What should I do with my life?

If you feel lost right now

Not knowing what to do with your life is not a failure; it usually means you have outgrown your old plan. You do not need a life purpose by Friday. You need one next step that is a bit more you than the last one.

The six directions

• Build a career. You like structure, progress you can measure and getting good at something inside an organisation. Pick a field with a clear ladder and climb it on purpose.
• Go back to learning. You light up when you understand something hard. A course, a degree or a trade would open doors that are closed today, and you would enjoy the process.
• Start something of your own. You want freedom and ownership, and you think in projects. Start small, on the side, and let customers tell you if it should grow.
• Work that helps people. Meaning matters more to you than titles. You would be happiest where your work visibly changes someone's day.
• Make things. You think with your hands and eyes. You need to finish things you can point at, whether they are built, designed or written.
• Explore first. You are not ready to commit, and that is fine. A season of trying things, travelling or working different jobs will tell you more than any quiz.

Questions people ask

What should I do with my life if I have no passion?

Passion usually follows skill, not the other way round. Pick something you are curious about, get good at it, and the interest tends to grow.

Is it too late to figure out what to do with my life?

No. People change direction at 30, 40 and 60. Start with a small test rather than a big leap.

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