Is this what I really want, or am I just copying my friends?

Question

Two of my friends have decided that they want to go into Psycology and Teaching. I don't really know what I want to be in life but I have considered those two careers before. I started to think about them and thought that they could work for me too.

I like working with younger children. Those two friends and I volunteer at the Elementary school we used to go to. We help a kindergarden teacher.

I also love working with people and helping them solve their problems. I watch Dr. Phil and Oprah everyday. I especially love Dr. Phil becuase of how he helps people solve their problems.
I even randomly say ideas outloud that could help those people solve their problems(before Dr. Phil).

So, I really don't know if I'm copying my friends because of what they want to be or because I really want to do this myself.

I like to help people and stuff but I'm really shy, so i'm not sure if I'd be any good at those two careers.

Can anyone help me? Thanks! ^_^

Answer 1

No, if it's really what you want then it's not copying.
And, I would go for younger grade teaching because nobody really listens to a therapist (from my past experiences) because 99% of them learn to be full of crap.

Not older grade teaching because mostly all those kids will hate you except for the nerds or suck-ups and the few mature ones who genuinely like you. (unless you are qualified enough to be teaching at a prestigious private high school. I attended one of those and I can tell you that we all liked the teachers because they weren't the nasty damaged kind you find at public schools.)

You'll have to overcome your shyness. It can be done.

Answer 2

take some time to yourself and do some sole searching, you answer is there. Years ago I started walking the two miles everyday to work. When you're walking, there's not a lot to do but think and work things out. The answer might not come to you immediately, but it will.