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November, 2024

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How do you find what career/major you want and what you want to do in life

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Spic-N-SpaN
Posts: 2002 - Karma: 1,465
I'm so lost.
Apr 26 2013 8:20PM
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MilaKunis
Posts: 1480 - Karma: 3,646
Take classes. Do internships. Shadow people who have jobs that you are interested in.
Apr 26 2013 8:23PM
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Petey.
Posts: 5736 - Karma: 4,885
Lots of people take a bit longer to figure it out man. Most people change it halfway through anyways, don't sweat it. I took a year off after high school because I couldn't make a solid decision.

Ended up taking some gen eds at a community college so I could save money when I finally went to a university. In taking those, I found out I really had an interest in Sociology so I claimed that as my major and I'm scheduled to graduate in 3 weeks! I'm stoked because you have a lot of options with a major like Soc.

Don't try and rush it just because you feel behind in the process either. You really gotta make sure it's something you can handle for 4 years of college, and then potentially the remainder of your working life. Good luck
Apr 26 2013 8:26PM
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myllhouse
Posts: 1064 - Karma: 2,157


Find your thing... and dew you
Apr 26 2013 8:27PM
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.Jacob
Posts: 1838 - Karma: 1,160
Ouija board.
Apr 26 2013 8:31PM
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SurfaceHoar
Posts: 311 - Karma: 240
Follow your heart brah!


Apr 26 2013 8:31PM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,411
I'm not gonna lie, that's actually a pretty fucking awesome commercial.
Apr 26 2013 8:32PM
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Balbertt
Posts: 1585 - Karma: 4,723
.
Apr 26 2013 9:09PM
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Stose
Posts: 7109 - Karma: 4,123
Go to college, take some classes in fields you might be interested in because they offer so much more than highschool and find something you like. Stay open to opportunities
Apr 26 2013 9:31PM
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johnnyBuz
Posts: 1438 - Karma: 1,270
I always liked watching the stock market and I just got a job offer doing stock market research so I'm on Cloud fucking 9 right now. But think about what you are passionate about and what kind of job you could see yourself doing and then choose a major that best positions yourself to get there.
Apr 26 2013 9:44PM
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whoa-dere
Posts: 10596 - Karma: 7,105
i've always liked tech stuff so i'm planning to do mechanical engineering, probably specialize in mechatronics because that's mechanical with a bit of electrical and computer engineering thrown in. gonna be in the automotive industry.

cars and boats and planes man!
Apr 26 2013 10:19PM
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BertBoyd
Posts: 734 - Karma: 2,253
Try and make a career out of what you love, I love animation. I want to be an animator
Apr 26 2013 10:21PM
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soulskier
Posts: 17806 - Karma: 3,841
What career would you pick if money didn't matter?
Apr 26 2013 10:23PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 5,400
Ski. Seriously. Take a year and move somewhere with awesome skiing. Whats the point of Going to college when you have no clue what you want to do and all you get is a degree that says your qualified in something and  tens of Thousands of dollars in debt?
If you have a general idea of what you want do then go for it but way too many people are getting fucked over out there with debt from College.
And there is always the military. That looks good on a resume too.
Apr 26 2013 10:23PM
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Yeah I'm doing the skiing thing and its working out pretty awesomely. I'm doing it for a more extensive time though due to wanting to ski till something breaks like my knees.
Apr 26 2013 10:28PM
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scratchproteen
Posts: 5173 - Karma: 286
Dude you have to just let it come to you...one day you just know...not saying its going to happen tomorrow, or 23 years from now...but one day you will know. I know a guy who has been a semi truck driver, to exterminator, to high school science teacher ( seriously went to college about 13 years after graduating high school to become a teacher ) I had him my junior year awesome guy.
Apr 26 2013 10:40PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
lol...yeah, maybe with a PhD in soc. otherwise your options are being poor or being poor. no hate intended - just seems to be the case with everyone i know with a soc degree sans PhD.
Apr 26 2013 11:19PM
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Dingo69
Posts: 1330 - Karma: -171
Poles or no poles
Apr 26 2013 11:22PM
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scrambledeggs
Posts: 380 - Karma: -1,291
never be afraid to switch majors if you find something you like more. follow your heart.
Apr 26 2013 11:27PM
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panojibber.
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 683
Came in here to post this, it really is the answer though. Chase your dream, do something you love in school, and try to make a career out of it. If it doesn't work out you can always go back to school and get a job you hate that pays well. But don't sell yourself short by going straight for the money and the security. That won't make you happy.
Apr 26 2013 11:27PM
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ilikefood
Posts: 391 - Karma: 769
College/University is not trade school. You go to a post secondary academic institution to broaden your horizons and to learn how to learn.
If you want a job straight out of college, don't go. Go to trade school instead.

If you are going to go to college, study what interests you. For many people, college is the only time in their life they really have the freedom to do what they love.
Apr 26 2013 11:56PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
I'm thinking of a career change right now actually. So far, Astronaut, King, and old time survey'r are on top of my list. I figure if I become an Astronaut it'd help me get the money I need to go out and do some old fashioned surveying... once I've been to space and discovered some uncharted lands that even Google Earth hasn't found, how could they not crown me King?

My plan can't fail.




Seriously though - a few people have already mentioned it: what would you do if money wasn't the motivator?/What do you love to do with your spare time? If you truly have no idea, don't go to school, it'd be the biggest waste of time and money you could possibly do. Just roll with it and see where life takes you.
Apr 27 2013 12:33AM
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DirkaDirka
Posts: 298 - Karma: 1,079
Had no idea what I wanted to do while I was in college, graduated college, moved to Breckenridge for a season, moved back east after that season, still didn't know what I wanted to do, moved out to Tahoe, and this is my 3rd season here. Don't feel rushed. Most of my friends (26 yrs old) still don't know what they want to do and have been working miserable cubicle jobs for the last 4 years while I have been living my life the way I always wanted to.

Only now am I starting to feel the urge to hop into the professional/business world at the age of 26. What am I gonna do? Who knows. Apply for a bunch of marketing and hospitality jobs in the SF bay area, work a 5 day week like normal people, but still have a blast on the weekends out here in California and Tahoe. I still probably won't know what I want to do until a year from now once I get my feet wet in the business world and try a career or two. The point is, don't sweat it. Take your time and your time will come eventually where you know you want to start pursuing a certain job or lifestyle. Enjoy yourself in the meantime.

Also, another piece of advice, if you're gonna live the dream and ski for a couple of years in order to prolong the "real world", try to build a resume while you're doing it, even in the smallest of ways. Example: get a job at the front desk of a resort on the mountain or in town instead of being a lifty. Nothing wrong with being a lift, I was one for my first season out west, but you want to continuously move forward in any way possible with the future in mind. Hope this helps.
Apr 27 2013 12:39AM
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saxon
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 551
when you figure out the answer, let me know as well.

idk man, just gotta feel it out. take classes, try different jobs...get a feel for what interests you and what doesn't.
Apr 27 2013 12:48AM
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Lt-Aldo-Raine
Posts: 2309 - Karma: 120
Tons of great advice in here. I was in your shoes a couple years ago. I took a year off after highschool and one day it came to me. Im now learning to become a carpenter. I havent been in a class room for months, a lot of the stuff we do is at a persons house in the communtiy. I dont mind waking up at 7 everyday for class, its great.
Apr 27 2013 12:54AM
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49566738265
Posts: 0 - Karma: 7,704
Same job I have now. Or something in the skydiving or skiing realm would be sweet as well.
Apr 27 2013 1:23AM
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RimJobber
Posts: 3313 - Karma: 10,058
It'll come. I was in mining engineering this year (freshman) and I thought it sounded fun and interesting when I signed up, but then realized it was a lot of computer and desk work. Im switching into geology next year because its outside, more hands on and just more exciting to me. I hated classes this last year and didnt like school at all, so hopefully this will help and get me going! Its also pretty cool to nerd out on rocks when I go for dirtbike rides haha
Apr 27 2013 1:24AM
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Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
I'm in the same boat. My plan right now is business school and intl business and hopefully intern then land a job at a snow insduatry company.. But I'm taking aome ecology courses at CC and I am really interested in that as well so I really don't know.
Apr 27 2013 1:27AM
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Dr.Gonzo
Posts: 2552 - Karma: 87
I think that personally I need to study what I want (Ie: English, Philosophy and Economics) or im not going to have the drive to get a job.
Apr 27 2013 1:37AM
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RimJobber
Posts: 3313 - Karma: 10,058
Yeah, I live in Nevada so I could maybe get a job as a geologist in a mine.
I was probably gonna go for my masters though.
Im gonna minor in hydrogeology which will help too
Apr 27 2013 1:43AM
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Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
Just curious what jobs are there in that field of study other than a teacher or economist?
Apr 27 2013 1:44AM
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Spic-N-SpaN
Posts: 2002 - Karma: 1,465
I actually did take a year and a half off to ski, thinking one day I'd figure it out. Learned a little bit about myself but haven't really found out anything I can make use of.

I found I like to ride powder over park, I like the more "outdoors-y-ness" of it. Like to think of myself as a machine and fuel it properly and keeping it in working order. I bought a guitar and even though I suck its fun learning. I got obsessed with those Jung personality profile things. I like buying new things and selling old things on craigslist/eBay/ns/pinkbike. I like to go on long bike rides and listen to comedy podcasts. I like spending time with my dog. I don't like working on an assembly line like I currently do to make money. I like coming up with ideas that I think would improve our town. I like the idea of being able to work on my own stuff (car, bike, ect) but in the end always think its better to take it to a real mechanic or specialist. I like hanging out, mostly off to the side observing but budding in every one and again. I like making people laugh. I like exploring. I like reading articles about something really weird and out there and interesting, about somewhere I don't know much about then even better. I like the idea of being well read, but can't finish a book before setting it down, forgetting about it and starting a new one 6 months later.

I like making shit threads and then making long rambling posts.
Apr 27 2013 1:54AM
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Spic-N-SpaN
Posts: 2002 - Karma: 1,465
What sort of jobs are out there for Philosophy majors? That would be something I'd at least like to take a couple of classes in.

Thizzle I also took some ecology classes (but in high school) and think its fascinating, but I'm not sure how into it you can get and what sort of jobs there are for it.

As a kid I really liked building things and through high school thought mechanical engineering would be cool but I don't think I could tollerate the sitting in a cubicle all day part of it.
Apr 27 2013 2:02AM
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Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
Yeah I think it's kind of limited to being a researcher/educator.. But maybe some interesting jobs in researching for logging companies and stuff like that. I honesty think I may enjoy being an ecologist and staying in Montana after I finish school there, just being outside all the time and doing research for a school or company and not making much money but enough to snowboard and stay in the outdoors all the time.
But then I think business school and intl business would be a more lucrative field while also getting to travel and stuff.
Apr 27 2013 2:07AM
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EmperorKuzco
Posts: 6660 - Karma: 254
Fuck yea. I feel like peeps are always like "omg you're not in an exact major and shityou re not getting a job straight of college. Like fuck you know I'm gong to college to study the shit I want to study like English and history and then afterwards ill consider a career paths which can be soo many. I'd much rather take a great writer and one who can analyze shit well which English and history are able to offer then some duche who was a business major and shit. If this makes no sense at all like at all I apologize I'm pretty drunk and I'm hoping autocorrect is helping me out
Apr 27 2013 2:18AM
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Bachto
Posts: 400 - Karma: 954
I'm honestly in the same boat as you, I graduate in like exactly a month and I have avery vague idea what i want to do. My plan is to go to a CC for a year then transfer to a University and get my business management degree. then just take a year off and go work at a resort and just ski a shit ton for like a year,100% sure i want to do that either like my mind is thinking about all the possibilities i can do. Although that is the one I'm going to stick with for now. Honestly i'm just gunna take it year by year.
Apr 27 2013 3:38AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
eh I spent my whole first year in college thinking I wanted to be a physical therapist. after the first semester and a half I got burnt out on science (which is kinda important in that field) and decided I wanted to be in marketing and I loved it. I would suggest going to college and just seeing what interests you and you think you could do for a living. I mean science and math interest me but I don;t see myself in those fields. Business to me is something I could really see myself doing for a living.
Apr 27 2013 3:55AM
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Chunter
Posts: 2050 - Karma: 1,894
I love this thread. I wanna do something medical but can't pin point it at all. There are so many jobs people never think of that would be cool, it's just hard to study towards something you don't know exists at this moment.
Apr 27 2013 4:23AM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
My chemistry teacher junior year in high school. I was the typical hate school kid but i tended to do well in math and science. Thing is, i hated science classes i had taken in the past and didnt want to go into math. Junior year i had to take chemistry and my teacher was the chillest guy on earth. Honestly made the material in the class just click for me and i fell in love. I just finished up my 1st year in chemical engineering at my university and am still going strong and enjoying the major eventhough its a pain in the ass at times.
Apr 27 2013 5:18AM
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ggfski42
Posts: 651 - Karma: 700
Like everyone said before, just be patient and don't let opportunities pass you buy. I started college in Civil Engineering, but now i work in conservation! You will know when the time is right grasshopper.
Apr 27 2013 8:40AM
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7springsprod
Posts: 2661 - Karma: 3,181
An introductory flight lesson was all it took for me. A year and a half ago and I now have my private pilot license, and my instrument in a month or 2. All before I head off for college!
Apr 27 2013 9:02AM
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t-roy
Posts: 4041 - Karma: 52
If you are interested in biology and chemistry and anatomy, then consider fields like physical therapy, chiropractic, optometry, pharmacy, etc. They require a lot of school but not compared to full medical school. You make great money when you are done and you have a good job without much stress. I go to work everyday and I don't even feel like it's work.
Apr 27 2013 9:04AM
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coolflash8
Posts: 3171 - Karma: 2,048
Op I feel the same way. I graduate hs in June and have no idea what I want to do.with my life. I have a gap year lined up so that should help, and I'm into a good school. But I still feel lost
Apr 27 2013 9:42AM
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CashmereCat
Posts: 2211 - Karma: 2,394
Scroll through here, literally every job ever I think; bls.gov/oco
Apr 27 2013 9:54AM
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LIL_WAT
Posts: 1900 - Karma: 475
A year off makes all the difference, man. You have nothing to worry about!
Apr 27 2013 10:15AM
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casanova.
Posts: 110 - Karma: 72
Learn to love money. Then, pick the job that gives you the most money and you'll be happy.

Srs
Apr 27 2013 11:10AM
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pomme-de-terre
Posts: 3915 - Karma: 703
people always say "what would you do if money wasnt a factor?" when trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives and i personally think that is the stupidest thing ever.

"if money was no factor" i would spend 20 hours of each day completely coked out of mind laying on a bed of supermodels and champagne. i would live in monaco, wear nothing that wasnt either fur or leather and drive a fleet of exotic supercars. i would deep-sea fish with dynamite and do whatever it took to have sex in space.

obviously, none of those things are conducive to me not starving to death from un-employment.

so i was all ready to go to school to become a pharmacist, then i realized "man, this shit is fucking boring and i fucking hate it" and i thought about the things i like, mostly drinking and abusing women, and then it came to me.

i like fixing cars, actually,i love fixing cars. i was putting together this old BMW and when i was all done and ready to put the car on the road i was bummed. because i had enjoyed fixing it more than i enjoyed driving it (probably because it was so fucking slow) so after some other things happened i actually ended up getting a job as a janitor. which sucked and is completely irrelevant.

but just for a little bit, because then i went to automotive school,which also sucked, terribly. i hated it and every minute of my life. BUT while i was there i started working at a BMW performance shop. we built race cars. it was awesome. while i was there i realized how necessary and helpful my school was, so i signed up for more. i went through Ford training, then i got accepted into a BMW dealer-technician certification program called STEP. now, in just a month or two at the age of 20 i am going to be finishing school and starting an honest-to-god career that i am actually excited about.


so thats my story, i hope it helps because i have no real advice to give. i still honestly have no fucking idea what i am doing and i am only 20 years old. i ate oreos for breakfast this morning.
Apr 27 2013 11:49AM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,011
you're looking at the exercise wrong. Kind of a Office Space thing going on here. "You don't need a mission bucks to do nothing..."

Myself for example. Skiing is what I am truly passionate about. I have set my life up so it revolves around skiing. Work my ass off from May to October and ski my ass off from November to April. Obviously I can't just ski for a living, but I can set my life up in a way that allows me to ski all winter.

You actually want to move to Monaco and become a fancy car driving, deep sea fishing, coke fiend? Find the best job that allows you to do that. Something in the oil industry would probably work for that, or get a service/bar job in Monaco and make crazy tips to allow you to make it rain.

If those don't work out you could be the guide for a deep sea fishing company, a fancy car salesman, a coke dealer, a pimp, get into making your own wine, etc... From your little fantasy there are many options for jobs that all fit around what you want to do. (Even if this isn't actually what you want to do and you're just trying to be a smart ass).
Apr 27 2013 12:25PM
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Spic-N-SpaN
Posts: 2002 - Karma: 1,465
Honestly this sounds awesome. I always thought it would be cool to be able to work on my own stuff but I'm always worried I'll mess something up

I thought I wanted to go to school to be a mechanical engineer but thought about sitting in a cubical on a computer constantly. That seems doable but does sound like "wow that would be awesome and I can't wait to go to work everyday"
It might beat out doing certain other stuff though.
Apr 28 2013 5:21PM
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shocker611
Posts: 2599 - Karma: 423
honestly I always knew I wanted to do something in medicine. So of course when I was younger that automatically meant be a doctor. Then when I got older I realized I liked inventing stuff and innovation. Put the two together and you get biomedical engineering and here I am in my junior year loving it!
Apr 28 2013 5:34PM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
To all those who say "do what yo love, etc ,etc"....open your fucking eyes a little bit. College is a very large investment. Coming out with a relatively useless major (ex: english, sociology, etc) might be interesting to study, but you will have a very low paying job to pay off that extremely high tuition. Minor in something you like.

If you dont major in a STEM major you fucked up. As hard as it is, and as much as you don't actually want to go into one of those fields, they are the highest paying jobs and are very very attractive to employers.

As a finance/economic major, im sure I could get any job over a communications major regardless of what field it is in.

OP, really consider a STEM major. KEep your grades above 3.3ish and you will be fine. Everyone figures there shit out.
Apr 28 2013 6:26PM
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