by Madison Cope of Employment North

 When you are young, people ask you different questions to get to know you: 

• How old are you? 

• What is your favorite color? 

• What animal do you like most? 

• What do you want to be when you grow up? 

These simple, innocent questions spark curiosity and help children imagine their future. Over time, the questions shift. As adults, we’re often asked: “What do you do for a living?” It’s a question that often carries a lot of weight. It speaks to how we define ourselves and our place in the world. 

Many people hope to be happy in a work environment where they can use and develop their skills. However, I’ve observed in my experience working in the employment sector that when adults and young people are asked, “Where do you see yourself in the future?”, they tend to freeze up. It’s as if the question brings up uncertainty or even fear. 

Interestingly, the question “Where do you see yourself?” is a deeper evolution of the childhood question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The difference is it demands more reflection, practical planning, and self-awareness, things that can be intimidating when you don’t have all the answers. 

The Journey of Figuring It Out 

I’ve personally been in the process of figuring out what I want to do as I grow older even though I am in my late 20’s. The journey has been a combination of discovering my interests, evaluating my strengths, and looking at a future that matches my goals. It’s not an easy process, but it’s a rewarding one. 

Durning this process I have been focusing on developing my personal cache. When talking about “cache” I refer to it as the storage section in my mind of where my personal knowledge and skills are located. By having my cache, I can optimize the information stored and access it effectively in the future. 

To “grow your own cache” is a metaphor for building up your skills, experiences, and opportunities, you need both direction and action. Just like a savings account or a collection, your personal and professional cache grows when you intentionally invest in it. 

Skills That Employers Look For  

In today’s job market, I’ve observed that there are several key skills that employers consistently look for. Building these skills can not only make you more employable but also help you feel more confident in your career path. Some of these skills include: 

• Communication 

• Problem-Solving 

• Adaptability 

• Collaboration 

• Time Management 

• Technical Skills 

Developing these skills requires effort, but it also requires intention. It’s about identifying areas where you want to grow and taking active steps to improve. The intention is taking the time to invest in yourself, whether it’s taking courses or micro courses online or in person at a local library, researching and creating a plan of what skills you want to develop, even asking a coworker for guidance and support.  

The Importance of an End Goal 

Having an end goal for your career is important. It gives you something to work toward and helps you measure your progress. But it’s also okay if that end goal evolves over time. The truth is that many people don’t stick to the same career path their entire lives. Interests change, industries shift, and new opportunities are presented. What matters is that you continue to grow and remain open to learning along the way. 

Building Your Path 

If you’re unsure about where to start, here are some tips for growing your own cache: 

• Reflect on Your Interests and Values 

• Seek Out Learning Opportunities  

• Set Small Achievable Goals. 

• Network 

• Embrace Failure 

Figuring out what you want to do as you grow older is a continuous process. It’s not about having all the answers right away but about being willing to explore, learn, and adapt. By investing in yourself and building your own cache of skills and experiences, you’ll not only prepare for the future but also create a journey along the way. So, what steps will you take today to grow your own cache?