I DON’T KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO IN LIFE

Dear Coleen,

I will be leaving college soon and although I’ve been trying to get a job or an apprenticeship, I haven’t been able to get anywhere and no one replies to my emails.

I’m still unsure about what I really want to do. I’ve always had an interest in writing and poetry, but I know that a career in that seems very unrealistic. I feel like my lecturers and my parents are expecting me to get something sorted so I can start working, but the thought of it is overwhelming. I feel like I’ve disappointed them by not being able to find something, but the truth is that I’m scared and I don’t know which path I want to take. What do you think?

Coleen says

You are by no means alone in feeling this way. Lots of young people leave college and don’t instantly walk into jobs or, like you, haven’t worked out what it is they want to do. You’re not a letdown to your parents. Yes, they might be concerned about what going to do, but any parent would be the same.

As far as your passion for writing goes, that’s something you can continue whatever you do.

And why is a career in writing so far-fetched? You can do courses in creative writing while you’re working at something else, or selfpublish your poetry. Or you could look into vocational courses such as journalism or copywriting.

And talk about your feelings with your parents – they might have some good ideas for you.