Not sure what I want to do with my life...

[xanis]

I know that I've posted probably way too many career and college threads already but I'm really in need of some help. I used to have a good idea of what I wanted to do with my life but now I'm really not sure. Originally I wanted to acquire a BFA in Graphic Design. I enjoy working with art and computers but I've since learned that Graphic Design is a very competitive field and that I shouldn't expect to make much money as such. Then I considered a career in the IT field, but I decided against it for fear of mixing my hobby with my profession. Now I'm not really sure what I want to do. I'm not too great at math, so I've only been looking at fields where minimal mathematical skill is required. My problem is that I want to do something I love and I am good at, but I don't want to be stuck making crappy salaries my whole life. I'm open to new things, so no option is too far of a stretch (though nothing too extreme like an astronaut or nuclear pysicist). What are some good fields to get in to? I don't care if it's easy or hard, or requires long or short hours. I just want to find something that I'm good at and that I can make a successful carrer out of. Any suggestions?

 

[Platypus]

It's understandable not to want to do something professionally that is your hobby as well; however it is not alright to avoid a career in something you love because of money. You'll figure out a way to make money if you play it smart about it and are good at what you do.

 

[xanis]

Thanks, good advice. I think I would be happier doing something that I love and making less money than something that I think is OK for more money.

 

[SampSon]

Never plan too far ahead, you'll just worry yourself sick.

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: Xanis
Thanks, good advice. I think I would be happier doing something that I love and making less money than something that I think is OK for more money.

EXACTLY. Take it from someone who's taken jobs to pay the bills that paid more but sucked interest wise.. I was so miserable that it wasn't worth it.

 

[flawlssdistortn]

list some areas that you'd be interested in, and focus on one or two. Also, ask yourself how tough it is to break into those fields, and if you don't, is there something related. You don't want to pin your hopes on something that has nothing to do with anything else cause if you don't make it then you're screwed.

 

[chusteczka]

Originally posted by: Xanis
... Then I considered a career in the IT field, but I decided against it for fear of mixing my hobby with my profession. .... Any suggestions?

This concept makes absolutely no sense to me.
Fixing, building, and overclocking computers is my hobby, working with computers is part of my profession.

It is perfectly acceptable to take classes in a curriculum that you enjoy. Stick with what you enjoy learning, reading, and studying about and your career choice will become more clear later as you get involved in the field.

Or you can choose a general field, such as engineering or business, because you know such a field will provide skills suitable for a well paying career. Then, once you get involved in that field a specific major will become more apparent, followed by a suitable career choice that is now within reach.

 

[cjgallen]

Exactly HOW bad are you at math?

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: cjgallen
Exactly HOW bad are you at math?

Well... Let's just say that to get a C+ I needed outside help.

 

[chusteczka]

Originally posted by: Xanis

Originally posted by: cjgallen
Exactly HOW bad are you at math?

Well... Let's just say that to get a C+ I needed outside help.

Everybody needs outside help getting through math and science. Whether they get it from a parent, older sibling, fellow students, an outside study center, a math club, or after hours help from the teacher. I cannot possibly count all the times I have gone in for extra help and I have successfully earned an engineering degree.

The real question is how much do you enjoy working through the problem and finding the correct answer? The satisfaction of reaching the correct answer is really what determines interest level. This satisfaction provides the motivation to continue learning and working on the problems.

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: chusteczka

Originally posted by: Xanis

Originally posted by: cjgallen
Exactly HOW bad are you at math?

Well... Let's just say that to get a C+ I needed outside help.

Everybody needs outside help getting through math and science. Whether they get it from a parent, older sibling, fellow students, an outside study center, a math club, or after hours help from the teacher. I cannot possibly count all the times I have gone in for extra help and I have successfully earned an engineering degree.

The real question is how much do you enjoy working through the problem and finding the correct answer? The satisfaction of reaching the correct answer is really what determines interest level. This satisfaction provides the motivation to continue learning and working on the problems.

Therein lies the problem, I've never like math. Ever. It's not that I'm unable to work through the problem and find a solution, but I really don't like math and as such I'm really not that motivated.

 

[yobarman]

Graphic design is pretty lucrative if you're good at what you do.

 

[BoomerD]

Take the battery of tests to see what your interests are, then find a career to fit that. OR, find what your aptitudes are best suited for, and go that way. It's a wonderful thing if they happen to come together in a certain area, although it may not be the best paying, job satisfaction is worth a lot too....


I'm in the position of having to take re-training, after almost 30 yrs as a heavy equipment/crane operator due to an series of injuries on the job.
Never wanted to do anything but what I have been doing, so it sucks to have to find something else, especially something that fits my levels of disability and can be trained for in 2 yrs or less...Most career type jobs require a BA/BS for even entry level positions. Still scratching my head over this...everytime I find something I like, either the physical demands eliminate it, or the educational requirements are more than I can get in the alloted timeframe...

 

[chusteczka]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
...
I'm in the position of having to take re-training, after almost 30 yrs as a heavy equipment/crane operator due to an series of injuries on the job.
Never wanted to do anything but what I have been doing, so it sucks to have to find something else, especially something that fits my levels of disability and can be trained for in 2 yrs or less...Most career type jobs require a BA/BS for even entry level positions. Still scratching my head over this...everytime I find something I like, either the physical demands eliminate it, or the educational requirements are more than I can get in the alloted timeframe...

Search for something where your knowledge of construction will provide good background experience. Foreign language for translating on the job, engineering, law, business, sales...

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: chusteczka

Originally posted by: BoomerD
...
I'm in the position of having to take re-training, after almost 30 yrs as a heavy equipment/crane operator due to an series of injuries on the job.
Never wanted to do anything but what I have been doing, so it sucks to have to find something else, especially something that fits my levels of disability and can be trained for in 2 yrs or less...Most career type jobs require a BA/BS for even entry level positions. Still scratching my head over this...everytime I find something I like, either the physical demands eliminate it, or the educational requirements are more than I can get in the alloted timeframe...

Search for something where your knowledge of construction will provide good background experience. Foreign language for translating on the job, engineering, law, business, sales...

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: chusteczka

Originally posted by: BoomerD
...
I'm in the position of having to take re-training, after almost 30 yrs as a heavy equipment/crane operator due to an series of injuries on the job.
Never wanted to do anything but what I have been doing, so it sucks to have to find something else, especially something that fits my levels of disability and can be trained for in 2 yrs or less...Most career type jobs require a BA/BS for even entry level positions. Still scratching my head over this...everytime I find something I like, either the physical demands eliminate it, or the educational requirements are more than I can get in the alloted timeframe...

Search for something where your knowledge of construction will provide good background experience. Foreign language for translating on the job, engineering, law, business, sales...

Thanks, but unfortunately, most of what you mention requires at least a bachelors degree. Looking at the possiblility of Occupational Safety inspector, but again, most job listings require more than an AA/AS degree...

 

[xanis]

Well whatever I choose as a major, I will be going to a four-year college to get my Bachelor's degree. Eventually I would like to get my Master's degree, and I hope that would open up more doors for me.

 

[chusteczka]

Xanis, take a look at the major departments or colleges within the university and see which one or two interest you. Consider aspects like interest, ability, career possibilities, pay ranges, even whether or not you associate with the typical student in that specific area. Look for comfort level. Then look at the majors within those departments/colleges to find any that interest you. This should help narrow your search down.

 

[FleshLight]

Structural Engineering

/thread

 

[chusteczka]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Thanks, but unfortunately, most of what you mention requires at least a bachelors degree. Looking at the possiblility of Occupational Safety inspector, but again, most job listings require more than an AA/AS degree...

BoomerD, do not let the thought of school push you away. Professors do not enjoy failing people so all you have to do is attend class and do the work. Even if you graduate with a 'C' average you will have the degree. If you go to an easy school, it can be even easier. Your life experience will provide you with strong motivation, advantage, and perspective through your studies.

You can either go to school for a few years, graduate, and feel proud of yourself and your accomplishments or you can always feel behind and walked over. With your injury you are now forced into either intellectual or administrative work. Everybody goes for the administrative work because it is the easy way out. Niches such as Hazardous Materials Safety [controller], ISO 90002 coordinator, and such are taken by people scared to relinquish them. You do not know the satisfaction and happiness that comes from earning good grades for projects worked hard on. The satisfaction at the end of a hard worked semester is tremendous.

Financial aid is available whether it is federal, state, or university sponsored. I am sure your state will provide you financial aid for job retraining. Talk to a school's financial aid office for more information.

You can start with a community college, take the general education classes, and see if there are job related classes that interest you, such as AutoCad. Even if you do not find such classes, possibilities exist in areas such as sales where knowledgeable people are sorely needed to communicate with the customers.

Additionally, other students will respect your experience and insight. This provides a huge newly found sense of satisfaction. School provides a whole new way of looking at the world and being around young students will provide you with energy and youthfulness. School is not that difficult to complete. Choose an easy major, get the degree, and let your experience take you from there. Seriously, it is not that bad.

My apologies, Xanis.

 

[maziwanka]

you can always go into law...

at the very least its a backup plan

 

[blert]

Originally posted by: Xanis
Thanks, good advice. I think I would be happier doing something that I love and making less money than something that I think is OK for more money.

See....now you're starting to get it. Most people equate money with happiness, and I was no exception. Once I focused on doing what I truly enjoyed, the money was secondary.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Just keep in mind that even a dream job can get boring after a while. On average people have 7 career changes in their lifetime. 7! So what that tells me is you're not alone....and it's easy to get burned out when you stay in the same place. So set high goals for yourself. If you can land a job somewhere that turns some coin and you can grow into, it will give you a leg up for the next job.

As for your career, if you don't know exactly what you want to do, and are looking for a degree, go general. Get a degree in business. You can then work in any field. To work in IT, you just need certifications....same for a dozen other technical fields. But with a business background, you'll be in more of a management position and will command the technical staff...nice place to be as long as you can understand their goals and objectives and merge them with the organization's...