What's MY calling?

[brandon184]

I've got a problem - I don't know what I want to do with my life!

Here's the problem...

I am interested in so many fields. Once I hear about something, I naturally look into it more, not because I feel an obligation to - just because curiousity takes over. I want a well-paying job, and eventually want to start up my own business (which I'm not TOO sure if that's something I should do at a young & tender age). I'm willing to get educated (although, I wouldn't really want to spend half of my life in college). I'm bright, willing to learn and want success, and love a variety of things. When people hear this, they say, "That's great!"... However, they don't really think about how I'm going to narrow it down to ONE. I've got a job right now, but am not sure how long it will last, as the industry it's in has a questionable future - plus, I'm not sure whether I want to continue it. Another thing is (I'm not sure if this sounds good, or not..) - I want a job that pays well, which is a major thing. Luckily, not too many things that don't pay well interest me.

Just for the topics' sake, here are some things I can see myself doing (narrowed down to two industries which interest me most..);

Information Technology

- Starting up an ISP
- Starting up an e-Business (I've got several plans for e-businesses which would more than likely be successful)
- Starting up a web hosting firm.

Investing & Venture

- Real Estate Investor
- Investment Advisor/Financial Planner
- Fund Portfolio Manager
- Financial Research Analyst
- Venture Capitalist

If you have any advice, or opinions on occupations listed, or about my "quandry", feel free to share!

Thanks!

- Brandon
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[JacobM5727]

if all else fails, be a coach of a girls softball team...

[osprey4]

brandon184; Just one word. PLASTICS.

Seriously, though, IT has got to get pretty dull. You're like a servant cleaning up other people's messes (mostly). Finance is cool, but making a lot of money might not give you the satisfaction.

I'm in pharm research. Very, very fun. Endless variety, never stop learning, challenging, very stable industry, good money (although if your goal is to retire by age 30, this is not for you). If you're willing to hang in there for a few more years after college and get a PhD, starting salaries are in the 70-80 range. And a sense of satisfaction that I just don't believe I would get elsewhere.

That's my $0.02.

Jn

[Thud]

Have you considered a stint in the military? Call me crazy, but it does offer some advantages:

1. You will learn a skill...even one you might like, if you work with your recruiter.

2. You'll learn self dicipline.

3. If you hate it, you will definitely gain a better understanding of what it is you really want to do when you get out.

4. Your country (be it the US or Canada) could use your service.

5. Like it or not, you'll get to see interesting places. And you might just have fun doing it.

I don't just say this because I'm obligated to, or to induce guilt...I think it's a very viable option for you.

~Edit: I'm 26, and still don't know what it is I want to do, but until I do, the military keeps me busy and I don't dislike it. It won't make me rich, but I don't feel like my work is a waste of time, either.

[caddmannq]

Brandon:

Just get a tattoo that says "Born to Broker" and don't look back.

You're a dealmaker at heart, or I'm a Philadelphia Lawyer.

[DutchMaster]

if all else fails, be a coach of a girls softball team...

Ehm now my brain thinks of the local girls hockeyteam again

As for what you want to do, well think of the things you're good in and what you benefit best of.
Maybe you are good in financial sector, but would you like to do that job? Its nice to have good paid job, but its better to have a job that you enjoy.

Whatever you do....
Make sure your first home is a a duplex or fourplex.
Then as you progress in your career, and upgrade you living...
Keep the Duplex,, try to add a Triplex..
Shoot for 10 rentals in 10 years, that's a managable number and will make a good retirement regardless of anyother perks you accumulate.

[newbie~wan]

I hear ya Brandon on the IT and finance,

My favorite movies are Hackers, Boiler Room, and Wall Street. Being in college, I find myself torn between what is profitable and what would make me happy. I am happy in IT now, but my degree is toward electrical eng. Should I stay IT? Go elec eng? Or finish my degree and go MBA? I don't know, dude. I feel ya strife.

Surreal's got the idea on the real estate. My friend's dad, who is also a farmer, owns a bunch of rentals and half a trailer park, probably like 100 units total. I know, sounds like small beans, but I'll bet hes worth a least a couple $mil. Two problems w/ real estate; can be hard to get started w/out initial money or REALLY good credit, and because it's often based on speculation, you can get HOSED.

If you wanna step to the table, gotta be ready to play.....

[Warthog]

Absolutely no offense intended Brandon but what I got out of your post is that nearly any job is fine as long as it pays well (I'm assuming you mean VERY well).

making a lot of money might not give you the satisfaction.

Exactly.

Personally, I'd rather make a difference than cater to the wealthy and/or ungrateful (my current job). For me, making a difference is serving the country in one form or another. Sure, it may not pay well but there is nothing else like it.

Warthog

[brandon184]

lol... All good advice!

Warthog,

Actually, there are many jobs that pay well - that I would never have! What I meant, more/less - is that any job that currently interests me pays well, and not because it pays well, that's partially a coincidence.

Out of that list, the MAIN things I can see myself doing are mainly the financial/venture things. I'm aware of the e-biz volatility, but I am more than confident that if I did go into that - I could create a business that would rise to the top and not go down the toilet because of a sudden market fluctuation. As for IT being a dull industry, and being some sort of servant... I disagree. I think owning any successful business would be a blast. The rough times that come along with anything are just a spice of life.

I have the knowledge to do what my parents do (Investment/Financial Advice and the such), and they say I would be excellent at it, because I already know so much about it. I'm just not sure if I would have enough patience to deal with the flat, boring times and problematic clients. Other than that, I love the industry. Hey, I wish the markets opened at 7 and stayed open 'til 10PM. This 9:30 - 4 stuff just doesn't cut it.

As for Real Estate Investing, on a rating scale of the things on the list I provided, it's probably at or near the bottom.

My main problem is, is that I'm worried that I'd get into something and enjoy it - but then resent that I can't be doing the other, equally enjoyable thing at the same time. :/

- Brandon
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