How do you "KNOW" what career to do?

[DMickey28]

When you aren't one of the few who always knew what they wanted to be when they grew up, how do you choose?

You may remember my recent threads on grad. school for the M in Ed as well as threads about Law School..

I don't have much confidence in my choices because I have an undergrad I don't want. How do you know? Or how do you choose and be happy with your career?

My undergrad is very specialized and I would need to continue back to school for an grad degree for something... but what should I do?????

I am torn between being a teacher and going to law school... or anything else I think I would like!

 

[PooohBear]

I would do whatever makes you feel happiest, if you have a career that is more demanding than you really want and it makes you unhappy, then what's the point !? I think many people stick to their jobs being unhappy for fear of trying something better or they just can't afford to chase another dream.... If you are just starting out on the career path then you have a choice of which way you want to go ! It also depends on how much money you would feel comfortable making !
Good Luck in your choices !!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

This has been a constant question in my mind, too! I am "pretty old" (mid-thirties) and still have no idea what I really want to do! I just got a master degree in something I have no passion for (librarian!), and I feel no "connection" to the field. But I got the degree simply because I could not think of anything else to do. I currently run my own business (child care in the home) but alas I don't make much money so I have to do something else eventually.

As for teaching, I considered that a few years ago. I thought I might want to be a teacher so I got a job as an assistant in a nursery school so I can "test the waters" before I invest in an education degree. But even though I thought I did well, I received poor reviews from my director (she said I did not anticipate the needs of the teacher's well enough, and I could not maintain proper control of the children), so that career was scrapped too. Sigh. I just warn that teaching sounds so "noble", but sometimes the reality is very different.

I so wish I knew what to be, or had a "destiny" career! Got to keep on searching, I guess!!

 

[Jungle Skipper]

I think finding the right career for you is something you just have to experience....I thought for the longest time that I wanted to be a filmmaker...I shelled out thousands of dollars (loan money) to go to film school, make my student films ect. I got out in the real world, and realized it wasn't fullfilling for me. I took a chance...missed...but I gained valuable experience.

Now I am back in school (more loan money ) and working on my teaching degree....not an easy thing to do, but I honestly believe teachin will be the best career fit for me....

guess with me, it's all about rolling with the punches.

Good luck,

Jungle Josh

 

[DMickey28]

HugsforEyeore ~ I have thought about getting an MS in library science.. I think it is actually something I would like, but how do you know? hang out in a library??? I have been thinking about law school but that's is sooooo much money. I am not sure if it's the thought of the money and "preconcived" notions of a lawyer that is stopping me or what... I wanted to do that when I was younger but thought I wasn't good enough.... now I am just plain scared of making a mistake....

JungleSkipper ~ yup I spent $$$ loan money and am struggling to pay that back... now thinknig about a $30K a year law school... I think that's what's scaring me... I don't know what I should do...

Good luck....

 

[Ted and Holly]

Don't spend another dime of loan money on something you aren't completely sure of!

I agree with the idea that you need to experiment and "test the waters" but spending tons of money on law school to find out that you do not like it will only put you into debt.

I got a B.S. in Wildlife Management. At the time (when I was graduating high school), it was a growing field and it interested me. Turned out that I did not like the academics of it. I got through and got my degree, but I found when I did, you now had to have a Masters degree to break into an entry level position. Even the PhDs were getting paid nothing to wander around a swamp.

I chose to go towards my passion, which was computers. I had very little formal training in it, but since I enjoyed working with computers, I learned quickly and I was able to get in at the gound floor of a computer company.

Over 8 years later, I am still with the company. Well, so far. More layoffs today.

This is one of the hardest decisions you can make. You are doing the right thing by trying to figure it out.

I am one of those that thinks that few ever realize exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives.

Good luck,
Ted

 

[SnoWhite]

You sound just like me.
I got a degree that I don't use, and in order to do anything with it I'd have to go back and at least get my masters if not my PhD.

I am debating what to do right now. I would love to go to Law School but I know that we cannot afford that, so realistically my two options right now are either going back to school to get my teaching certification, or going into Real Estate. I really don't know what to do at this point.

The only thing I KNOW I want to do is work for Disney, but I live in Seattle and won't be moving anytime soon, so that isn't realistic either.

I need to make up my mind soon and get started on a path to a career. I'll be 30 in a few months and really would like to get "settled" into something.

Lisa

 

[SC Minnie]

I work in Transportation for a large Fortune 100 company. No its not my lifes passion but I do enjoy it. It is something different everyday and I get to use my brain.

DMickey28-- If I remember from one of your other threads you are moving soon. Would you be able to do some temp work in various fields that you are interested in? It would give you a feel of exactly what goes on in that type of environment and you can decide if its for you. You sound like you are floundering and wanting some direction.

Most people don't wake up in the morning excited about getting to the office-- more often its a job that pays the mortgage. They don't hate their job but its just that --a job. The passion you are after in your life can come from your family or volunteer work that you can do.

Good luck.

 

[crazelion]

I knew what career I won't when my mom brought me my first computer. I went college in major in computer programming at first. Decide have through that I won't to be a troubleshooter and went end-user support. I love end user support side computers is a natural at it.

Now if I can get a job in computers that would be great. Right now not working in field I choose. I would go back for my masters but I can't write a darn.

Almost did not get undergradute degree because Comp I & II fail them so many times.

 

[KimR]

You might want to try taking a few of the questionaires specifically designed to helped you find a career that fits. I usually don't put much stock in tests like that for anything other than entertainment; however, I took a few when our company was going through downsizing some years ago and I found most of them to be surprisingly accurate. A good one is Myers-Briggs and I believe you can take it online for free. Good Luck!

 

[miste76]

DMickey28-
Shadow someone in the fields that you are interested in. I'm currently attending dental school, and our school rarely accepts someone that hasn't spent the time to shadow a dentist or dental specialist. I would highly suggest that you shadow someone in each field that you are interested in before you spend any money on a school.

Also, keep this in mind... there's a few different ways to choose your profession. There are people that choose their profession based on what they love doing most... and there are those that choose a profession that will afford them the opportunity to do what they love most, after they get off of work.
I choose my profession based a little on the first, but a lot on the second. I don't mind the work of a dentist... the work hours fit me well and so does the opportunity to be my own boss.

Consider all sides of the occupations before making your decision and then follow your heart!!!

 

[Ted and Holly]

Originally posted by crazelion
I knew what career I won't when my mom brought me my first computer. I went college in major in computer programming at first. Decide have through that I won't to be a troubleshooter and went end-user support. I love end user support side computers is a natural at it.

Now if I can get a job in computers that would be great. Right now not working in field I choose. I would go back for my masters but I can't write a darn.

Almost did not get undergradute degree because Comp I & II fail them so many times.

Not to hijack this thread, but you definitely DON'T need a masters in anything to do well in Technical Support. Many companies require a college degree, but not neccessarily in the computer field. Then again, I have not looked for an entry level job in computers for a long time, so I can not tell you if that has changed.

Temping and shadowing are a good idea.

I do agree, most people do not look forward to their day at work. Those that do are very lucky.

I, too would love to work for Disney. I'd like to work in the Animkal Kingdom interacting with guests. I'd really like to work in the zoology department behind the scenes and possibly work out in one of the walking trails providing information to guests.

But, that will not pay what I'd like to be paid, so I will continue what I do. I thought of trying to do some part-time weekend work, but I make it through my work week looking forward to the weekend, for fun, not work.

Ted

 

[OceanAnnie]

I came across a cool website yesterday.

www.salary.com

It has a lot of information other than salaries (learning, advice, career). Just thought I'd share. I like it.

 

[Lisa96]

DMicky28, I just spent many years going back to college for my Elementary Ed. degree, because I was stuck in a job I hated. I made my decision partly based on a review of what I felt I DID like about my job - attention to detail, the ability to pass on knowledge, being able to work on several projects at once. I also thought about what I didn't want for school work - I knew I'd be bored to death with finance classes; even though I like much of the actual work of accounting I don't like the background statistical stuff! And while I was in school myself I worked as a sub at various school levels and got input from teachers I respected & wanted to emulate. It helped a lot, as did temping at different office jobs so I could go to school full time. Temping or shadowing or getting a mentor is a great way to "try out" a career. Check out "What Color is Your Parachute" too; that is a helpful book for career decisions.

HugsforEyore, don't give up on teaching if it's something you really want to do. That experience might not have been the best fit for you - especially given that review; those areas should not have come as a surprise if a good teacher is directing you. It may be that another age group would fit you better or you just need more experience. I'd try again and look for a teacher or director who is enthusiastic about teaching you as well as the children.

 

[Morganpics]

Hehehe-I'm nearly 52 and still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up! I'll be retiring in a little over 3 years!

 

[robsmom]

I think many of us picked our major based upon what subject we liked. What I have learned as I aged is that it is more important to think about what you want to do for a job and what kind of life you want to lead than what subject interests you.

You are debating Law School versus Education:

my questions to you would be:

1. Are you married (for some reason I think you are engaged?) and do you plan to have kids. - Education is great field for a women who wants to have a family, vacations match etc. While I know that you can be a lawyer and have a family, it is a harder fit.

2. How materialistic are you - be honest with yourself. Are you going to be happy living off of a teacher's salary or do you think you will need more money than that. Again, all situations are different but you are move likely to earn a high salary with Law.

3. How do you envision your daily job. Would you be happy being around kids all day or do you envision yourself in an office enviornment. Do you want to work in a city or are you looking for a job in suburbia? How well do you handle different types of stress? The stress of kids all day versus corporate deadlines type of stress.

This is just a start, but I guess my point is to really think about what is important to you in life and than try to look for a career that will match that. This will lead you to what you should study. I totally agree with SC Minnie, make life your passion not your job. Work to live don't live to work. if you let the life you want guide you, you will be happier with your answer.