As Year 12 students pass the halfway point of their final year, the question of “what next?” can start to loom large. Some students have a clear plan: a course they want to get into, a trade they want to start, or a gap year they are saving for.

But many find the question daunting, because the answer is, “I have no idea”.

If this is you, the first thing you need to hear is – not knowing is very normal. The second thing is – you do not need to know or decide your final destination now (or even soon).

Right now, you are being asked to make huge life decisions when you are still learning what you enjoy, what you are good at, the type of people you hope to work with, and what kind of life you want to build.

It is not realistic to think you will know all the answers to these questions at 17 or 18. These answers are supposed to reveal themselves over time, and they will.

Our research points to some strategies that may prove useful in moving forward, even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going yet.

Is my passion important?

One common approach you’ve........

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