Young Adults Lost in Career Direction
122 posts across 15 communities in the last 30 days; 42% from r/careerguidance.
“I’m 23, graduated in robotics engineering, and have around 2 years of work experience, but I still have no idea what I actually want to do career-wise. I know I want to make a lot of money and build a good life for myself, and I’d love to move to the US someday. The problem is…”
“I'm 22 and honestly have no idea what I'm doing with my life right now. I recently finished my BCA, but the problem is that I don't really like the field. I don't see myself spending the next 10–20 years doing a regular IT job just because I have a degree. At the same time, I…”
“Hi everyone, I’m an undergraduate majoring in economics. My main research interests are machine learning and computational social science. I also plan to pursue a master’s degree and a PhD. My long-term goal is financial independence. Beyond my academic interests, I’m also…”
Many young adults are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their career paths. They're exploring different fields like digital marketing, UX/UI design, engineering, and business analytics, seeking guidance on skills, education, and job prospects while grappling with concerns about AI’s impact.
SOURCES (60)
“I've completed my diploma from mechanical engineering, and dropped out from btech in the third year (didn't failed, discontinued cause of health problems) , what career guidance would you give to me to go ahead and achieve success in life? submitted by /u/lemme-die-in-count3 [link] [comments]”
“I've completed my diploma from mechanical engineering, and dropped out from btech in the third year (didn't failed, discontinued cause of health problems) , what career guidance would you give to me to go ahead and achieve success in life. submitted by /u/lemme-die-in-count3 [link] [comments]”
“I’m 23, graduated in robotics engineering, and have around 2 years of work experience, but I still have no idea what I actually want to do career-wise. I know I want to make a lot of money and build a good life for myself, and I’d love to move to the US someday. The problem is, I don’t know what I should be focusing on right now to actually get there. I don’t mind learning new skills or putting in the work, but I feel like there are so many different paths I could take that I don’t know which on”
“Hi everyone, I'm currently in my 3rd semester of B.Tech in AI & Data Science at a tier-3 college in Gujarat, and I'm confused about my career. I'm considering three options: 1.Freelancing: I want to earn money during college, possibly in USD, but I don't have enough skills yet. Master's abroad: I want to study at a top foreign university, but I'm unsure how to prepare and whether it's worth the investment. Government jobs: I'm also considering UPSC, GPSC, or o”
“Hi everyone, I'm currently in my 3rd semester of B.Tech in AI & Data Science at a tier-3 college in Gujarat, and I'm confused about my career. I'm considering three options: Freelancing: I want to earn money during college, possibly in USD, but I don't have enough skills yet. Master's abroad: I want to study at a top foreign university, but I'm unsure how to prepare and whether it's worth the investment. Government jobs: I'm also considering UPSC, GPSC, or oth”
“Guys, my mom has stopped giving me pocket money, and I'm honestly scared about how I'll manage after college. I'm a regular BBA student in Bangalore, currently doing an internship. My plan is to get placed, move into a PG, and become financially independent. There was a sales job with a good salary through campus placements, but I wasn't interested, so I didn't focus on it. Now I'm regretting that decision and wondering if I should prioritise financial independen”
“I am 26/F working with US based startup earning 30LPA per annum. I feel lost doing the same thing again and again. I feel I need to do masters and my study is not completed yet but very skeptical of the fact what to do. Don't want to get into generic things like CFA, CPA, ACCA or IB. Feel like doing MBA but is it worth it, when even after MBA I will get the on an average same level package? Please help me out. submitted by /u/Vanshika_juneja [link] [comments]”
“I will graduate in the next 4 months. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Management Studies (Major in Marketing) UG degree. After doing research and completing 2 marketing internships in my 2nd year, I have decided to pursue a career in sales, but I am not sure which niche to start in. My questions are: 1) Your suggestions on which industry I should start my career in and why. 2) What skills should 1 master for that job. I wanted guidance from your experience. Thank you in advance. submitted by &”
“I'll be completing my BTech next year, and I've been considering pursuing an MBA. However, I'm confused about whether it's actually worth it or if I'd be better off focusing on online courses and developing practical skills. From my perspective, the job market is becoming increasingly skill-oriented. Apart from top-tier institutions like the IIMs, I feel that the college you graduate from matters less than the skills you possess and your ability to demonstrate them. If you ha”
“20M just turned 20 pursuing BSc In computer science from a tier 3 clg currently in the Second Year and idk what to do in my career as someone with ambition and dreams it's pretty sick to grow up in this age of AI , as idk tech world pays sick good but idk if I want and can do tech programming jobs for my life let alone jobs and schedule i had recently started an online video editing agency where I was outreaching and got an editor in my team made a portfolio and then worked for a month then”
“😭😭I beg plz save me from this crisis submitted by /u/Glum_Bit9794 [link] [comments]”
“Hey everyone, I am a 22-year-old from Tamil Nadu, India, with a B.E. in Computer Science Engineering (May 2025 graduate). Given the current tech landscape, mass layoffs, and AI-driven automation, I have decided not to pursue a career in mainstream IT. I am looking for a sustainable, non-IT engineering field with solid long-term stability and international career prospects. I am strongly considering transitioning into HVAC / MEP Engineering , with the ultimate goal of working as an HVAC Design En”
“Hey everyone, I’m a 19-year-old guy from India currently pursuing a BA (Hons) in English. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my future, career, and financial independence, but honestly, I’m not sure what direction I should take. I don’t want to spend the next few years just getting a degree without developing any useful skills or making progress in life. I’m interested in business, finance, investing, entrepreneurship, and fitness. I want to become financially independent, earn my own money,”
“Hello everyone, so I am bca graduate with a experience in e commerce and marketing field. Good at relationship guidance (as my friend asks for advice on the same ) Okay, so to be honest, I don't really know where to begin, but life has been really hard for me for at least the past 10 months. Whenever I work somewhere, it feels like I'm wasting my time, whether I'm working in marketing or in a completely different field. I always find myself wondering: if I can help someone else's”
“I WAS TOO, heres what i did: hope this helps even one person Being stuck in your career can be hard. For context, I am a 29-year-old graduate from a Tier 1 Indian college, and I studied electrical engineering. Recently, in the last year, I got laid off due to COVID, I think. I was on a career break, and I felt so stuck and devastated. I started to go on the job hunt, and I realized that it's just startups who are hiring now and that it's very hard to get into big tech. That's where I”
“Need genuine career advice — confused about my next move. I’m 25, from a Tier 1 engineering college, with ~4 years of experience across e-commerce and electronics GTM/strategy. I currently earn ₹45 LPA and have an offer at ₹55 LPA, potentially reaching ₹60–65 LPA. The new role involves managing a significantly larger revenue business, but the work is broadly similar. My priority is maximising long-term earning potential and career growth, not just my next salary jump. A few questions I’m struggl”
“Hi everyone, I'm 23 years old from Mumbai, India. I completed my B.Com in 2023 and have around one year of experience as an Accounts Assistant. I'm currently trying to figure out the best direction for my career. I've considered growing in accounting and finance, pursuing a master's abroad, switching to cybersecurity, and exploring international job opportunities. My main goals are good earning potential, long-term career growth, financial stability, and international opportuniti”
“I’m 22M from India, and I genuinely don’t know what to do with my life anymore. I initially joined a college for BTech but had to leave because of financial problems in 1st month. I also wanted to focus on self-study because my goal was to get a job in cybersecurity. After that, I joined another college and continued my BTech in Computer Science. Things were going pretty well until my second year. My cybersecurity preparation was going well, my CGPA was improving, and I even found a vulnerabilit”
“I have graduated in 2023 (software engineering and information systems bachelor’s, end of studies project was at EY, data science related). I actually enjoyed it so much but decided to leave the country and pursue a flight attendant job at a big company for a while. Been here for 3 years, making good money but haven’t saved enough. Considering resigning soon but i feel a bit lost about where to head after this. I feel too far behind from IT in general, customer service roles are out of the quest”
“I’m looking for a mentor who can guide me on my career path because, honestly, I’m not sure which direction to take right now. submitted by /u/Unlucky_me22 [link] [comments]”
“Help with career/life Help with career path. Hello! I am a senior in high school looking for advice for my career. Be honest as much as possible! My skills are very much straight forward. I hyperfocus with design and art, Focus on details, I like to direct with movies or projects, I like to communicate honestly but still working on social skills, I like to figure out ideas, and to understand and help people with all that I can My cons are time management, socializing when my brain is overworked,”
“Hi, bba 2026 graduate currently working in one of the biggest indian IT company as a customer service representative for US healthcare it's been 2months. Toxic job. I'm really done with this. I have knowledge of data science as well ( not in depth) I also want to pursue MBA but only after 2 to work experience. I don't know what to do. I just want a job in accounting or data science field but how can I do so? Should I work with this toxic company just for the name tag or switch in jus”
“Hi everyone, I'm 24 years old, have completed my 12th grade, and am currently pursuing a BBA online. I work as a gig worker at the moment, but I want to transition into digital marketing, specifically PPC (Pay-Per-Click advertising). I'm interested in learning Google Ads, Meta Ads, campaign optimization, keyword research, and performance tracking. My goal is to develop practical skills and eventually land an entry-level PPC or paid media job. I'd really appreciate advice from people”
“Currently m in my final year of BTech, but one thing I realised was that I don't have any interest in this field and I'm more inclined towards business-related stuff and not just tech! I've been going back n forth and it has really become a tough call. It would be really helpful to have some guidance.. submitted by /u/InternationalScar40 [link] [comments]”
“I'm 22 and honestly have no idea what I'm doing with my life right now. I recently finished my BCA, but the problem is that I don't really like the field. I don't see myself spending the next 10–20 years doing a regular IT job just because I have a degree. At the same time, I can't just sit around and "find myself" because I have financial responsibilities. My family depends on the money I make, and right now I'm doing freelance work and making around ₹15k/month”
“Hi everyone, I’m an undergraduate majoring in economics. My main research interests are machine learning and computational social science. I also plan to pursue a master’s degree and a PhD. My long-term goal is financial independence. Beyond my academic interests, I’m also interested in AI, programming, data analysis, content creation, running AI models locally, workflow automation, building products, and entrepreneurship. But my biggest problem right now is that I have too many ideas and don’t”
“I am currently in my final year of BCA. I had a Science (Biology) background in 12th and joined BCA without knowing much about the tech field. Due to a lack of guidance, I did not build any proper tech skills during college, barely attended classes, and now feel like I am starting from zero. I also have a very limited social circle, which often leads to overthinking instead of taking action. With only 12 months left, I need honest direction on the following points: Should I try to build a tech/s”
“I am with 20 YOE in non technical background & professional experience.. I see my myself good in communication skills and love to converse or connect.. Benevolent on higher side.. Which career switch can lead to good career sustainabilty & growth.. Pls help with recommendations or suggestions submitted by /u/Able-Good6197 [link] [comments]”
“Hello, I am a M(20) and graduated in 2024. I need help figuring out a career and though reddit could also help me as I am also working with A.I and other sites I’ve found. A little bit about me is that, I love to work but have had jobs I don’t like. I love cleaning and watching things go from dirty to spotless, especially cars. I love doing wiring work, I’ve done some in cars but would love to do it anywhere else that requires wiring and booting. I enjoy sports and managing teams like fantasy le”
“Hello, I am a M(20) and graduated in 2024. I need help figuring out a career and though reddit could also help me as I am also working with A.I and other sites I’ve found. A little bit about me is that, I love to work but have had jobs I don’t like. I love cleaning and watching things go from dirty to spotless, especially cars. I love doing wiring work, I’ve done some in cars but would love to do it anywhere else that requires wiring and booting. I enjoy sports and managing teams like fantasy le”
“Hello, I am a M(20) and graduated in 2024. I need help figuring out a career and though reddit could also help me as I am also working with A.I and other sites I’ve found. A little bit about me is that, I love to work but have had jobs I don’t like. I love cleaning and watching things go from dirty to spotless, especially cars. I love doing wiring work, I’ve done some in cars but would love to do it anywhere else that requires wiring and booting. I enjoy sports and managing teams like fantasy le”
“Hello everyone! Lately I’ve been wanting to finally start university, and my final decision is between Computer Science and Business Administration. I know, very different. Business has always intrigued me more, but we all know how good of a degree Computer Science can be. I like both, though I can’t decide. For those who have got a degree in either Computer Science or Business Administration, do you think your degree is worth it? Would you do it again? submitted by /u/0Kate [link] &”
“Hi everyone, I am literally stucked in my life trajectory and problems are only increasing. I am from Delhi, India. I completed my B. Tech in Computer Science in 2023, as it was a covid year, no tech companies arrived at college also my college is only 3 tier from the start. My CGPA was 8.34. I joined a full stack training in a company and later they changed the results from placement offer after training to only training certificate. I got the certificate, applied in so many jobs. Got one as re”
“I am 17M currently in class 12th, was planning to do Bsc in nautical science and join merchant navy but after exploring it I realised it wasn't for me. Now I am confused and don't know what to do after 12th and which path should I pick. submitted by /u/Ok_Dig2733 [link] [comments]”
“I'm frantically looking to find an internship in an Economics related field for next summer but am having a hard time even knowing what to look for. Data analytics is the obivous answer, but I worry about my lack of experience/knowledge in that field. If anyone has any ideas or personal experience in this field I would love some insight. Also for anyone who sifts applications, how important is the addition of a cover letter? submitted by /u/Terrible_Rooster1861 [link] [comm”
“20M | India Hey everyone, I’m 20M and I’m currently really confused about what career path I should choose, and I’d genuinely appreciate some advice from people who have experience in these fields. I’m mainly considering Cybersecurity vs Culinary Arts, with Hotel Management also being an option my mom suggested. Cybersecurity obviously seems like a solid career. It has good earning potential, opportunities to work abroad, and it’s a respected field. But at the same time, I’m a little doubtful ab”
“Hey everyone, I’m 15 and trying to plan out my future. I’m really considering majoring in Computer Science because I like problem-solving, and honestly, I want a career that makes good money. However, I am VERY afraid of AI. Every time I go online, I see people saying that AI is going to destroy coding jobs and that the market is already cooked. It’s genuinely terrifying to think about spending years studying something just for a robot to do it better by the time I graduate. For context, I only”
“I need advice, suggestions and help... 6 years in corporate from B.Tech and MBA background Worked as strategy support, internal support for accounts. Looking after the portfolio of clients accounts..I called it program management. To name no technical skill is used... Now I've been jobless for a year.... I tried again and again and still couldn't get any job.. Life as a whole came to a stand still..feel like I was struck and left behind...I don't even know what to do.... I tried lear”
“Hi all! I am sure this is a very repeating topic in here, but I thought I'd still ask, as I am in much despair. I was wondering if anyone would have any guidance, tips, suggestions for a path I could take based on my background and interests. I have gathered a few, brainstormed etc but still not sure, and thought maybe some of you know something that I don't, and that would be the perfect path. Long story short, I am quite hopeless. I've studied business informatics, with more focus”
“I just finished +2 this year and am so confused about my career. Suggest me a course... submitted by /u/Electrical-Glove5949 [link] [comments]”
Suggest me! submitted by /u/mannubadmosh67 [link] [comments]
“Hii! I’m currently a first-year student @ UCSD for MAE. Long story short, I figured out I might not be all that interested in eng and want to explore business/accounting (which I focused a lot on in HS). With financial aid issues and other problems at UCSD, I’m considering withdrawing after fall quarter to go to a CC and figure out my life then transfer. With that said, how is the Bus Econ program at UCSD? I’ve heard that their program isn’t the best because it’s a very STEM heavy research schoo”
“I am a 20-year-old guy currently in my 5th semester of a B.Sc. in Mathematics. I am feeling incredibly stuck and anxious about my future, and I really need some outside perspective. Right now, I am caught between two completely different paths: The Family Business: My family runs a local wedding photography and videography business. It is a stable, established option, but it requires a lot of ground-level effort and irregular hours. Government Jobs: I am strongly considering preparing for govern”
“Hey everyone, I am currently studying B.Tech CSE (AI/ML) in India, 2nd year, and somewhat lost as to how to proceed with my career I am an average coder, who likes to create stuff (small projects), and dabbles in computer vision, and has made a CV checker using the Gemini API. I know Python (comfortable), C (to some extent), and Linux (some), But I need to improve a lot I do not think I can make something big and complex in a short span of time, but I want to improve my coding skills, and work o”
“Hey everyone, I am currently studying B.Tech CSE (AI/ML) in India, 2nd year, and somewhat lost as to how to proceed with my career I am an average coder, who likes to create stuff (small projects), and dabbles in computer vision, and has made a CV checker using the Gemini API. I know Python (comfortable), C (to some extent), and Linux (some), But I need to improve a lot I do not think I can make something big and complex in a short span of time, but I want to improve my coding skills, and work o”
“I am an computer engineering student studying in 2nd year I have 0 interest in coding I love YouTube, social media and I think I know it better and I also know football very well, I think I made a very bad decision in taking ce as my career what can you suggest to do my career in love science physics and space time too please help!! submitted by /u/Lanky-Bluebird-3628 [link] [comments]”
“I'm a b tech biotechnology graduate and I'm stuck what to do next. I don't know which field should I continue my career.. Need some suggestions.. any advice plz share with me submitted by /u/Alarmed-Case6928 [link] [comments]”
“Hello! I’m 21F. I’m a college student who goes to school in NYC but I’m currently taking the fall semester at home. I was in the bachelor‘s program studying Interactive Media Arts for three years and I’ve recently switched to an associates degree in business. You might be asking why changed degrees? Unfortunately, my mental and physical health has been severely impacted my academics, to where I had to take a semester off twice. I’ve always experienced burnouts freshman to sophomore year but gott”
“I'm in 12th grade rn and after 12th I plan on doing bba But idk anything about the job market and I don't plan on stopping after bba I'll do mba but I wanna know what's best in bba when it comes to specialization ( anything except finance pls 💔 ) and also I wanna know if business analyst or consultant earn high salaries or not submitted by /u/Siriey [link] [comments]”
“CA Dropout, what else path i cn choose? Tbh. I need help related to career clarity. **I m 25. I have bcom, mcom degree (8+ cgpa), Ca foundation, ca inter g2 cleared. \[Articleship pending:2yrs due to new rule\].** I got my ca foundation cleared in nov 2019 in first attempt. Later everything fall apart. Today every friend i had is now CA. I was into depression before, n then not able to do anything felt hell worse. Got only g2 ca inter cleared. My mother behaves very bad with me n got low morale”
“im passed out on april 2026 . i have knowledge in sdlc and build websites but dont have stuff to clear python,java in campus interview .recently done the research work for mvp on pvt ltd startup . they listed me as critical resources but i cant depend that because they are waiting for their funds and investment . i need to take a job but im not clear to choose the domain and dont skill . i get advised by cousin my sister in middle east . she told if you have interset you can go network,cybersecu”
“Hi everyone! I’m a recent BCA graduate from SOL, and I’m planning to pursue a Master’s in Digital Marketing and Growth. I’m currently researching good colleges and courses, both in India and abroad, and I’d really appreciate some guidance on where I should consider applying. If you have personally pursued a Master’s in Digital Marketing/Growth, or have knowledge about good colleges, programs, placements, fees, or career opportunities in this field, I’d really appreciate your suggestions. Which c”