Feeling Lost? What to Do When You’re Entering 8th Grade and Can’t Pick a Career
Starting eighth grade is a big deal. You’re navigating new classes, maybe even a new school, and suddenly everyone seems to ask the same question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” If you’re like many middle schoolers, this question might feel overwhelming. After all, how are you supposed to know your entire future when you’re still figuring out algebra or which lunch table to sit at?
The truth is, you’re not alone. Most people your age haven’t settled on a career path—and that’s perfectly okay. The pressure to “decide” can make you feel behind, but here’s the secret: middle school isn’t about locking in a profession. It’s about exploring, learning, and discovering what excites you. Let’s talk about how to approach this uncertainty without stressing out.
1. Your Brain Is Still Growing—Literally
At 13 or 14, your prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and planning—is still developing. This means you’re wired to experiment, ask questions, and change your mind. Think of this time as a “trial period” for your interests. Did you love building a volcano for the science fair? Maybe geology or chemistry could spark your curiosity. Hate group projects? That’s valuable too—it tells you what environments don’t work for you.
Try this: Keep a journal (or a notes app) to track moments when you feel engaged or frustrated. Over time, patterns will emerge.
2. Explore, Don’t Commit
Imagine walking into a buffet with 100 dishes. You wouldn’t fill your plate with the first thing you see, right? Career exploration works the same way. Middle school is the perfect time to sample different subjects, hobbies, and extracurriculars. Join the robotics club, try out for the school play, or volunteer at an animal shelter. These experiences aren’t just fun—they help you uncover hidden talents or passions.
For example:
– If you enjoy organizing your friends’ study sessions, you might thrive in leadership or education roles.
– If you lose track of time drawing or coding, creative fields like graphic design or software engineering could click.
Key takeaway: You don’t need to love every activity—sometimes ruling things out is just as helpful.
3. Talk to Adults (But Remember, They’re Not Oracles)
Parents, teachers, and mentors often share career advice, but their suggestions come from their experiences, not yours. A parent who’s a doctor might push you toward medicine, but if biology makes you yawn, that’s a clue to look elsewhere. Instead of taking their words as instructions, ask questions:
– “What do you like most about your job?”
– “What’s something you wish you’d known at my age?”
You might also interview people in fields you’re curious about. A quick email or social media message like, “Hi, I’m a student interested in engineering. Could I ask you a few questions about your career?” often leads to surprising insights.
4. Use Free Resources to Test the Waters
You don’t need a fancy internship to explore careers. Free online tools can help you connect the dots between your personality and potential paths:
– Career quizzes like MyNextMove or 16Personalities’ career test highlight jobs that align with your strengths.
– YouTube channels or podcasts (e.g., Career Girls or What Can You Do With That?) showcase real people discussing their workdays.
– Virtual job shadowing platforms like Nepris let you “try on” careers from home.
Even video games like Minecraft or SimCity can hint at your interests—do you enjoy designing structures, solving puzzles, or managing resources?
5. It’s Okay to Say, ‘I Don’t Know’
When adults ask about your future plans, it’s tempting to invent an answer to avoid awkwardness. But honesty can lead to better conversations. Try replying:
– “I’m still exploring my options. Right now, I’m really into _____.”
– “I’m not sure yet, but I’m learning a lot about _____.”
This shifts the focus from a fixed career to your active growth—and reminds everyone (including yourself) that uncertainty is normal.
6. Build Skills, Not Résumés
Instead of fixating on a job title, focus on skills that apply to any career: communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. These “soft skills” matter more than you think. For example:
– Writing stories for the school blog improves creativity and clarity.
– Managing a group project teaches collaboration and time management.
These abilities will serve you whether you become a chef, engineer, or entrepreneur.
7. Create a ‘Maybe List’
Jot down 10 careers that sound interesting—even if they’re wildly different. A list might include:
1. Marine biologist
2. Video game designer
3. Nurse
4. Chef
5. Environmental lawyer
Next, research one career a month. Watch a documentary, read an article, or follow professionals in that field on social media. You’ll either cross items off your list or discover new possibilities.
8. Remember: Careers Evolve
Many of today’s jobs didn’t exist 20 years ago (think app developers or social media managers). By the time you graduate, new roles will emerge, and others will fade. Flexibility and lifelong learning will matter more than picking the “perfect” career now.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Adventure
You’re not supposed to have life figured out in eighth grade. Your job right now isn’t to decide—it’s to stay curious. Take that art class, join the coding club, or read books about careers you’ve never heard of. Every small step teaches you something new about the world and yourself.
So next time someone asks about your future, smile and say, “I’m exploring my options.” Because that’s exactly what you should be doing.
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