Noobtastic

I'm completely sober at the moment and I have to admit that a bunch of stoners I don't know seem like the best bunch of people I can talk to about this. I'm what you might call a "jack of all trades, master of none", I get into a lot of things and do them fairly well for a beginner but I never get serious about anything. From writing short stories and poetry to mountain biking and graphic design I always lose interest and move toward something more desirable in due time therefore my life has become full of many phases in hopes that just one of them would become "my thing". While I might complain, I love the fact that I've been into so many things at the age of 16. Now I'll be graduating high school in a year and I'm freaking out about the fact that my life has no basis. I refuse to make career decisions based on money because that's what everyone in my family does and I haven't seen much happiness come out of it. I don't want to go to college without ambition because college fees are the only thing that are really keeping my mom from retirement and she hates her job with a passion but I realize that college may make a very significant change in my future. Any advice on this?

sterbo

I asked myself the same question when I was your age. I made the decision to embrace the eclectic rather than narrowly focus in one direction.
For me it absolutely turned out to be the right choice. I travel the world and am proficient on many levels. It also makes for a life that is often more empathetic with others due to my having developed so many of life's facets.
It always a hoot how I can, on a given day, give a speech, suit and tie, at a corporate board meeting and 3 hours later drop down in a shoring trench with a couple of laborers and feel just as much at home either way.
Though I will say, after all these years, that if I had to choose between the two I'd take hanging with the guys working on the site any dayDon't say that. If nothing else the fact that you are aware enough to be asking for advice on this important question means your life force is strong. True enough. It's a cliche but Oh so true -
Look deep inside, find what you love and go for it. No matter what you can't go wrong...

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chadwick

well im in the same boat as you, 16 going onto be a senior, not quite sure what im gonna do yet i have man options open to me, some very high paying, some have an average pay, i've decide like you have to not choose based on money but on what will make me happy, and recently i was introduced to the wonderful world of car audio, i never realized the happiness i could attain from buying, installing, and listening to a simple subwoofer hooked up to and amp. it will come to you but at the same time you cant wait for it you have to go halfway and then let it come the rest of the way, i'd rather start out at 40,000-50,000 a year instead of 85,000 a year if only i could be happy my whole life

Ler

You're interests will easily reveal themselves in college, and the nice thing about college is that you aren't stuck with what you start with. It is fairly easy to change majors, pursue other interests. I say just start off with what you are interested in and if that changes pursue that. College is just another step in the education process which seems to continue forever, after college you might start working in your field, build some experience, maybe go to grad school. I was worried when I was at that stage of my life too but honestly it seems to work itself. The hardest part is realizing your interests, often times I am really fascinated by something but don't realize that I could learn more about it at school.

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rodge

consider yourself fortunate to be aware of this at such a young age.

It is not solely our career that is responsible for fulfillment and happiness in our lives, but rather what we do when we are not 'at work', combined with what our work entails, that can lead to a rewarding and complete existence.

similar to your situation, my biggest problem is that I know I could be happy doing pretty much anything, which is why I am having a difficult time deciding what to do.

anywho, best of luck in 'finding yourself'.

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My primordial nature has no liking for the life in the cities.
To be free from the noise I built a little thatched cottage.
Far away in the depth of the mountains.
Wandering here and there I carry no thought.

troublemaker_42

I'm 30, and STILL figuring out what I should do with my life. I'm a college grad, employed and make enough to easily get by(in a field thats in no way related to my college major), but I'm not PASSIONATE about my job. I'm married, and couldn't be happier with my wife. However, I honestly don't think I'm done "growing up". I probably went thru more changes between 25-30 then any time in my life. Right now, I'm content to just be....when the right opprotunity comes my way, I'll be jumping on it, but its not something I concern myself with on a daily basis :Shrug: I take life as it comes. With the lifestuyle I've led, I think of every day as "extra time" because my life could have very well been over years ago. I don't stress about the future. I could, but right now, I'm getting by quite well all things considered. I'm not exactly where I want to be, but can't say I'm in a hurry to rush change either. Things saeem to fall in my lap when its time for me to make a move. My house, my car, my wife....all presented themselves to me in ways I could not ignore....I have a feeling my "true calling" will present itself in a similiar manner

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Ted Nugent: "To my mind it is wholly irresponsible to go into the world incapable of preventing violence, injury, crime, and death. How feeble is the mindset to accept defenselessness. How unnatural. How cheap. How cowardly. How pathetic."


If total government control equals safety, why are prisons so dangerous?

Swabeky

Man something will come to you, I just changed my Major to something I have never been good at, Biology and Chemistry, but playing with plans of all types just sounds too much fun. Don't fret, you'll think of something when the time comes.

Noobtastic

Thanks a lot guys, your posts really did help me out. I had a feeling that I'd be better off asking for advice instead of arrogantly trying to figure it all out myself. While I have gone through a lot of phases, I can't truthfully say any have taken me astray. I guess should just live life through the time I have and keep my eyes open for opportunities that might fall near me in the future. Again, thanks.

Merry-juana

Take a year off, travel a bit. BTW did you ever take up surfing? To me it is the best possible thing on this planet. The best idea is to learn to surf, and then travel the worlds best surf spots. Starting with beginner spots, moving on to places like indo. Travelling should help you find what you want to do and clear your mind. There is no shame in starting collage/university when you are 19 instead of 18, infact I reccomend it. Most people will never have a year of freedom while they are in good enough physical condition to enjoy it.

Noobtastic

I'm actually a year younger than most kids in my class but I can't take a year off because my mom is trying to hurry me through to get me off her payrole. I'd love to take up surfing, do you know any decent spots in north/central Florida? And what do you have to say about sharks? The thought of them scares the living shit out of me. Now I'm going to look through every guide on the internet for beginning surfers and search for boards on craigslist. This is how all my phases get started...