What Next?

By Ranen Chan

A while back, I took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) – for those of you who may not be familiar with it, it’s basically a personality test – and I tested as ENFP, or the Campaigner. As I was reading the overview of this type, I came across something that fit me perfectly: “If there’s a challenge Campaigners face when selecting a career, it isn’t that they lack talent or options or drive, it’s that there are so many things out there that are just cool.” You know the saying “Jack of all trades, master of none”? Yeah, that’s pretty much me. 

For as long as I can remember, I’d always loved trying new things, so much so that I had more hobbies than school subjects. And as I approach the end of high school (and exams too, oh dear), I’ve been wondering: What next? What should I study? Will my degree be useful in getting a job? Should I even attend a university? 

I still don’t have the answers to these questions. But I do have my parents to talk to and discuss with and give me advice. I consider myself blessed to have parents who are supportive of my interests, like media or music, especially as they aren’t “conventional” job choices. Some people may not even see them (or, for that matter, any job besides that of a doctor, surgeon, lawyer, or accountant) as real jobs. Most importantly, my parents always remind me of the importance of finding out God’s will for my life, even if it is easier said than done).

If you find yourself in the same position as me, wondering what is the best course to pursue, I can only tell you this: to seek counsel from your parents and any mentors you might have, and above all, pray. We can only find true fulfilment when we follow God’s plan for us to do what he had made us for. After all, who knows us better than He who formed us? 

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11