There comes a time in our lives where we need to make a decision about what we want to do with the rest of our lives. We need to start thinking about what career we may enter into, whether we need to continue education or whether we want a break to really gain some perspective on the future. Whatever it is you do, deciding on those next steps can be tricky. I thought I would share with you some of the things you could consider and think about to help you make those all-important decisions.

Taking a gap year could be a great idea

Many people look at a GAP year as a great opportunity to take a break from education and evaluate what they want to do with their lives. But actually, it can be just what you need to make that decision much easier. To start with, a gap year could mean travel, where you backpack and experience some new places. But this could lead you to stay in a country and start working. It could lead you to meet other people and perhaps settle somewhere different on a different career path. It gives you perspective and a chance to really get to know yourself as well as deciding what would be right for you.

Making sure your studies are relevant and play to your strengths

Maybe you have taken the time to think about advancing your education. Gaining qualifications can be a journey in itself, and it is often a great idea to ensure that you play to your strengths and the skills that you have when it comes to choosing the right direction to take. But a degree opens up other doors and you can enter into graduate schemes for different industries, if your education included learning about challenging industries like construction, you can find out more here about some of the opportunities that may be available to you. Keeping things interesting and challenging can help you take the necessary steps to achieve the degree and move on with your career in your chosen field.

Volunteer and get some work experience

Maybe you really don’t know what you want to do, so often volunteering and experiencing different industries can be a great way for you to find out what you are passionate about. It might be something you do in your spare time, or it could be something you do during a GAP year. The things you can do can really help others as well, and you never know where volunteering and gaining the work experience may take you.

Create something yourself

Finally, why not create something yourself? You have gained skills, you have gained knowledge, you could now put that to good use and really make something yourself. Bending your own boss could be the ultimate ambition, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait for it to happen. Even starting something in your spare time could be worked towards something in the future. Many people have gone on to create their own businesses simply by starting out and taking a chance.

I hope that these suggestions help you to decide what it is you want to do with the rest of your life.