Is it normal to not know what I want to do with my life at 19???

Question

I am so stessed out. I can't figure out what I want to do. My major changes every week. I'm scewing up in school, too, because I'll take classes that I think i'll be interested in and end up dropping them because I don't like them. I've been to 2 community colleges and I don't like either one. I also don't want to dorm because it's not for me. Plus I'd just be wasting money. I'm taking next fall off because I can't stand to lose more time or money. Please help-- Is this normal?? I'm 19.

Answer 1

My sister is having the EXACT same problem, but she's 20. She was also planning on taking the fall off, but I talked her out of it, because I was afraid she wouldn't go back. What I told her is, don't stress out too much about your major... for example, just because you major in accounting doesn't mean you have to be an accountant. Honestly, it's just the diploma that will open all the doors. For example, I did an internship last summer at Bell Helicopter in Industrial Engineering, yet only about 1 in 4 people in the department had that actual degree.

Try and examine your interests outside of school too. Do you like to volunteer? Maybe you would enjoy doing social work. Do you like to work out? Maybe you'd like a degree in Exercise and Sports Nutrition, etc.

Also, a huge resource most people don't take advantage of until the semester they graduate is their school's Career Center. Drop in. They have all kinds of career and interests surveys that might trigger something you'll love doing.

Just don't get too bogged down in the actual classes. Try and find a major where you at least half way enjoy the classes, and then concentrate on finding your dream job, rather than your dream major. Good luck!

Answer 2

I think taking some time off is a very good idea.

As an educator, I run into students with this problem quite often. I usually try to encourage them to take a year to work and/or travel.

However, the other thing I advise is to stop thinking of university as a "Career boutique"; you do not have to study something that will lead directly to a profession, you can (and should) study things that just peak your interest at that moment in time.

Look into auditing courses as well; that can often be a great way to find out about things without having to spend a lot of money, or having to worry about good results for your transcript.

Answer 3

What's wrong with being a Virgin?... the fact she isn't just giving it out all the time, and in this case hasn't given it out at all shows that she does have some self respect for herself.. and isn't a whore at least make your first time special, and hopefully with someone you at least kind of love (assuming you can't wait until your married).. otherwise you'll feel used, dirty, and like a whore.. for your age, 19, I'd say you've done a lot less than most girls your age considering the generation we live in.. considering you don't have a boyfriend, your sex life is fine. maybe masturbate more if you feel horny, use a vibrator or maybe a cucumber its not a rush, and sex isn't something that should be taken casually... not only do i believe it should be considered a special act between loving partners, but there are always the chances of pregnancy, and diseases...

Answer 4

Well, once you figure out which major you want, then you will be required to take some classes that you don't like! You need to finish some of these classes, it will help you to decide your major! You sound like you've been spoiled all your life. How are you just going to quit 2 different colleges just because you don't like them!? Yeah, live in the real world without a degree, owing your dept from these different colleges.....you'll be back real soon, well, if your parents don't pay it for you!

Answer 5

Yes, it's totally normal. Cut yourself a bit of slack, first and foremost. I think taking some time off would probably be a good idea, because you're stressing yourself way out with this notion that you're supposed to have your whole life planned by 19.

Here's the thing: it's your life. You can do whatever you want with it, regardless of what you think society or your friends or your parents or whomever expects you to do. Your life. Not theirs. You're at a terrific age where you have a whole lot of choices in front of you, and you're still young enough that even if you screw up, chances are good that the damage won't be irreversible. Hell, screwing up a few times will probably do you a world of good, as those times will help you figure out what you *don't* want to do.

Take some time off, figure out what you really want in life, and make it happen. You can totally do it. Good luck. :)

Answer 6

that is completely normal at your age. you need to calm down take a little breather. find something you relly like to do and figure out how to make a career out of it. then decide what degree, etc. will best fit said feild. and if your not sure get a part or full time job for a bit get some experience. decitions made in hast often end up a wast. i wish you the best of luck

Answer 7

Very normal. Just take the classes that you have to take the basic requirements first. You will discover what you like and are really good in. When you have taken all the basic requirements then pick a major. You will probably be ready by then.

Answer 8

totally normal to have no clue. many of us went straight from HS to college, majored in something, never worked in our major and then in our 30s or 40s had an AHA! moment and decided what we "wanted to be when we grow up."

if you're not ready, just get a job until you figure it out. usually getting a job will show you want you DON'T want, and that really helps you figure out what you do want.

save as much money as possible. don't waste time in school until it's not time wasted.

Answer 9

This is normal. Especially in this day and age. Unfortunately, you may have to choose a college education/career path that you may not be in love with but will offer you some stability. I'd recommend engineering or medical fields of some type or some sort of urban/city planning degree. Possibly even funeral services management etc if you're morbid enough to deal with it. Things are always going to be designed and built. We're always going to need a better bomb/way of killing people (engineer). People will always get sick (medical). New cities will always be developed (civics/planning) - People will always die (funeral svc)

Answer 10

Don't freak out, that is totally normal. Most people in college goes in thinking they are going to be something but then it changes. You're just testing your wings and trying to determine what you want to be in life. Take your semester off to do a little soul searching and see where your interests lie.