So how did you decide what you wanted to do in life?

[maddog]

I'm 28 and I also don't know. I'm in engineering and trying to figure out a career change but it's hard to when you're waist-deep in a specialized field that will always have demand for it (if I concentrate only on my work, I'd probably be asking "what slowing economy?!"). I'm willing and expecting to take a huge pay cut to do something completely different in the next 12 months though; after 5 EKGs and a stress test within 3 years along with increasingly worsening vision, my friends finally convinced me that maybe my work is affecting my health. And for what? I've saved up enough that I should be okay unemployed for a while, and perhaps take some courses to help me along.

So I think you need to decide and make goals based on some soul searching, because it would suck to spend a whole lot of money on a degree that doesn't help you in any way. Of course, if you have a more general degree (e.g. a business degree) that is useful for most jobs, then I'd probably stick with it and start focusing on things that interest you.

[carvedwords]

I thought I wanted to be a doctor. No actually, my Dad wanted me to be a doctor. So I went into college as a Biology major and HATED it. I never disliked something. I switched to Business Administration with the belief it would take me somewhere. I didn't like it!

For some reason, I landed upon law. I always enjoyed the subject so I switched to Political Science and I loved it! A little bit of Philosophy, history, law and I enjoy all of my classes. I have learned so much. Then, I decided to take on a second major, Business Law, and love the business side of law, as well. It is something that happens. You will find your way. No one can expect you to know already what you want to do because you haven't had the chance to experience anything, yet.

[Nyria]

I knew in grade 8. I loved being in drama class and I wanted to be in drama class forever.
So I am a drama teacher. I get to play games and share my love of theatre all day long.

[23User]

I think anyone who's in college is going through the exact same thing as you are at the moment.
I don't think anyone really knows what they want to do in life. People who have a passion for something are quite lucky in that they can really narrow down their choices and focus on honing their skill for the rest of their lives. But I'm pretty sure these kinds of people rarely exist. Even then, the whole world is way too big and full of stimuli to distract these passionate people from whatever it is they're interested in.

I always believe that whatever situation you're in, just make sure you are REALLY good at it... or at least TRY TO BE REALLY GOOD AT IT.
If you're studying law, stick to it and see where it takes you. Work hard and enjoy what you have. Who knows, it might open doors for you like being able to travel the world; or working in a city you only thought you could dream of.
Besides, any form of learning is something that should be cherished the most.

[choooooo]

still dunno how to decide,i think this is my one and only problem now....

[olialm1]

I've known that I've wanted to work as a nurse in geriatrics and oncology since I was 14. There are a few personal issues that are very close to my heart as well as one individual who really inspired me. I volunteered at a hospital during high school also and it really solidified my decision. I can honestly say this is what I'm meant for!
I think you have to explore your options and actually get out there and try things. What are your interests? Are you a people person? Are you creative?

[wordbox]

Originally Posted by wordbox

I'm still figuring it out. The biggest thing is to not panic just because you haven't got it all figured out. Sometimes, things just fall into place. I graduated with a degree in English, with an emphasis on writing. I had switched my major around several times before I went with what I loved. I'm currently working on a novel, and have other smaller works that I am seeking publication for. Out of college, I got an office job at a place that focused on children, and I realized how much I loved working with kids. That led me to take a job in an elementary school working with kids and literacy. I love it. It's only part-time, but I now know that it's something I really enjoy doing... and wouldn't have know that if I hadn't taken some other chances that I almost didn't take. Sometimes you just never know where life is going to take you. Sometimes I feel down, because I don't have a "career" and I worry about money and yadda yadda yadda. But I'm proud that I've become more confident and am more willing to take risks, and am working on being content with what I have and accepting that it's okay that I don't have all my ducks in a row at this point in my life.

I wrote this nearly a year ago, and my plans have changed a lot since then! I no longer work at the school (couldn't make enough money in my position there) and I have been working as a receptionist for about nine months. However, tomorrow is my last day and I am going to pursue my writing career. I love writing and decided I just need to go for it. So I'm going to be freelance writing full time, and I am starting up my own proofreading and editing business on the side. Scary but exciting!

Go where your heart takes you, don't be afraid to take risks or make big changes, and don't stress out if you aren't where you want to be at any point in your life. It's the journey, not the destination, right?

[plumaplomb]

I strongly suggest declaring a major and graduating college. No matter what, that will be valuable in this day and age.

Secondly, take some time off after college. Get a job, or teach abroad for a year. Don't go straight to school, but don't just sit there also. You need to gain experience outside of the coddled college bubble -- what a 9-5 job feels like on your mind and body, how to take care of your finances responsibly, how to manage your time, etc.

I hate to say it, but unless you absolutely love what a high-paying job entails (you just LOVE investment banking, or corporate lawyering, etc), you are going to have to choose $$$/less risk/boredom/soul-suckingism VERSUS little $$$/little job stability/something you love to do. I am still struggling with this decision, as I have parents I want to support but I have a skill set that is very creative and pays little money. A lot of us are here with you.

Once you have made up your mind, GO HARD.

[plumaplomb]

I will add some examples:

I have a friend who started a wedding photography website. She makes very little money very sporadically, but loves her job. She supplements this with a teaching job.

I have another friend who went to law school and is now making major $$$. He finds his job boring, and can't believe how much they compensate him for a work a monkey could do. However, he works to live. He enjoys the experiences that $$$ makes possible for him. He is going on a month-long trip through South America over the winter. Something that wouldn't be possible on a measly wedding photographer salary.