Advice
This page is a collection of lessons I’ve learned while creating the Where to? Which Way? podcast, from conversations with guests to my own experiences figuring out what’s next after high school. ​​You’ll find advice and tips for navigating the twists and turns you might encounter while figuring out your future.​ Whether you're a student, a parent, or just someone navigating the big question of what comes next, I hope these insights help you feel a little more confident and a little less alone on your journey.
You Don't Need to Have It All Figured Out in High School!
When I started this podcast, I was exploring my own path and quickly realized that most people don’t know exactly what they want to do while they’re still in high school, and that is completely okay.
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Your journey doesn’t have to be a straight line. It can twist, change, pause, or restart. What matters is that it leads you to somewhere meaningful.
Focus on Making Connections!
I’ve learned far more from shadowing people or simply talking with them about their careers than from scrolling through job descriptions.
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Seeing a career up close or hearing personal stories helps you understand the little details like what a typical workday feels like, what kinds of personalities thrive there, and whether the job matches your values.
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If you’re unsure about a career, try asking someone if you can shadow them or just have a conversation. It might feel awkward at first, but it is definitely worth it.
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You don’t need to have your future all figured out. You just need to stay curious.
Embrace the Detours!
In your college or career journey, a “no” doesn’t mean failure. It can be a sign pointing you toward a new path or an important lesson. Staying open to these detours can lead to growth and opportunities you might never have imagined.
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This lesson became clear to me when not everyone said yes to being on my podcast, and honestly, I’m glad they didn’t. Those “no’s” helped me reflect, ask better questions, and explore directions I hadn’t considered. Some even led to personal conversations that taught me just as much as the interviews.
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Remember to keep moving forward, stay curious, and trust that every step, even the ones that feel like setbacks, is part of your unique journey.
Rethinking the “Perfect Career” Myth
People often believe they need to pick the perfect career while still in high school or college. The truth is, very few people land in their final career right away, and that’s completely normal!
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Throughout this podcast, I’ve spoken with individuals who shifted careers at various points in their lives. These changes weren’t signs of failure, but examples of growth and progress.
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The pressure to find your "forever" job immediately can feel overwhelming, but it’s not realistic. What truly matters is embracing learning, exploring new opportunities, and adapting along the way.
Keep a Growth Mindset!
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned while working on Where to? Which Way? is how much your mindset matters.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to figure out what comes next. But you don’t have to have it all figured out right away. What matters is being open to learning and growth. That’s what a growth mindset is all about: believing that you can improve over time, even if you’re not where you want to be yet.
Every challenge, mistake, or unexpected turn is a chance to grow. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re learning. Instead of focusing only on the end goal, focus on learning!
Keep trying. Keep learning. Every step counts.
Curiosity Opens Doors!
Feeling unsure about what comes next is totally normal. But one of the best ways to figure things out is by asking questions!
While working on Where to? Which Way?, I found that every conversation, even the ones that didn’t end up on the podcast, opened up new paths I hadn’t considered before. Staying curious and asking questions helped me see more clearly and gave me the confidence to move forward, even when I didn’t have everything mapped out.
The more curious you are, the more you discover what’s possible and what might be right for you.
Start small. Reach out. Listen closely. You never know what answer might lead to your next step.
Navigating Your Future!
When I started Where to? Which Way?, I thought I needed a clear plan to know exactly where I was going. But through my interviews, I realized it’s not about having all the answers right now.
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What really matters is building a toolkit of skills like problem-solving, communication, curiosity, and resilience. These skills help you no matter what path you take.
Life doesn’t always follow a straight line, and that’s okay. Focusing on learning and growing your skills can prepare you for whatever comes next.
If you’re feeling unsure about your future, start by building your toolkit. Keep practicing these skills, and you’ll be ready for whatever lies ahead.
Redefine Success!
Success doesn’t look the same for everyone. I’ve heard that message in nearly every conversation on Where to? Which Way?
It’s not just about reaching a specific goal. It can mean growing, learning, or living in a way you won’t regret. For some, success is a journey. For others, it’s about staying true to what matters most.
Instead of chasing a one-size-fits-all idea of success, focus on what feels meaningful to you. Notice what excites you, what challenges you, and what experiences help you grow along the way.
Success isn’t a finish line. It’s something you define for yourself.
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