I am currently completing a Bachelor of Computer Science in Australia. While studying, I actively tried to explore different directions within the field to understand whether it genuinely aligned with me. I undertook a research project with a professor in breast cancer research to explore the research side of computer science, and I also completed a job-focused bootcamp aimed at entering the tech industry. Although I was able to complete both successfully, I realised that I did not enjoy the nature of the work itself and could not see myself doing this long-term.
More broadly, I have come to understand that I do not enjoy work that requires sitting at a computer all day or solving abstract technical problems in isolation. While I am capable of doing such work, it does not motivate me, and I do not find it fulfilling. Continuing into a Master’s by Research or pursuing an ICT-focused career would therefore not be a good use of time or resources, especially considering the high tuition costs as an international student.
This realisation is not new to me. In high school, I completed an additional certification course in a different field and attempted to freelance in it at my family’s encouragement. Although I gave it a genuine effort, I found the work extremely tedious and physically tiring. It also required prolonged visual focus, which I struggled with, and I ultimately realised that it was not something I could sustain or enjoy long-term. This experience reinforced an important pattern for me: even when I am capable of completing technical or skill-based work, I disengage if it feels repetitive, isolating, or disconnected from real human impact.
In contrast, over the past one and a half years, I have been working as a support worker after completing a Certificate III in Individual Support. Through this role, I have discovered that I genuinely enjoy working with older people and people with disability. I find meaning in direct, people-centred work and in roles where I can see the impact of my actions on someone’s quality of life. This has been the most consistent indicator of what aligns with my values.
At the same time, I am still carefully evaluating my next steps. While I have been advised to consider a Master of Social Work, I am not yet fully certain that it is the right path. I value working intelligently rather than simply working hard, and I do not see myself in a rigid 9-to-5 role for the rest of my life. My long-term goal is to build something of my own—potentially a business or organisation that creates meaningful impact—but I recognise that I currently lack the financial and structural resources to pursue this immediately.
What is clear to me is that I want my education and career to contribute to something larger than myself. I want to make a real impact in the world and work toward roles that involve leadership, influence, and responsibility rather than remaining in low-visibility or purely transactional work. Because of the significant financial investment required for further study, I want to be deliberate and strategic rather than rushing into another degree out of fear or uncertainty.
At this stage, my focus is on choosing a path that aligns with my strengths—people-focused work, real-world impact, adaptability, and long-term leadership potential—while avoiding choices that would lock me into work I already know does not suit me. Can you guide me