Help me brainstorm for a career

[SecretShadow]

I'm nearly 22. I'm finishing up a bachelors in mathematics and pursuing law school. I've been a network administrator for varying networks, both voluntary (small religious and local philanthropic organizations) and professionally, since I was 16.

I'm bored today and contemplating my future life. Nearing graduation, I've been pondering career plans. As I've noted, I've held some jobs in the networking field, but honestly I want something that is more fulfilling. I think about my experiences, and I can't imagine a worse existence...cubicle farms and 8-5 drudgery for the next 40-60 years. I know this is ridiculous and obviously not real, but I watch something like Star Trek and I think to myself "self, how awesome that would be....always something new and exciting around the corner, always challenging." Obviously ST isn't real, but its the idea, you know? I know to some extent, everything is what you make of it and I do my best....but I am still left with feeling like I want something more meaningful and

I've thought of joining the military as an officer (bonus points because I love my country and consider it a great honor to serve), perhaps even as a JAG (considering the law education)....but the time commitment and military mentality (I've been exposed to military life for a long time, my father, father's father and father's grandfather were military men) are detractors for me. I've also thought of some of those foreign jobs, like teaching english abroad or managing networks in post-war Iraq for 18 months or whatever, but thats still a job...not a career. I've also considered pursuing other degrees....such as history, and sticking to the academic world.....but that still seems somehow useless and potentially monotonous after a while (how dull is a tenured professor, 20 hours a week of work of the same thing semester after semester).

Since I am interested in law, I think I'd like to do something that makes use of a law education but I don't think I want to end up a 'typical' lawyer either, chasing ambulances or whatnot.

Discuss.

Cliff notes:
1. Finishing a math degree, starting law school
2. Want career ideas that are different than a cubicle farm, 8-5

 

[everman]

So you're going to law school and have no interest in practicing law whatsoever?

 

[imported_sling]

eat cheetos and watch pr0n. That's what I do.

 

[Reckoner]

Professional Masturbator

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: everman
So you're going to law school and have no interest in practicing law whatsoever?

That's not that unusual actually. Many want to be able to represent themselves, some have political aspirations, some just want to have the degree, some are merely interested in law for a better understanding of the world around them. I certainly hope to get a JD someday and I'll definitely never practice.

 

[pontifex]

i know what you mean. i feel exactly the same way. i'm tired of the drudgery of every day life and bs.

i think i was born in the wrong age. i should have been born during the boom of the old west or maybe a medieval or renaisscance period. times when a person (well a man anyway) could live his life how he saw fit and could adventure without having to worry about going to a boring job every day or any of that crap.

sure there were bad and crazy things during those times but thats part of what made them interesting.

 

[Reckoner]

In the end, it all doesn't matter anyways.

 

[SecretShadow]

Originally posted by: pontifex
i know what you mean. i feel exactly the same way. i'm tired of the drudgery of every day life and bs.

i think i was born in the wrong age. i should have been born during the boom of the old west or maybe a medieval or renaisscance period. times when a person (well a man anyway) could live his life how he saw fit and could adventure without having to worry about going to a boring job every day or any of that crap.

sure there were bad and crazy things during those times but thats part of what made them interesting.

If there was any way a lunar colony was ever formed in my lifetime, I would do anything to sign up.

 

[SecretShadow]

Originally posted by: everman
So you're going to law school and have no interest in practicing law whatsoever?

Not that I don't have an interest in practicing law, more that I don't want to be some average attorney who chases ambulances or works in some firm hoping for a chance to earn a partnership or waits for that precedent setting case to be handed to me.

 

[TraumaRN]

Try nursing. Or try anything you can get healthcare wise with your degree.

My hospital has a completely digital charting system so we have more than a few tech guys running around, and yea it's a 8-5 type job BUT depending on where you are at you could be out troubleshooting on the floors, doing simple repairs, some telephone help etc....and hey you know you'd be helping. Cuz when our computers dont work we're helpless.....of course people always ask me cuz they know i'm good with computers but hey, whatever works

But seriously. Consider looking at the healthcare industry as it's BOOMING right now.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: SecretShadow

Originally posted by: pontifex
i know what you mean. i feel exactly the same way. i'm tired of the drudgery of every day life and bs.

i think i was born in the wrong age. i should have been born during the boom of the old west or maybe a medieval or renaisscance period. times when a person (well a man anyway) could live his life how he saw fit and could adventure without having to worry about going to a boring job every day or any of that crap.

sure there were bad and crazy things during those times but thats part of what made them interesting.

If there was any way a lunar colony was ever formed in my lifetime, I would do anything to sign up.

i read an article in Wired about how scientists are looking at other stars as possible alternatives to earth. we're not at the satge of actually sending people out to do this, but i was like I would totally volunteer to do that. i mean, how awesome would it be to explore space, other galaxies and other planets for another Earth-like planet or even seek out intelligent alien life?

i know i'm dreaming but wtf else do i have? pretty much everything about my life sucks total ass. the only time i really have any enjoyment is when i'm reading sci-fi or fantasy books because its like i'm somewhere else or i am someone else.

 

[SecretShadow]

Originally posted by: DeathBUA
Try nursing. Or try anything you can get healthcare wise with your degree.

My hospital has a completely digital charting system so we have more than a few tech guys running around, and yea it's a 8-5 type job BUT depending on where you are at you could be out troubleshooting on the floors, doing simple repairs, some telephone help etc....and hey you know you'd be helping. Cuz when our computers dont work we're helpless.....of course people always ask me cuz they know i'm good with computers but hey, whatever works

But seriously. Consider looking at the healthcare industry as it's BOOMING right now.

I've thought of that off and on. I have the feeling that the healthcare industry isn't going to boom forever, by the time I redirected my education plans to nursing or medical school and then got the appropriate training/intership/whatever (5 years?) I think the boom will have leveled off a bit. That aside, I could do tech work in the healthcare industry....that isn't a bad suggestion. Other than being a tech or just managing a network in a hospital, what kind of career-level (income, longevity, potential to go places) opportunities are there technologically speaking in the healthcare industry?

 

[aswedc]

Originally posted by: pontifex
i think i was born in the wrong age. i should have been born during the boom of the old west or maybe a medieval or renaisscance period. times when a person (well a man anyway) could live his life how he saw fit and could adventure without having to worry about going to a boring job every day or any of that crap.

Oh stop romanticizing and tell me what you could have done then that you can't do now. No one is stopping you from going wherever you want anytime you feel like. All you have to do is find food and shelter, and that requirement hasn't changed since life began.

 

[aswedc]

Originally posted by: SecretShadow
I've thought of that off and on. I have the feeling that the healthcare industry isn't going to boom forever, by the time I redirected my education plans to nursing or medical school and then got the appropriate training/intership/whatever (5 years?) I think the boom will have leveled off a bit. That aside, I could do tech work in the healthcare industry....that isn't a bad suggestion. Other than being a tech or just managing a network in a hospital, what kind of career-level (income, longevity, potential to go places) opportunities are there technologically speaking in the healthcare industry?

Lifespans are getting longer and the population is growing. Every field has risks of downturn, but I can't think of any safer than healthcare!

 

[SecretShadow]

Originally posted by: aswedc

Originally posted by: SecretShadow
I've thought of that off and on. I have the feeling that the healthcare industry isn't going to boom forever, by the time I redirected my education plans to nursing or medical school and then got the appropriate training/intership/whatever (5 years?) I think the boom will have leveled off a bit. That aside, I could do tech work in the healthcare industry....that isn't a bad suggestion. Other than being a tech or just managing a network in a hospital, what kind of career-level (income, longevity, potential to go places) opportunities are there technologically speaking in the healthcare industry?

Lifespans are getting longer and the population is growing. Every field has risks of downturn, but I can't think of any safer than healthcare!

Sounds logical. So what kind of career-level opportunities (other than MD, nursing) are available?

 

[SecretShadow]

Originally posted by: pontifex

Originally posted by: SecretShadow

Originally posted by: pontifex
i know what you mean. i feel exactly the same way. i'm tired of the drudgery of every day life and bs.

i think i was born in the wrong age. i should have been born during the boom of the old west or maybe a medieval or renaisscance period. times when a person (well a man anyway) could live his life how he saw fit and could adventure without having to worry about going to a boring job every day or any of that crap.

sure there were bad and crazy things during those times but thats part of what made them interesting.

If there was any way a lunar colony was ever formed in my lifetime, I would do anything to sign up.

i read an article in Wired about how scientists are looking at other stars as possible alternatives to earth. we're not at the satge of actually sending people out to do this, but i was like I would totally volunteer to do that. i mean, how awesome would it be to explore space, other galaxies and other planets for another Earth-like planet or even seek out intelligent alien life?

i know i'm dreaming but wtf else do i have? pretty much everything about my life sucks total ass. the only time i really have any enjoyment is when i'm reading sci-fi or fantasy books because its like i'm somewhere else or i am someone else.

You won't be able to find fulfillment by escaping like that. You gotta accept where you are, where God has put you, who your parents are, what your faults are, or whatever else is the issue before you can move forward in finding fulfillment.

 

[Baked]

Try living on the streets for a year.

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: SecretShadow

Originally posted by: DeathBUA
Try nursing. Or try anything you can get healthcare wise with your degree.

My hospital has a completely digital charting system so we have more than a few tech guys running around, and yea it's a 8-5 type job BUT depending on where you are at you could be out troubleshooting on the floors, doing simple repairs, some telephone help etc....and hey you know you'd be helping. Cuz when our computers dont work we're helpless.....of course people always ask me cuz they know i'm good with computers but hey, whatever works

But seriously. Consider looking at the healthcare industry as it's BOOMING right now.

I've thought of that off and on. I have the feeling that the healthcare industry isn't going to boom forever, by the time I redirected my education plans to nursing or medical school and then got the appropriate training/intership/whatever (5 years?) I think the boom will have leveled off a bit. That aside, I could do tech work in the healthcare industry....that isn't a bad suggestion. Other than being a tech or just managing a network in a hospital, what kind of career-level (income, longevity, potential to go places) opportunities are there technologically speaking in the healthcare industry?

Healthcare is gonna keep booming and growing for years to come. There is a massive nursing and physician shortage. On top of that healthcare is attempting to transform itself and update itself to the digital world. There is work to be found no doubt.

Example job from where I work....the pay isnt the greatest but the job security and benefits are fairly top notch. And besides its an entry level job really. (sorry no direct link!) And to clarify I'm a student nurse

Title: Data Analyst/Critical Care Medicine
Req Number: dmc-00018303
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Shift: 0800 - 1630 with variability
Facility: Childrens Hospital of MI
Specialty Area:
Salary Range: 41700 - 58400
Location(s): Detroit MI

Job Summary

Assesses the data development and collection needs of the function/service/department. Coordinates the collection of and/or abstracts clinical data elements from multiple sources. Ensures the accuracy and completeness of the data. Analyzes information to identify trends and make recommendations for improvements, as appropriate. Develops and maintains databases as required. May assist with the implementation of new and existing policies, procedures, practices and standards. Works with personnel in other functions/services/departments on various projects or issues as directed. Performs other duties as assigned. Analytical ability to gather and interpret data, to identify discrepancies/problems/issues, to obtain advice when precedents are unclear or unavailable and to determine methods for ensuring compliance with functional/organization/service policies and procedures. Communication and/or interpersonal skills to communicate with internal and externalcustomer/stakeholders related to data abstraction, manipulation, and analysis. Understanding and ability to utilize spreadsheets, data bases, and statisticalanalysis software programs. Familiarity with the extraction and manipulation of data from disparate sources to support the study of clinical, functional,service and cost outcomes. Ability to work with a team in identifying sources of data and methodology for collection.
Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Health Information Management, or related field which utilizes strong data management or statistical analysis, or equivalent combination of education and experience. One to two years of experience related to the integrating of data, preferably clinical in nature,from disparate sources.

 

[SecretShadow]

Are there any careers in the healthcare industry that would benefit from a law education?

 

[everman]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: everman
So you're going to law school and have no interest in practicing law whatsoever?

That's not that unusual actually. Many want to be able to represent themselves, some have political aspirations, some just want to have the degree, some are merely interested in law for a better understanding of the world around them. I certainly hope to get a JD someday and I'll definitely never practice.

I'm planning on starting next year. My point is that you really need to be motivated enough to get through, it isn't easy. Having a J.D. can be very useful, the whole experience of getting it should teach you a lot as well.

I think the best thing you can do is to not corner yourself into something, limiting your movement career-wise. Keep your options open, you never know what opportunity might present itself, and you want to be able to act on it.

 

[her209]

Lawyers without Borders

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: SecretShadow
Are there any careers in the healthcare industry that would benefit from a law education?

Lawyer for the hospital defending against lawsuits from patients?

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: SecretShadow
Are there any careers in the healthcare industry that would benefit from a law education?

Malpractice. Sexual harassment. Insurance fraud.

 

[aswedc]

Originally posted by: SecretShadow
Are there any careers in the healthcare industry that would benefit from a law education?

Patent attorney for a pharmaceutical? That could work in the tech industry as well.

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: aswedc

Originally posted by: SecretShadow
Are there any careers in the healthcare industry that would benefit from a law education?

Patent attorney for a pharmaceutical? That could work in the tech industry as well.

On that note you could be a network admin or something similar for a pharm company on their servers crunching numbers for new drugs and schtuff.