Don't know what to do with my life whatsoever

•

Volunteer like mad. It's a way you can show future employers unlike other candidates you are committed to things you sign up for, can work as a team, and care about social objectives (which you can apply to basically any company as they all "care" about that kind of thing.)

•

Get a summer job if you can! Apply anywhere there's a position. Instead of using careers sites like Indeed, check with individual company sites (many don't offer roles in person at all, you have to look up yourself — so no need to awkwardly ask!) Here's Showcase, Vue, ASDA, Tesco, Morrisons, Greggs, Costa, Starbucks. Check they are part time jobs, that they are 'permanent' not 'temporary' so you can stay working after summer if you enjoy it, and look around on TSR and Glassdoor to see what other people think. Apply to multiple jobs. Aim for higher paying ones you think you'll enjoy.

•

Say yes to every opportunity you get. Ask — if you enquired, do you think some businesses would offer "Work Shadow" placements where you can see a day in the life? Lots of places certainly would, you just need to ask like mad. Importantly, these don't have to be completely relevant to your interests — I did a day at the Met Office and what I learned was so exciting, even though it's not a field I want to pursue. Then, take up University open days! These are a little bit less effort to get into, and lets you experience a range of different fields really fast. I did this at my local uni, which means I explore new courses despite me not wanting to go there for my further education because it's so close.

•

startprofile.com is a decent place to look for careers based on your interests. Unlike other platforms like Unifrog, it is free for everyone; and unlike platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor, you don't get sponsored ads or any real job roles — just industries, names of roles and the types of things they get up to.

•

Get hobbies! Now you're finishing GCSEs, you have a long time to figure out exactly what you like. If you like computer games and nerdy stuff, do it and pinpoint what about it you like! You're unlikely to find an exact role you completely love, but lots of jobs will have loads of elements you like.

•

You don't have to pick one job for 60 years. Your interests will change over time, and you can switch companies! (Just not too often.) Bear in mind loads of people have careers which don't match up with what they persue at Uni or A-Level, it aligns better with all the experience they have over time. I know one person who did a lot of maths at Uni, then ended up becoming an estate agent — yes, it's a bit linked, but you can see that what you persue in education won't be what you end up doing.

•

Don't worry. You do well academically, and know your interests — which is more than most people! You have lots of time to grow and change.