Deciding where I want to take my life?

[mbd]

A lot of the advice here is good and doesn't need to be repeated. I'd add a couple more points;

- Don't choose money over interest/passion. I.e., don't choose one career just because it will make more money than another that is genuinely more interesting for you. I'm 35 now and worked for five years doing a job that paid well but made me absolutely miserable. It took way too long for me to change paths and do something that paid half as much but was interesting, rewarding and sometimes even fun. I've never regretted making the move, though having the extra money and the rewarding job sure would be nice too .

- Do stay true to yourself - have a good think about what *you* enjoy, and not what your parents say you should do, or what you feel society regards as the right thing to do. It's easy to start pursuing careers based on what is perceieved by others as the recipe for a successful life.

- Don't worry too much about it. You're young and have plenty of opportunities ahead of you. You can't be expected to be able to make all the right decisions at this point, and you probably won't. Don't fret too much though, things have a tendency to work out, and sometimes failing to achieve what you're trying to do can lead you to even better and more rewarding alternatives.

 

[Lazarus Short]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pezzy I dont know if its the same in the US, but plumbing/electricians in AUS earn alot of money.

I second that! Here in the US, plumbers and electricians are getting older and retiring. That makes room for new blood. In the 1960's so many people wanted to go to college, rather than take up a trade. Now the chickens are coming home to roost, and many college grads are in for bleak prospects. The trades are shining again. I just wish I were young again...

Laz

 

[joneeboi]

A lot of people I have met say how chance had a lot to do with their current careers, just like bahamaman became a teacher. The same happened with my current pastor. He was a 3-month-old follower of Christ who wasn't participating in church at all. One day, the guest-speaking pastor's wife had an accident and he had to go to the hospital. Out of the blue, they ask my pastor to preach, no training, no warning. He did, and suddenly just got all these opportunities out of nowhere. Now he's with my church

I mean, with Bill Gates, what if he just stuck with school and stayed there and didn't strike when his OS was needed? He dropped out around third year at Harvard, right? It was just chance that he gave up his entire academic career on one sale. As they say, the rest is history.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bahamaman 2. markl's advice is just sooo accurate. I am maybe that one person in a hundred that actually loves his work. Even so, I cannot wait until I'm able to retire. Because, for me, work ought never be more than a vehicle to improve the quality of life one has with one's family.

One in a hundred is probably exaggerated, but you aren't far off the mark.

For me, I can't imagine what life would be like without work, but then again, I enjoy my work (scientific research) and I'm something of a workaholic.

I'd go crazy if I stopped working completely!

-Matt