help, i am not sure what to do with my life and seeking guidance in how people found what carreer paths to tak

Answer 1

Well, experimenting, truly. Over the years - post high school to now - I've worked professionally for a newspaper, so I went to college for photojurnalism. Then I took a sociology course and got hooked. I have a sociology degree. I drove school bus while my spouse was in grad school, and was so impressed by the kids (college town kids are a whole different breed) that I got my teaching license and taught history and at risk students. Then, due to a job transfer for spouse, I ended up working for a living history museum and now I go to historical events as an historical interpreter. I also run a millinery business, thanks to my museum experiences.

I'd say try something out - if you don't like it, you can move to something else. I've read most people change their careers up to four times.

Good luck - find something you love doing, and do it. And don't take as long as I did getting to that point. Or maybe do so - you'll enjoy the experiences along the way.

Answer 2

This worked for me: your mileage may vary.

Think back to when you were a little kid. What did you want to be when you grew up? For me, I wanted to command a star ship and warp my way around the galaxy like Captain Kirk. Now, I realize that's completely out of the question at this stage of history, but in the U.S., we have a space program -- it's the next best thing to Star Fleet, right?

Becoming a Space Shuttle pilot or commander would have required a very long hitch in the military. That really wasn't what I had in mind for myself and was not a commitment I was prepared to make, so I got a job with an aerospace contractor that operated flight simulators for NASA. I learned a lot of valuable skills there, and occasionally got to work in the simulators for the Space Shuttle, and subsequently for other kinds of aircraft, too.

The skills translated into a wonderfully rewarding career in information technology, and now I work for a major technology company where I find myself challenged daily to stretch my mind and constantly expand my horizons.

I don't write this to brag, but to explain the process that worked for me. The important thing is to start with your biggest, hairiest dream, investigate what that would take, and then start making choices that take you in that direction. You're sure to find something that you love to do at some point in that process. And the great thing is that if you feel as though you've started down a path that's not working for you, you can always change the road you're on. Anytime you can change your consciousness/thoughts about what you're doing, you can change your entire life!

Answer 3

I'm a senior in college, about to graduate, and facing that very same dilemma. I can't offer an answer, I believe that there are as many correct answers as there are people. But I can tell you some of the things I am considering, ways to discover it, and probably even more important, things you can do in the meantime that might help you decide.
One of the smartest men I ever met said to me "there is no calling except _the_ calling". I think what he was getting at is that you probably wont ever have a moment of clarity when your one and true path through life is shown to you from on high. Someone else suggested "Its easy to be ok with what you are doing so long as you love who you are doing" A little crude, but probably also true. A happy and fulfilling life involves much more than a career.
That said, it might be worth your while to really investigate what you enjoy. Dont limit it to school subjects, but something other than "tv and the top 40 station". It might be easier to list what you wouldn't mind doing, and work from there. There are also aptitude tests you can take. I have done so, and found them very useful to help you find new choices and reaffirm the ones you already knew.

Me? I want to go to graduate school eventually, but I want to take some time off from school, just get out of that environment and see the world some. Sound at all familiar? I am looking at a couple of programs that I found interesting. One is teach for america. They pay you money to, for two years, teach at america's underprivilged schools. It seemed like a great way to give back, and a way to really connect with people. Also, they help pay back college loans, or pay towards graduate school. There are, if you were interested, many programs to go overseas and do very similar things. The JET program, for example, offers an opportunity to teach English in Japan. Might be enjoyable to find something you dont want to do forever, but that would be fun for a while, and pursue that while you try for something else. After all, life is what happens while you wait for your plans to work out. Hope some of this is helpful

Answer 4

Only you can come up with the right path. BUT, You are at a great age. Don't be afraid to try different paths while you are young. Especially if you are single and have only you to worry about. Nothing in school can compare to actually working and earning your living in a field. You will know soon enuf if you like a particular field. You will have to look past whatever starting position they give you, see what growth path you are on, follow your instincts. Be bold. Just out of school, You will be hired for your youth, enthusiasm, and unlimited potential. You may have a tried a few jobs before you settle in. Thats the beauty of youth. It dosen't matter where you start, it matters where you finish. :):)
good luck to you

Answer 5

make a note of what people ask you to do for them or what you get compliments on. ever help someone organize their closet? there could be a hidden career in there.

keep a journal of career ideas and thoughts about your future. it may help tie it all together for you.

notice when you lose track of time doing an activity. there could be something there that could be a potential passion.

be aware of the signs in your life that are pointing you in a certain direction. keep coming across the same subject matter in various media outlets? take a closer look.

making a life map is a popular tool. cut out images from magazines and arrange them (and glue them) on to poster board so that they resemble what you would like your life to look like.

be courageous. don't be afraid to let go of old beliefs that have kept you stuck. your purpose is waiting for you.

Answer 6

I am 28 years old and a Registered nurse. I chose this profession because I have always been interested in medicine and helping people.
I would suggest looking at a career where your interests are.
Most big cities have career fairs or similar gatherings to help people decide on a profession.

Answer 7

I always knew I wanted to go into Criminal Justice... but in order to find out the specific path I would take within that realm I had to research various possibilities. I would suggest checking your local bookstore... some good guides exist out there

Answer 8

Everyone is good at something. Find out what you are truly good at. Each of us has a gift. Are u a good cook, a mechanic, a firefighter, an artist, a politician, a teacher, a writer..whatever it is GO and Do it!

Answer 9

Other people cannot help you - trust me I know. Don't squander too much time relying on others. It is better to wander in your own desert looking for your calling than to have others analyze you and tell you. Embrace what defines you! Then you'll recognize your purpose and vocation.

Answer 10

why don't you try to find one of those career jobs test or talk to some one that No's what u r good at so can find i job you will like in that direction