What do you like to do?

“What do you like to do?”

As simple as that question is, many people find it very difficult to give me an answer.

Partly because we’re in a career coaching setup but mostly because…

Not many of us ever took the time to ponder that question.

The first time we had to seriously think about our career path was when we were still in school.

For those waiting for their O’levels or N’levels results, suddenly they realised their next step might cement their lives.

Those who made it to JC could push this decision off for a couple of years…

But everyone sooner or later would have to decide what they wanted to study next that will also pave the path to their future job.

Here’s the thing…

At a tender age of 16, maybe 17, wet behind the years with little life experience…

How did you decide what you want to do?

If I’m good at science, I should become a doctor?

Or if I’m good at language, then I should become a translator?

Even before most people had a chance to discover their passions, they were thrust into a career path they might ultimately hate.

*Spoilers Alert – Many do!

That’s why one of the first things I like to ask anyone I meet for career coaching is…

“What do you like to do?”

Then, and only then, can we start to talk about possibilities?

I may be good at maths, but that doesn’t mean I have to become an engineer.

Many other career choices require mathematics.

Just rushing to do something you’re good at but not passionate about is a sure way to get burnt out very quickly.

That was what I saw in Tom (from my previous post) and what I’ve seen in many others who had never given it much thought.

Instead, if you’re passionate about something and have decent skills in doing it… you’ll naturally push yourself to get better at it.

And pretty soon, you’ll become an expert.

That’s why we hear of people working crazy hours in a job and never complaining because they love what they do.

(I’m not saying you must work long hours to show you love your job, but I think you get my point)

At the end of the day, if you’re considering a change in your career, then the first question I have to ask is…

“What do you like to do?”