Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Original post by KathleenG

Jan 22, 2004 12:10 PM

Since I have graduated college, I have had a few jobs from retail to teaching to most current real estate. My experiences at all these jobs just never blew me away; I never felt like I found what I truly wanted to do or, at least, happiness. My major was English due to my uncertainty. I always envied the people who seemed to find their niche early on in college. I have even taken personality tests which always suggest teaching or social work. What I have found, at least in the last year or so, is that I would like to find an occupation where I can help or benefit people. Does anybody else ever feel similar?

TwoBugs Posted: Jan 22, 2004 12:45 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Posted by Lunatrek

I want to be an entrepreneur... I've always wanted to be a Pastry Chef, so I need to find a way to make and sell my own line of chocolates and pastries. I'd love to have my own little chocolate/bake shop. Maybe someday it will happen, I don't even know how to get started!

Should you ever need a taste-tester, I'm here for you!!

Lunatrek Posted: Jan 22, 2004 12:46 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Thanks! I may look into a seminar like that, and of course I'll always need taste testers!!

KathleenG Posted: Jan 22, 2004 12:46 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Lunatrek, thats sounds like a wonderful idea!! I love those type shops!!

Jenn P Posted: Jan 22, 2004 12:53 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Posted by KathleenG

You know what else I have realized? Competition is soooo fierce and jobs are so limited, that a lot of us have had to settle. Gone are the days when you could walk out of college with you business degree and just walk into one of the top firms!!! QUOTE]

This is what I did four years ago and I was miserable. I walked into Pricewaterhouse on my first day feeling on top of the world. Little did I know I was walking into mindless work and being made to feel like a number in that behemoth of a company. And the hours? Forget it. If I was home by 10:00pm I was lucky. I lasted eight months. If I wasn't planning my wedding and therefore needed money I would have lasted a lot less time.

While some people thrive in this environment, several friends in similar situations felt as I did.

Fast forward to today-my job is much better and I'm even making more money but I feel exactly as you do. I'm headed back to school soon for teaching.

Jenn P Posted: Jan 22, 2004 12:55 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

I don't know why my response was in italics. That happens sometimes even though I make sure I type after the word 'quote'. Sorry all!

Betty Posted: Jan 22, 2004 01:02 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

I SOOOOOOO feel this way too!! My DH loves his job, works with his friends. I'm always so jealous. I don't like my current job (boring!!) I've been here 10 years. Like hmichick I went back for my masters in elem ed and I'm almost done. Problem is I'm STILL not positive this is what I want to do. I worry about this EVERY day. I just always thought about teaching and couldn't think of anything else I would like to do. And it's a great job for when we have a family.

Dont fear, you are so not alone

KathleenG Posted: Jan 22, 2004 01:04 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Jenn P, that is a really good point!!!

xjulietx Posted: Jan 22, 2004 01:08 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Posted by KathleenG

Juliet, oh how I wanted to go into publishing!!! I know the pay is not that great to start but that is something I feel I might have liked. Being an English major, I applied to soooo many companies and never received a call!

I was an English/Publishing studies major and my advisor had a lot of connections (he was the former President of McGraw-Hill ) It took some time to find a job in publishing, though. And the salary is miserable. It took me four years to get to the salary my best friend started at as teacher 5 years ago.

Maybe one day I will get the courage to bust out and do something meaningful.

BoogieDownBride Posted: Jan 22, 2004 01:18 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Posted by xjulietx

Posted by KathleenG

Juliet, oh how I wanted to go into publishing!!! I know the pay is not that great to start but that is something I feel I might have liked. Being an English major, I applied to soooo many companies and never received a call!

I was an English/Publishing studies major and my advisor had a lot of connections (he was the former President of McGraw-Hill ) It took some time to find a job in publishing, though. And the salary is miserable. It took me four years to get to the salary my best friend started at as teacher 5 years ago.

Maybe one day I will get the courage to bust out and do something meaningful.

Another English major here. My first job out of school was in scholarly book publishing, and it was a very miserable experience. Plus I got paid so poorly! I always dreamed of getting to work at Scholastic or Random House doing something really important and significant, but my 1st job experience kind of soured me on book publishing and now I am working as an admin asst in sales....it's nowhere near where I thought I'd be at this point in my career. I keep thinking of going back to school, changing up my career in a totally new direction, but between planning the wedding and I guess just plain laziness, I have yet to really find the motivation to start something else....

1017Bride Posted: Jan 22, 2004 01:28 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Where have you applied for library jobs? I am going to get my Masters in Library Science. I am curious to know what people who went for this major have specialized in and their background in library science.

1017Bride Posted: Jan 22, 2004 01:30 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Halloweenbride and I have been talking about this, specifically guidance, but I feel in general because of the overall competition for jobs, its so difficult to get a job in your first choice field. I think its because of the flooding of the fields (more people going to college) and because of downsizing. Its tough out there!

HappyEverAfter Posted: Jan 22, 2004 02:24 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Posted by 1017Bride

because of the overall competition for jobs, its so difficult to get a job in your first choice field. I think its because of the flooding of the fields (more people going to college) and because of downsizing. Its tough out there!

Not only is it tough to find a job, but also to get back into school. So many people nowadays think that going back to school will help them find the job they love, so its getting really competitive in some programs. I know so many people going from corporate into teaching. I am kind of worried that I may not get into the program of my choice, or be able to find a job teaching when I am done!

This is another thing I find as I get older-I overthink everything and worry about all the things that could go wrong. I am not a risk taker at all. I am still working up my nerve to leave the only thing I know (corporate jobs) and apply to go back to school. If it wasnt for DH support I would probably procrastinate for another few years I wish I had a crystal ball that told me how it would all work out

june262004 Posted: Jan 22, 2004 02:25 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

YES

1017Bride Posted: Jan 22, 2004 02:28 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

What kind of teacher do you want to be? Some teaching jobs are easier to get than others. If you are willing to work in NYC for a few years, you will have a better shot. What is your background in the corporate world hmi?

HappyEverAfter Posted: Jan 22, 2004 02:34 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

Actually, I live in CT now-but I want to be an elementary education teacher. I am going to apply to an intern program that they have here, where you teach (student teach, supervised) during the day and go to classes at night. Its tuition free, a year program but really intense, and you teach in low income areas. Its like the NYC teaching fellow program. I think its a bit competitive to get into, I have to start gathering my transcripts etc for fall enrollment.

Right now I am in marketing/advertising. Have been in the field for 7 years. Its not horrible, but I dont feel like I am accomplishing or impacting anything...its hard to explain. My MOH is a teacher and was telling me she taught her kids to write their names the other day-thats so amazing to me. I put some commercials on TV. Not the same as far as fulfillment from a job, you know?

1017Bride Posted: Jan 22, 2004 02:42 PM

Re: Does anybody else ever feel like they don't know what to be when they grow up?

The CT fellow teaching program sounds like a good idea. You would have a better shot of getting a job. Good luck.

My sister is in advertising and works in Manhattan.