How did you choose your career?

Question

i have been thinking about this since i was the ripe old age of 7! And now im in high school and teachers are pushing us to choose classes focused on our careers. so, to experienced veterans that have been there, done that, how did you choose your career? I have lots of things im really passioniate about. Dance, Art, Music, Custom Cars, Movie Directing, Fashion design, Tattooing, Singing, Animals, Photography, etc. i really cant decide on just one, they all mean the world to me and helped me discover myself after i went through my own personal "rehab".

serious inquires only please. thanks for the help!

Answer 1

I really love animals, so when I was a child, and even up until I was a junior in high school, I was planning to become a veterinarian. So I started taking the classes I needed to get into pre-veterinary college programs, and I found out that the level of math and science classes needed was pretty intense. I was a good student but lazy; most schoolwork came easily to me, and I didn't like to study really hard. I had a younger sister with Down Syndrome, and I started volunteering in her preschool class. As it turned out, not only did I love it, but I was really good at it. So I became a special education teacher. I love my job, my students, my co-workers - it's a great situation for me. If you believe that everything in life happens for a reason, then I believe that my little sister was born into my family to lead me to my life's work, because I never would have thought of it if it hadn't been for her.
And I still have many animals in my life - cats, dogs, fish, geese, chickens, ducks, and more! - so I get to pursue my passion for animals even though it's not how I make my living.
You sound very artistic, so I would urge you to take classes in visual and performing arts. Stay open to new ideas and learn all you can in whatever classes you take. You never know what experience is going to inspire you. And don't worry if you don't know yet what you want to do with your life. Many of the people I went to college with changed their career plans during college, and as a teacher, I meet lots of people who had one or more other careers before they decided to go into teaching. Life is long, and as circumstances change, you may find yourself being drawn to things you never dreamed of. I do believe that a person should follow their passions, because it depletes your soul to do a job you hate, and it enhances your spirit to do something you love. You are lucky in that many of your interests could still be enjoyed in your leisure time no matter what line of work you get into you. Have a great year at school, and keep discovering the world and yourself.

Answer 2

I sort of fell into my career. I wanted to be a cop as I liked helping people. I found out most departments require a 4 year degree, so I went into Engineering because my Guidance Councelor told me I'd be good at it (as far as I knew, an Engineer drove a train).

I studied to be an Engineer, liked it OK, and went to work as an Engineer as I could make more in my first year than I would in my 20th year as a cop on the force I tried to join, and not get shot at.

To do it all over again, I would do one of two things.

1. Join the military, Habitat of Humanity, or something similar for a few years to "grow up" and decide what I want to do.

2. Do something related to what I like. I grew up in Alaska and loved the outdoors. To do it again, I'd to Wildlife Biology, Forestry, or something on those lines.

You said you like animals, try Biological Sciences or Zooology (sp?). You like custom cars, go to the local tech school and study auto mechanics and body work.

If you go to a 4-year college, I'd go to a larger school so you can easily change majors if needed.

Answer 3

I always thought I wanted to be a nurse or a teacher. I went to college and become and Occupational Therapist. After working at this for 12 years I had my children, went through a divorce and due to other circumstances opened a daycare in my home to be with my children.

Most people have many careers. It is important to get an education but don't feel like you are going to be "stuck" for the rest of your life.

Answer 4

from the laundry list of passionate things you provided, I am very sure you are a right-brain person. this means that you should leverage on your natural ability to be creative. do not go to a right-brain career such as financial analysis, research, science,etc. i suggest you go for something you are good at and are passionate about. try photography, dance, advertising, directing, etc.

Answer 5

Photography is good, its a profesional job also you can enjoy travelling and seeing and capturing different types of people and cultures. Its interesting. Good luck !