What do you do for a living?
Pretty much it.
I'm a senior in high school and a question that is talked about almost everyday is 'what are you going to do after school' 'what do you want to do with the rest of your life'

To me, that is a huge freakin' question, and I for one, have no clue.
So, Ladies and Gents,

What is your occupation?
Do you enjoy it?
If no, why?
Did you go to college?

Caio.

 

You will find that the opportunities are far greater with a degree. This will also give you time to decide meaning you can take general studies for a while and get them out of the way as you are deciding on a major. As far as what profession, you need to choose something that interests you and what you feel will keep your interests for quite some time. There is a ton of variety on this forum when it comes to occupations.

Good Luck!

 

What is your occupation? Retired from the military after 26+ years. Now a civilian contractor (Field Engineer) working for the government (2 paychecks - 2 Crossfires! Coincidence???)

Do you enjoy it? Yes. Doing work that helps the troops in the field.
If no, why? n/a
Did you go to college? Yes.

Caio. - Learned that and more while stationed in Italy!

 

Pick something that interests you, and go with that. if that doesn't keep your interest, change it. Nobody says you have to pick one thing and that's the end of it. Get an education, so you can think for your self. Notice the separated words. get experience doing alot of things. You'll find out really fast what you do and don't like-especially about what you don't! Be kind to people-they'll be your greatest asset. And even if they're not you'll find you are proud you took the high road-it leads to greater satisfaction. By all means, have fun. That doesn't mean to party all the time-it means just that-have fun in what you're doing. Finally, do what suits you-not what you think somebody else thinks would suit you. You'll drown in despair if you do. Oh. and read Desiderata-google it and read it at least twice a year. Google it. you'll find it it changes your life. au revoir.

 

I have a few things in mind that I would like to do.
I just don't want to go to college for a few years and change my career! agh!

 

People change their minds and careers. It's OK. You have received wonderful advice from very good people. Go to school, but there is no rule that you have to go to school right out of high school. However, once out of high school, find a job and work so you can appreciate what an education can do for you.

Decide if you want to go into the trades or other professional careers. Don't forget about the trades, from tool and die, to mechanics to mortuary services.
Look to the future markets. What careers are going to be in demand 4-5 years from now. Right now, nursing and teaching are big, not that I would recommend these fields, but there are jobs.
Look to what interests you. Many years ago, I was glued to the tv watching Marcus Welby, Emergency One, Joe Gannon (I forgot the name of the show. These shows influenced me. So where am I today:

I'm a diabetologist, or diabetes doc. I went to 4 years of college, 4 years of med school, 3 years of residency and 2 years of fellowship. I'm still studying and just took another set of boards in July.
Do I like what I do. Yes, but there are aspects of what I do that I don't like, but I am doing what I was destined to do. I'm on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because I'm a single specialty physician. So, getting away to have fun in my Crossfire is difficult at times. But, I own two Crossfires and am looking for the third. Some people have a lot of shoes, I want a Crossfire for different occasions.

Good luck to you in your future decisions. Don't let those questions about what you are going to do bother you. People are just curious. Be honest, and if you don't know, just say that you are still searching for the right direction.

Jane M. Bridges MD

 

This advice, unlike most, is worth more than you are paying for it. I wish more young folks would ask this question more often.

Engineer/Physicist. I keep a particle accelerator laboratory running. Despite professors and grad students!

One of my favorite sayings is:

Advice is usually worth exactly what you paid for it.

 

Hey Tighed.... Where were you at in Italy. I was in Brindisi for 2.5 years. 3 years in Germany (Stuttguart), 1.5 years Okinawa, 1.5 years Japan, 1 year middle east (Desert Storm).

Currently I am a Sr. Software Engineer/Program Manager working as a contractor for the Air Force. Love my job, or I would be doing something else.

 

Whatever you do and where ever you go is basically up to you, good or bad.
I believe that it is a lot easier if you start with a good wife/ significant other and stay with her. No split families and no split incomes. The rest is gravy.
If her family has money, the gravy's much nicer. (joke)

 

Interesting thread.

Graphic artist (and former military brat that swore to my father I'd never join up yet ironically I keep ending up on DoD and Federal related assignments. My Dad gets great enjoyment out of that, lol!)

Absolutely LOVE my job

Four years of college - separated in twos by about a decade. A series of opportunities came about that allowed me to return and finish my degree allowing me to finally have an art career - didn't start out that way though.


Life is constantly changing - many opportunities come and go. One chance occurrence can send your life in a whole new direction if you are willing to be flexible. "Seize the day" may be cliched but it is a good phrase to guide your life. Events that may seem catastrophic at the time can lead to the best things in your life if you are willing to learn and grow and look for that day to seize.

Although some people may have always known what they wanted to be when they "grew up", most of us are flying by the seat of our pants. Please don't think that you have to make a decision and forever stick to it. It's far better to be happy then to be rigidly ensconced in a plan that brings little to no pleasure to your life.

And another cliche - it's NEVER too late to change, my life to date is constant proof of that. And I have come to the age or rather to the wisdom that happiness is truly the thing worth having - your own and the happiness of those you love. So do what brings joy to you and fear not if it takes time to figure it out. It takes time (and many different paths) for most of us. Enjoy!

 

What a great question, congrats on being open enough to ask it. Jane hit the nail on the head when she said you're getting some good advice from alot of good people. Notice the pattern it. My suggestion is to take it. relax. You'll find what you want. It may take years, but that's ok too-it'll be a heckuva ride. It really doesn't matter what I do, or Jane does, or anybody else. It's for them-at that moment of their lives, until it isn't. But start somewhere, that road will lead in all sorts of directions. Backtracking really is ok. read Dr. Seuss, "Oh the places you'll go" it's for young adults just like you. me too at times as a good reminder.

 

Network Administrator - mostly the hardware end of the job. I've been fixing stuff all my life. Started with copiers (the days of liquid toners & zinc-coated paper), moved to printers & then mid-range & mainframe IBM's, DEC's, ***** (loved working on ***** - "whatta mean your **** is down. Don't worry, I'll get it back up again!"), Sun & other obscure crap no one remembers any more. Got laid off after 16 yrs. at my last company, found a small firm where my wide-ranging skills were needed & voila': Network Admin.!

And I LOVE my job! Great people & a great firm with mucho plenty of challenges every day. I'm not sitting around punching code or staring at a monitor day in & day out. Getting laid off or canned is the last thing I worry about. The pay won't make me a millionaire but at 55 yrs. old I'm comfortable, happy, needed & still have a blast. And that's worth something at ANY age & with any job.

If you don't like what you're doing for a living, change it. It makes no sense to work in a field or for a company that drives you crazy. Honestly, if this present job wasn't satisfying & I didn't have bills to pay I'd consider finding something in geology or history or heck, even building canoes would be cool. You'll be surprised just how long you'll live & how many years pass before you know it.

No matter how hard you try "things" will occur that, when you look back, seem almost inevitable: a girlfriend suddenly a wife, kids, house, parents passing away, friends coming & going, bills & more bills & somewhere in there a job or, at best, a career.

Since you're going to be spending at least 8 hrs. a day doing something it's best to do something that you enjoy!

Did I go to college: yup, but didn't finish. Neither my folks nor myself could continue to afford it. I was planning on being a meteorologist, que sera sera.

My dad gave me book when I was a teenager, darned if I can remember the author though Steinbeck comes to mind, where the main character is given some advice from his father: Marry a good woman; never get put in jail & never knowingly go insane.

The good woman will help balance you & carry you through the tough times.
Being exposed to jail puts you in the position of losing control of your life.
Letting yourself go crazy allows the real you to disappear.

Sounds silly, I know. Still great advice!

 

As usual, well said, sir !!

 

I'm 21 years old. I graduated from college last semester with my Graphic Design certificate. Now I'm taking some Web Design classes.

I'm a freelance Graphic and Web Designer and Photographer (aspiring photog anyway).

I also count cards on the side....long story lol

 

There is tacit difference between career fulfillment and career stability of course, but our daddies would always tell us to be certain, "get into something where the customer MUST eventually come to you". That would narrow it down - metaphorically speaking - to the hospital, the gas station and the grocery store.

Sound advice indeed. Fulfilling yet recession-proof careers are abundant in the fields of health care, energy and the agro-businesses.

 

Finance.

Don't get too caught up on what high school told you, post-secondary isn't always necessary to become vastly successful. Figure out your goal, and lay out a plan to get there. Personally post-secondary isn't in my plan and I aim to semi-retire when I'm 30.

 

Program Manager
Yes
Yes

 

Electronic Technician and Technician Supervisor - 29 years

Quote:

Do you enjoy it?

Overall, yes. Supervising people in a small southern company is not easy, but I like the cutomer and technical aspects of the job.

Quote:

Did you go to college?

I earned my degree, that is, graduated in June of this year.

I got into this field when an FCC license determined who got hired. Times changed and, for various reasons, I went back to school and LOVED IT! I am sorry it's over.

In general: you will go farther, have more opportunities, and be taken more seriously with a degree. Get a degree. I have a friend with a Geology degree (Master's). He worked in geology 5 years and for the past 25 years has been working in I.T. Just this summer, he changed jobs to an administrative position in a hospital - all because he has a good track record and a Master's in Geology.

Get a degree!

 

I work as a civil designer, its a little more advanced than a CADD drafter. I work for the largest transportation company in the world. Civil meaning roads and highways, along with the other stuff like drainage, traffic, landscaping. I took drafting in high school, graduated in 2005, started taking CADD classes in community college, got offered an internship, turned into full time, now I've been here for 3.5 years, still going to school at nights for Civil Engineering. I have friends that graduated with me and went straight to a 4 year school for engineering and are about to graduate this winter, but have no where near the job experience or income now. I think that going to school part time while working is extremely hard. my days are from 8:30am to 10:30pm work and school. But after I finish I will already have about 6 years experience in engineering, design and drafting, as apposed to a fresh engineer with no experience but classtime. If i could go back would I go to a 4 year school? I dont think so. I would rather have my Crossfire and my first house at the age of 22. And with my work experience, I will be making the same as an entry level engineer. I would not recommend not going to school right after high school. There is much more chance you will slack off and it will set you back.

 

My Father was a Civil Engineer. What transportation company do you work for?