What If You Don’t Know What You Want to Do After High School?

Did You Know What You Wanted to Do for the Rest of Your Life When You Graduated High School?
Spoiler alert: I didn’t either.

When I walked across that graduation stage, I was pretty sure I had it figured out. I was going to be an elementary school teacher. Then I thought—wait, maybe high school English. Then I discovered design and convinced myself I was meant to be a graphic designer. Then it was marketing. And since then? I’ve added quite a few titles to my résumé.

Brand manager.
Children’s librarian.
Nanny.
Social media manager.
Public relations.
Sales.
Product management.
Photographer.
Small business owner.

And here’s the kicker: I’m only 42. I still wonder what jobs I might have in the next chapter of my life. (Travel writer? Podcast host? Professional cat whisperer? Anything’s possible.)

I say all this because there’s so much pressure on young people to know. To pick a college, choose a major, map out a career, and commit to it all by the time they’re barely old enough to vote. But the truth is, life is not a straight line. And it’s not supposed to be.

You’re allowed to change your mind. To find out who you are as you go. To try something, realize it’s not the right fit, and pivot. To fall in love with a new city, a new passion, a new version of yourself.

If you’re a high school senior right now and you’re not totally sure what comes next? That doesn’t mean you’re lost. It means you’re human. It means you’re about to go on a wild, beautiful ride full of lessons, growth, and discovery.

Big sister advice? Make your plans—but leave space for surprises. Be curious. Be open. And remember that your worth isn’t defined by how linear your path is. The best stories are rarely predictable, and neither is a well-lived life.

I’m cheering you on—wherever you're headed next.