Since posting about my graduation, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about what I plan on doing next. Jobs, college, independence—that’s what comes next for most high school graduates. Still, I am left wondering, what am I going to do with my life? What do I want to pursue?
Keep writing
I love writing. It is a gift God has given me, and I want to use it for his glory. I am currently working on four projects, but I’m not ready to publish yet. I’ll need to learn marketing and social media skills first. Nevertheless, writing is something I want to pursue—just not as a career. (But if God turns it into something I can make a living off of, I am in no way opposed.)
Get a job
Freelancing
Right now, freelancing in design, website related stuff, and writing seems like the most manageable job option for me. Once I turn 18, I will pursue this and see where it gets me. There are a couple reasons this is ideal for me.
1. I work best on my own and in creative activities. Freelancing gives me complete control of what I want to do, how much I want to work, and where I want to work from. Since keeping up with deadlines and getting things done is no problem for me, freelancing seems to fit the bill.
2. I don’t drive. Freelancing (online) allows me to work from the comfort of my own home, without having to spend time or energy on transportation. I don’t like driving, and I don’t want to have to have someone drive me around. If I freelance, I don’t have to worry about any of that.
Acting
Another interest I have is voice acting. I enjoy voice acting and would like to pursue this as a job, but it isn’t a stable one. The industry is very competitive, and work is in no way at all guaranteed. Ideally, I would love to work for Christian audio drama production companies. The only problem with this is that I have a low chance of getting into exactly what I want, and most likely, I’d have to start out doing small gigs with no spiritual importance. I’d be working just to work (as compared to reaching an audience with a message I support).
The same goes for normal acting. I’d love to try it out, although I think my strengths are more suited for voice acting. Still, any type of acting would be fun to do, and even though I’ve never tried it, maybe I’d be good at normal acting…maybe? Again, I’d love to work for a cause I believe in. I wouldn’t be comfortable acting out things I believe are wrong, so it’s important I don’t do things just for the money or experience. *Chances of ever getting a job in acting plummet 90 percent* Hey, beggars can’t be choosers, right?
I don’t plan on pursuing acting (of any type) yet, as it requires putting myself out there and traveling, two things I am not yet comfortable doing. I want to figure out who I am as a person and what I am capable of before jumping into something so big.
Modeling
Similar to voice acting, modeling isn’t a stable job. It is competitive as well, and although I haven’t done anything with modeling, I think it is an interesting opportunity. Like voice acting, you are doing something new every day, meeting new people, and interacting with strangers. I think modeling could be a fun job (or side job to freelancing), but I’d have to look into it more. Chances of landing gigs are probably a lot higher in this industry.
Honestly, I don’t want to get into modeling yet for the same reasons I have for voice acting. However, I think I’d be more comfortable jumping into modeling rather than voice acting, just because anxiety plays less into how you perform. I think I will stick to freelancing and writing for now.
College
People have asked about college. I don’t plan on going, as there isn’t anything taught there I plan on doing. However, this could change in the future. It just isn’t on my agenda at the moment.
Conclusion
For now, I am going to focus on my writing and blog. When I turn 18, I will try freelancing, and from there, we’ll see what happens. Stay tuned to join me as I go through this journey, and don’t forget to comment and subscribe if you haven’t already. As always, happy reading, everyone!
Great post! This has been something I’ve been grappling with since I graduated. I’m not going to college either and have decided to stay with my family and simply spend what would have been my college years writing and figuring out this publishing thing. My ultimate desire is to be a wife mother and homemaker though and I’m just trusting to the Lord’s will to do what he wants in both those things. It’s a weird time of life to be in. 😅 God bless you in your endeavors! It’s amazing all you’ve been gifted in!
Me too! I want to become a wife and mother, but I also know God has given me talents for a reason. I’m not sure how things will play out, but it’s all in His timing. I hope God shows you what to do with your writing and everything as well! 🙂
We are so excited for you, Kayla. I currently study zoom online with Freedom in Christ Ministry field staff, Dr. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner (doctorate of theology), also a gifted writer and “lover of words”; author of 9/2021 UNRAVELING THE LIE-KNOT: Finding Freedom from the tangles of Discouragement, Deception, & Depression.
I want to keep in touch with you. Aloha & Thank you, Auntie Lenora Cossey-Taft from Kalihi Union Church. It’s wonderful when your Grandmother Carol Lum graces us with her presence at our KUC Monday evening prayer gathering 7-8:15pm. Ada Lum is one of my favorite Bible teachers (met through Bible Institute of Hawaii when I was still a member of Kawaiaha’o Church, Honolulu. EPHESIANS 1:7-10
Thank you! You can definitely keep in touch with me (you have my email).
Lots of opportunities ahead for you, Kayla. Pray for what you need and want. Go with the Lord as He leads. God will provide.
If college is not in your plans right now, consider a job in a Christian school, perhaps as a teacher’s assistant.
It’s valuable to learn how to network and build relationships. We’ll always be with you in spirit to love and support you!
Much love,
Granny and Grandpa, too
Definitely considering getting a job to learn these skills. I’ll need to figure out first if it’s my personality or social anxiety that makes me not want to get hyper-social jobs.
Thanks!
Kayla, you’re gifted in many ways. ( Didn’t know about your interest in modeling) So continue writing. Because you and your family have a unique lifestyle, you could write an autobiography about your adventures! ( I’d be the first to purchase your book – maybe second, after your grandma Carol!)
I would not rule out going to college as there are good Christian colleges in different states. Also, being on campus is a learning experience itself. Taking classes online is not the best way to go. When you’re at a campus you’ll meet all sorts of people from different backgrounds. That itself is an education.
Would love to see you again soon, along with your parents and brothers.
Thank you! The autobiograhy idea is a good one, but it’s a big one to tackle. I’ll need to think about it….
As for college, yes, being on campus would be a good learning experience. I’m looking forward in general to getting out of the RV more and interacting with people. I’ve applied to some jobs, but so far, no responses.