| Author | Message | ||
     Thumper74 |
I've been putting alot of thought into going to school recently. Yesterday I lost my full time job along with a few other people and I think now is the time. My problem is that I'm 24 and I'm pretty talented with art, but I find it to be tedious when drawing all day. I'm kind of looking for direction in my career/education, but I have no idea where to start. I'm reasonably intelligent, good with math and I'm great with problem solving. I find that my greatest satisfaction is the thanks I get when helping people. I often think about becoming a police officer, but it would be a long path to get there (physical condition). How did you figure what your career was? | ||
| Buellerandy |
Well..I know the military is always hiring. And they'll train you and pay you to learn a job. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I'm stuck in a similar position. I'm almost done with school, finishing with an Associates degree in Automotive Technology... but my years of schooling have pretty much taught me I don't want to be working under the hood of a car for the rest of my life. I don't learn well from school though. I would learn 10 times as much in 6 months of apprenticeship than I have in 3 years of school. Who the hell decided to stop all apprenticeships and send everybody to college. I'm also good with my hands, and love problem solving and building things. I also like long walks on the beach (alum creek), and candle lit dinners. | ||
| Thumper74 |
I'd be in the same position as I am with being a police officer... Physical condition. I can actually pass the running, etc as I'm in decent cardiovascular shape (run/jog in the AM, mountain bike when I can), but pushups, etc are beyond what my upper body strength can do (read:fat). After highschool, a severe allergy to insect stings but apparently it was a childhood thing that I've grown out of. I was checked again after being stung 3 times in one fell swoop this summer. | ||
| Mikej |
I'm not on a path, I'm in a cubicle. I'm more than twice your age and I'm still exploring paths and options. If you're clear of major debt or can swing the tuition go to school and get a degree. If you already have a degree get another one or a graduate degree. You're young, take advantage of that fact. Good teachers are always somewhat in demand, you might be able to use your art skills in that area. Pick an age groups you'd like to work with and look into educational requirements and local opportunities. Do you speak a second or third language? If not then learn one. Couple that with teaching and you've probably got a lock on getting a good job or tenure someplace. Don't like working with people then look at contracting or doing work for hire. Technical illustration and advertising art are two options. Or just find a day job helping people, then do your art on the side so you don't get burned out by it. The world is a blank canvass, paint your own pathway in it. And, guess what, you don't have to stay within the lines while doing so. | ||
| Xl1200r |
James, I'm also an artistic type, good with problem solving, etc. I'm also 24. The first school I went to was a design school. I was going for industrial design (basically making things you use look good - cars, bikes, computers, furniture, eetc). I really liked, but left because that school coudln't get me into the career I was hoping for (automotive design). I left there and started into an engineering degree at a community college and did horribly. Dropped a class, failed another...really bad situation. I took the summer to think things over and decided to go back for Business. My thinking was with a Business degree, I could get into any industry I wanted. My first semester I got a 4.0. Two years later I ended up transferring to RPI - a very prestigeous New-Ivy league engineering school that also has a very unique business program, and happens to be in my back yard. Keep in mine this place would have NEVER accepted me straight out of high school...I just didn't have the grades. I finished up there and am now working where I interned making VERY good money for a big, old company. I concentrated my schooling on entrepreneurship, so eventually I will break free of this mundane job and do something on my own... I'm not one to just follow, and the "ladder" at these big old companies is long, slow, and has a lot of people in line ahead of me, and I don't like to wait. Good luck with whatever you choose. I think starting at a 2-year school is a good way to go - it's a cheap way to figure out what you might like to do, and they're a great springboard for moving onto a 4-year school should you chose (just about everythying I took transferred). | ||
| Thumper74 |
MikeF, I went through the same thing. Took engines technology in highschool and aced it. Took some automotive stuff and while I love working on my own toys, I'm not sure if I want to do it for the rest of my life. Car dealers don't pay that much to apprentices... The best I've seen in $12/flat rate hour. It would be great if all you did was maintenance and chassis repairs. As an apprentice you get all the BS stuff to help you learn. You get squeeks and rattles, electrical crap, etc. that eats all your time. When I worked for Dennis we had a tech making $22/flat rate and turned 60-80 hours a week. He had also worked there for a long time. We have a few entry level techs but since they are given the difficult stuff, they generally turn around 25-45 hours a week... Not really enough to pay bills AND invest in tools. Also, that Sporty is still available for payoff on the loan, stock of course... Heck of a deal! MikeJ, debt is a concern. It's not all that bad, but before this I have been pretty succesful in my work and haven't had issues. I've got the standard debt, car, motorcycle (selling!) some credit cards and stuff. XL, I had the same dreams of doing automotive design. I'm not all that creative when it comes to original ideas, but I can take a look and really fine tune it to make something sharp. You sound like you're on a good path. Teaching has been an interest of mine, I would get to do many different types of art and help people. (Message edited by Thumper74 on November 21, 2007) (Message edited by Thumper74 on November 21, 2007) | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
I went to College and earned 2 BS degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I was an undercover cop for alomst 3 years. That was enough of that. I took an electrical apprenticeship and got my journyman's card after that. I did some side jobs for my neighbor's printing company and thought all the computers and presses were cool as hell, so I ended up taking a pre-press job with his company. I went back to school and got another BS in graphic arts..from there I'm at were I am now. A graphic designer/website creator/MIS guy for a welding company. Sometimes you don't choose the job, it chooses you. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Followed the money at first (there is a ton of it in insurance and managed care health lines~ but it is DULL) Now follow the passion, not as much money in the bank, but I have fun every day and get to meet some of the most laid back fun loving people. If you could have told me that I would be selling motorcycles when I am 40, I might have skipped college; but then I wouldnt have a second language rumbling around in my head. +1 on the military, 15 years, no regrets. | ||
| Doon |
I got my first computer at age 8 (23 years ago). Fell in love with it. Started writing code (BASIC) after having it for a couple of months. Kept at it and just knew that I would be doing something with computers. BS in Comp Sci, and lots of just mucking about and Now I get paid to sit on the internet all day long (Run an isp  ). Still code all day at work for pay and then @ home for fun. So I lucky. I love what I do. | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Who the hell decided to stop all apprenticeships and send everybody to college. Very well said! I am sure that everyone has seen the upswing in technical schools in the past few years. Great way to get a start I think. Have any of you thought about nursing as a career? Great money and plenty of jobs. | ||
| G234146 |
I met an older gentleman (50's) that had recently done a career change from Law to Psych. He told me the following: Make a list of what you like to do. When making said list do not concern yourself about jobs, only about WHAT YOU LIKE. When your done, find or make a job that matches your likes. He figured he liked talking to people, liked going to dinner, and liked helping. He's a Shrink now. Meets his clients at different restaurants and in his office. Here's the clincher: Dude is HAPPY! | ||
| Buellerandy |
I still consider the nursing bit, only problem is a hellacious line for an education in a profession thats in high demand for people to fill the roles...trying to work something out with the military so they can pay me and train me:P | ||
| Teeps |
I followed my passion, for motorcycles, from before high school until age 30. At that point it was no longer fun, what with a wife, mortgage, and son on the way. So I switched to auto repair (Honda), much like working on their motorcycles, made good money. But by age 32 realized I didn't want to be bending over a fender the rest of my life either. So, at age 34 I secured a corporate job, and here I am... Turning your likes into your job sounds good in theory. But once it turns the corner and becomes a job; it's a job... see above, it happened to me. | ||
| Txbloodbromike |
I have been in law enforcement for over 10 years. But now i am in motors and they pay me to ride a motorcycle every day! | ||
| Cowboy |
Being in the right place at right time was working on drilling rig when well blew out was hired on the spot by well control company was sent to school at thier expence got degre in hydraulics and worked my ass off. went on to be the world wide consultant on well control. retired after 39 yrs 10 mo. NOTHING BEATS BLIND LUCK AND HARD WORK AND HAVING YOUR SUCTION IN THE RIGHT PIT. HE HE | ||
| Bill0351 |
I did lots of different things before finally getting my education degree. I can't think of a better way to make a living. I don't make a ton of money, but I love what I do. It also has the bonus of making a difference in people's lives. On top of that, I have several months off every summer to do whatever I want. The military paid for most of the degree. Being fat and out of shape shouldn't slow you down at all. Just set your sights on what you want and take care of business. One of my best friends in the USMC was totally out of shape before he joined. He has been out of the Corps for several years now, but he uses the discipline he learned as a Marine to keep in perfect shape. He used the cash to get an engineering degree. Another buddy of mine used the GI Bill to get an engineering degree and did an internship at Harley Davidson. Now he goes all over the world troubleshooting CNC machines. Good luck! At 24 the entire world is open to you. It is nice to wake up and look forward to going into work. I would put that before a paycheck. Bill | ||
| Nevrenuf |
hey thump, right now i'm doing something that i started over 25 years ago to do. i'm doing piping design. after i got started with college i hit a bump in the road and took a different path for the next 24 years or so. but the right place and the right time and right now i'm down in greenville SC with jacobs engineering doing what i really wanted to do for a long time. and come to find out, i'm not to bad at it either. with everyone looking for alternative fuel sources, the energy and refinement industry is booming right now. they are going to india to find all the engineers because no one wants to get into it over here like it used to be. i can go on about this but if you want i'm in town for a couple days over in pickerington. i'll be heading over to iron pony on friday(of which thanks for telling me about them, they've been great over there). so if you want to talk more, give me a call at 813-601-1625. | ||
| Djkaplan |
Hey Neil... I used to be a piping designer for Simons-Eastern Engineering in Decatur, Georgia. That was a long time ago... in the late 80's/early 90's. "the energy and refinement industry is booming right now. they are going to india to find all the engineers because no one wants to get into it over here like it used to be." Looks like I might be getting back into it then. I'm trying to get out of the Georgia flatlands and move a little further north... for obvious reasons. You working direct or under contract? | ||
| Doerman |
Take a Myers Briggs test. It might surprise you as what you might have a knack for. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
dj, right now i'm under contract. but you can almost name your place and wage depending on experience. this is a good time to be a job shopper/piper. i really enjoy going to work every day. jacobs alone is looking at putting on a couple more hundred people in the next few months, if i remember right. the nuclear industry is busting loose to deal with the middle east problem. i would never have this opportunity if it wasn't for what's going on right now. and needless to say, i'm taking advantage of it. i'll be taking the m2 and the blast back to greensville on sunday. pulling up stakes in chattanooga for the time being. talk to you later dan | ||
| Starter |
Jumped straight out of school at 18 went to University to do a double degree in Chemical & Environmantal Engineering on advice from my father who is also an Engineer. That was tough work till I graduated and landed a job with the Railways based on the Environmental side of my degree. Got bored of that a transfered into the Project Management side of things managing the construction of rollingstock post design process, now find myself 2 years later a licensed shotfirer still working for the railways and providing technical support & financial management for 2 mining sites that supply most of their material into the concrete & asphalt industry. It's really amazing where an engineering degree goes these days. I suppose it has all come down to the words of the Dean of Engineering the day we turned up for lectures, "....10% of you will be practising engineering 5 years after you graduate, but the other 90% will be thinking." | ||
| Danny_h__jesternut |
When I first got started back at the dawn of time. Way back in the sand box days as a wee lad in the back yard, the toys said Tonka on the sides. Fast Foward. Today in the sand box the Toys say, John Deere & Cat on their sides. I can dig it. | ||
| Iamike |
Skilled trade workers are becoming very much in demand. In the electric & gas utility where I work linemen can make over 100k/yr. They have a lot of trouble getting young guys due to the math (yes, even linemen need to know math) or the climbing. If that doesn't wet your whistle a substation technician makes $32/hr. and can make over $100k/yr too. Even the engineers are in demand but they have to work inside. As a telecom tech I can usually choose whether to be in or out dpending on the weather. I also get a fair amount of free time to ride the cycle. | ||
| Jlnance |
My advise is to be sure not to underestimate yourself. There were a lot of careers like Dr or Lawyer that I never considered because those were for people smarter than I. In retrospect, I could have done that if I had wanted to. I don't think I would have gone down that path, but there were a lot of things I never considered because I just assumed I couldn't do them. | ||
| Rah7777777 |
I wish I could help you out! I do have one thing to say from my learnings. If there is a TV commercial for it, run! haha I went to UTI (Universal technical institute. auto/diesel tech school) and know some people who make okay money, but its only a handful of the many many people I know from there. I got a job with Mercedes, sounds nice, right?!? its really not. The auto field is crap. been with benz for 4 years and seen lots of people get there and change there mind and go into other professions. If you like working 50+ hours and only bringing home a check with about 35 hours, then you will love working on cars. With the work getting slower and slower, and warranty paying less and less, it sucks. Only reason I have not is the fact i think i'm afraid of change. But I was told about a month ago........ "when the pain of the same, is greater then the pain of change, its time to move on" so that inspired me to start sending out my application to some insurance companies and start school in january. now start school for what???? I have NO idea, but i'm atleast going to get my associates knocked out in a couple years. Ultimately, my main goal is to be a high school auto teacher. but its a job that hardly becomes open. | ||
| Daves |
mine have always "found" me. | ||
| Al_lighton |
Tom (Teeps), You and I are on opposite paths. I did the 4 years college prep high school, 4 years engineering school, 23 years of corporate world, no breaks start to finish. Then I left it all behind to pursue my motorcycling hobby as my career. Through a combination of incredible luck and hard work, I did well enough in my engineering career to pay off the house and put aside a reasonable nest egg so that I don't have to have unrealistic expectations from a hobby based career. But American Sport Bike is doing fine, and is making a decent living for us in its own right. That is, if you consider 70-80 hour 6 day workweeks, no benefits, no paid vacation (scratch that, practically no vacations at all), no sick days period, etc. a decent living So far, I do. I'm not sure I could work like this forever, though. I worked very hard in the corporate world, but I'm working MUCH harder than I ever did now that I'm running my own biz. I didn't expect differently, everyone told me that's the way it would be, and I don't idle very well anyway. But after 5 more years of this, I suspect it'll be time to find something else to do, we'll sell American Sport Bike to someone else passionate about Buells, and re-invent ourselves again. I don't know that there is any one thing in this world that I'd want to do for my entire life. Learning never stops, figuring out what the next thing will be keeps it interesting. Life is too short to do something you don't like doing, and you'll never be truly great at doing what you hate. And being great at something is what will lead to success. | ||
| Djkaplan |
Hey man... shouldn't you be working on 1125R stuff? | ||
| G234146 |
"Learning never stops, figuring out what the next thing will be keeps it interesting. Life is too short to do something you don't like doing, and you'll never be truly great at doing what you hate. And being great at something is what will lead to success."} Great stuff Al! Very appropriate for Thanksgiving!!! |
