Figuring out your Career?

Question

How exactly do you figure out what you want do for the rest of your life? I am currently going through a moment during my life where I feel like I need a career change. I currently possess a 2 year degree in Criminal Justice. I am 3 classes away from my bachelor's degree in Forensic Science. When I was 19 I started this career... I am now 23 and some things although change... I enjoy recreational marijuana and it helps me to relieve stress and uncertainty as well as anxiety.

Usually a person would figure out there career by there hobbies and interests. I have thought of ideal subjects for careers but only involving medical science and technology. (That's my passion so far which is to enter the medical field someday).

Can anyone spare some advice on how to choose a career you would enjoy and how to obtain something that would be a great steady paying stable opportunity without years of schooling... How do I figure out a career for the rest of my life?

Thank you.

Answer

Check out the help wanted ads just to see what's out there.  There are plenty of career sites to look up what jobs pay and the job outlook.  Check out resources from the department of labor too, they might have some interest inventories you can take.  If you're passionate about the medical field, I don't know that you should waste a semester finishing up a degree you don't want.  College is so expensive.  The medical field is great because there are jobs that require only a certificate or associate's degree that will get you in the door, then you can move up according to your interests.  One thing to keep in mind: it's not fair, but a lot of jobs will drug test as a condition of employment.  Marijuana stays in your system for a month or more.  You might lay off as soon as you start applying for jobs.  It's extremely stressful to know you could fail a drug test for your dream job.

Answer

First of all, finish your degree. Even if you may not like it now, it might open new doors for you, you never know.
 Also think about your priorities: do you want to earn a lot of money or do you want to do the job you love even if it doesn't pay well? If getting into the medical field is your goal, try to do an internship and see how it really is. Talk to people in that field. See if you like their life and you would like a life like theirs.

My dream was to become a journalist, i did an internship at a newspaper for a year. But I didn't like it so I left for another career. At least now I know that journalism wasn't for me, even if it was my dream career! I'm teaching at a university now and I love it.

Answer

It's very hard. I didn't decide until I was 25, which delayed my college graduation and also my career. If I could go back in time knowing what worked for me in the end I'd do it sooner, but I'm far better off in life for taking some time off and deciding what I wanted to do. It's insane we expect an 18 year old to know what they want to do with their life. It definitely works for some people, but for everyone. Not telling you abandon you choice, just saying it's normal and natural to have doubts.

Figuring out your Career?

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