Is it bad that I don't know what to do with my life?

Question

I am 19 years old. And I dont know what to do with my life.
I am currently going to start my 2nd semester in a comunity college and I word part time; so Im not exactly wasting my time right now.

But I have a problem when it comes to picking a career and field of study. So many things are interesting to me and I dont like the idea of restricting myself to one thing, what some would call "specialization"; subsequently, I fear that i have what is called choice paralysis(a paradox of choice) due to too many choices and not enough information about the choices and the lack of decision making HELP!

IS THIS NORMAL? IT IS MAKING ME ANXIOUS?
IT SUCKS
I cant see where Im going to be in 10 years, as we students are so offten asked. I can barely see into next month.
maybe im just being irresponible or complaining too much.
Is there help out there? Is this normal?

WHAT TO DO WHAT TO DO?

Answer 1

You may be feeling the pressure of everyone telling you that you need to have a plan, but the constant nagging of everyone is clouding your thinking, and frustrating you, so you don't choose, but you need to choose, and fast. It is normal to not know exactly which direction to take, but you can only put this off for so long.

Make a plan of action. This is part of living as an adult. Unfortunately, we just can't sit back and let others dictate our lives. Adults always have to be thinking ahead, and have a plan. Don't make the mistake of putting off your life. You will defiantly regret it.

Remember, you have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. You claim that you don't have enough information about different careers, but you know how to use a computer.

What you need to do is just make a list of five different professions that you think you would enjoy. From there collect as much information on those professions as possible. Research each profession as much as you can, ask around if you know anyone that works in one of these professions, talk to them about it, or go to your college and speak with a career counselor.

You are in control of your life now, so take the wheel, and start driving.

Answer 2

I know what you're going through, because I have been stressing about the same thing for the last three years...stressing was a mistake. High anxieties, changing my major a couple of times...I even took a semester off to figure things out but I still haven't. I have so many interests it's hard to narrow it down, I have many things I want to pursue. So you're not alone. *sigh*

A lot of people gave great advice so far. You need to know yourself before you can choose a career. Myself, I've done tones of research on careers, majors, took all kinds of career tests and quizzes, you name it...without giving myself enough time and leeway to getting to know *myself* better, which is what I should have been doing. Give yourself time to know yourself better, it'll make your choosing of a career a better and more efficient process. You have to know your personality, your values, what kind of environment you'd enjoy working in, etc. What do you find meaningful? How is it you define meaningful work? The things you are drawn to, the activities and the possible career choices...what draws you to them?

Remember to be flexible in your choices as your wants and needs will most likely change even if just a little bit. I was so sure of what I wanted to do at age 18, but now at 22 I see that that thing is better off as a hobby. One thing I surely want to say is, don't think that whatever you choose is the end-all-and-be-all, people can change careers throughout their lives...it does not have to be a fixed thing. Try to deal with your anxieties. When most people ask you what you see yourself doing in 10 years, remember that it's ok if you don't have an answer. Maybe you can reply with "In 10 years I see myself being happy doing whatever I choose" :P Do not be fearful.

Answer 3

I'm not a counselor or psychologist, etc, but there are some cues you can look for and some ground work to do that may help you to start on your decision making.
1) What do you like to do most of all? 2) What work seems most enjoyable and engrossing over a period of time and that you stick with the most? 3) What do you do well at? 4)What do others commend you most for? Some of the above 4 questions/categories will intersect and you can start narrowing it down to what is a career vs. what will be hobbies, etc. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Don't leave any stone unturned or unaccounted for - right down to personal characteristics.
You are looking for your charisms and your vocation. Why are you put here on earth? You are doing a 'personal inventory' so make pages of notes about yourself to 'see' who you are.
Next do 'informational interviews': asking others in different fields you are interested in if they have a few minutes of time for such an interview because you are considering that particular field. Then ask them about their job, what they enjoy and dislike about it, what training they got, what strengths someone needs to enter that field, etc. etc.
Also, try internships, and jobs in fields that you are interested in. Nothing is sadder than getting trained in a field and then finding out you had no idea what all was involved and that you don't like it.
Don't worry - it will all come together and may change course several times in your life. But if you can find a focus while younger, you will have more time and experience in a particular field for success.
And pray for guidance.

Answer 4

If you want to discover your true purpose in life, you must first empty your mind of all the false purposes you’ve been taught.

You don't need permission to decide your own purpose. No boss, teacher, parent can decide this for you.

You have to do it by yourself. Just follow these 3 steps:

1. Take out a blank sheet of paper
2. On that sheet Write this question “What is my true purpose in life?”
3. Write any answer that pops into your head. It doesn’t have to be a complete sentence. A short phrase is fine.
4. Repeat step 3. For how long? Until you write the answer that makes you cry. This is your purpose.
5. Read some books about motivation, setting goals, etc..
I will give you some examples: Attractor Factor - by Joe Vitale , The Secret DVD Movie and

http://www.freeselfhelpbooks.net

Just do this 5 simple steps and you will know what to do with your life .

Cheers !

Answer 5

You are not irresponsible
You are only a failure when you stop searching
The best leaders are the ones who have interests in many different areas. That makes them well rounded to handle a majority of business issues, and social situations.

And truly, there is nothing wrong with doing what you love, like finding a job that involves sports, or being a bartender because you like to help people with their problems but don't want to go to school to be a therapist. Love animals but dont want to be a vet? try getting involved with animal shelters or becoming a wildlife rehab person.

The point is, you don't have to just think "degree" to be a success. And while you are only 19, this is the time to search (as you are) without feeling pigeon-holded into ONE CAREER.

Answer 6

Dude, I was and in many ways still am exactly the same. Just about ten years older than you.

It's normal.

If you really don't know what you want to do...

Get a degree/certification that will get you a job.

Law, engineering, bar tending, nursing, real-estate, steadi-cam operator, whatever.

That way you won't starve (or work at Starbucks, no offense I love my baristas) while you figure the rest out.

If you want to be a poet or a painter just do it. Unless it's a highly technical creative area there's no point in having a degree in it (ie: philosophy).

I'm telling you - and I hate to say it 'cause it's so grown-up: Have a back-up.

Then try everything. When you're 28 you'll still have that training and degree if being a rockstar or astronaut doesn't work out.

Uh, stay in school. Don't do drugs.

:)

Answer 7

Wow! 19 and your worried about choices.It is so sad these days that Peer pressure urges you to make choices. When I was 19 I had to serve 2 years National Service in British Army. Ididn't have any choices. I really didn't get to do what I wanted until I was 40 years old.It didn't involve a job or money. So you my friend are normal.My brother(god rest his soul) said he got bored with most jobs after 6 years. Like him I changed jobs all the time.I never got bored, except some of the jobs were boring, but paid well. So just let it happen.Don't be coerced into things you don't want.And for goodness sake- enjoy yourself. Good Luck!

Answer 8

I am 21 years old and I do believe even when I am on my death bed I will never truely know what I should of done with me life.

That being said I am trying to get into the electrician field though my Local union and hopefully will get the chance coming this fall. When I am asked why I want to be on I am not really sure to be honest outside the fact of great money(if you can stay employed), get to work outside and inside and also it looked like a wonder trade to get into. Also the fact I have a Uncle in the field is not to bad either as I know what to expected.

All I really would like in my life is a good paying job, a pretty girlfriend, a home to call my own and few others things

Answer 9

Most college students change their mind at least twice during their educational years so don't worry about it. You have a job and are working toward a degree, which is exceptional.

If you want to know which career areas are best, go to the counseling office and ask for an appointment. I did my first year in college when I discovered my grades were not great. I had chosen the wrong path and after several months of counseling and some aptitute tests, I did chose the right career.

Take each day at a time as you experience your first adult years. Who said you have to know NOW what you want to do with the rest of your long, long life.

Answer 10

I smiled when I read your question & I'll tell you why....

I'll be 41 years old tomorrow. Ive done every job there is going & disliked most of them. I did part of a law degree & left. I did part of an art & design course & left when I was offered a place on the degree. Ive completed my yoga foundation & am continuing with my yoga teacher training. Finally, after much turmoil, ups & downs & much learning, Ive finally found something I love. And the silly thing is Ive been doing yoga for 19 years, but never thought of taking it any further.

I have a son older than you, so believe me, you may feel like a man, but really you're just a young seedling waiting to grow into a big tree. You have your whole life ahead of you! There will be many paths for you to walk on, lots of people to meet & experiences to have before you find 'it.' You may find it next month, next year, in 10 years, or at the age of 41! Who knows.

You say you are interested in many things. That's great. You don't need to restrict yourself. Speak to as many people as you can, research your interests on the internet, read up on careers that inspire you, arrange meetings at workplaces/ colleges/ universities if you can. Spread your net wide & catch all that is out there. Its an exciting time for you & you sound like you have lots of motivation & enthusiasm. Its easy for me to say, but don't stress over 'becoming something' or achieving something. Just explore, enjoy, keep your options open & in time your life's purpose will unfold.

Wishing you lots of luck & many good things.

Answer 11

You sound like me!! Only I just now started to get into college courses. I finally decided to be a social worker. Its a job that is in demand and it deals with people and learning about people in different areas through life. So in other words id always keep busy by learning about a field that is always changing. The best I can say for you is to not limit yourself to one career goal. I dont even know if social work is for me because I love writing and photography. I can have this as a hobby or as a career backup for me. Never limit yourself. Its ok that you have many interests. The more the better. You dont have to choose just one. My friend's mother is in her 50s and shes going back to school because shes tired of what she does now. Its your life, and the sky is the limit