, community center, or platforms like Khan Academy
• Assigning yourself projects, such as developing a website, writing a book, or starting a small business

Seeking guidance

Whether you’re unsure about your area of study or your broader career, getting outside guidance may also be helpful. If you’re a student looking for help but aren’t sure where to turn, several resources are available: 

• Your college career center: Academic and career advising is offered at many schools. Your guidance counselor may be able to give you insight into your options and skills and connect you with possible opportunities. 
• The Department of Labor: The U.S. Department of Labor provides a variety of career tools through its CareerOneStop site, including career assessments, job listings, and more. 
• Internships: Doing student internships—either through your school or on your own—can help you connect with possible mentors and gain fresh perspective on your passions. 
• Self-evaluations: Personality tests, skills assessments, and other tests may help you learn more about yourself. Consider using tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory to explore your interests and skills.

Mental health resources for students who sense they are lost

While the strategies we’ve discussed may be helpful for finding a path, they may not be enough to offset symptoms of mental illness. For this reason, if you’re struggling with your direction or purpose in life, you might also benefit from more general mental health support. Below are several resources to consider as a student:

• Mental health hotlines: If you need help right away, you can use helplines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line to get quick support. 
• Your student counseling center: Many schools and colleges have on-campus mental health centers, which may offer counseling, mental health referrals, and other support. 
• Your doctor: Your primary care doctor may be able to refer you to a counselor in your area and insurance network.
• Online therapy: Internet-based therapy can enable you to talk to a therapist via video chat, phone call, or online chat. 

Whether you’re a college or high school student, finding time to go to counseling can be challenging when you’re juggling classes and schoolwork. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can empower you to attend therapy sessions that fit your schedule from the comfort of home in a variety of convenient formats. 

Research shows that online therapy may reduce the symptoms of mental illness among college students. In a 2022 study, 34 students received online counseling through their university. Researchers found that online therapy typically reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress.