Dear old hippie, I'm 16 and a junior in high school and my counselor to my parents to some of my friends are asking what are you gonna do when u get out of high school. I think to myself on what to do, i wanna go to college but what to study!? I know i want to be able to make enough money to support a family but where to get it when it seems with almost every job you get is filled with cutthroat business men and women. So what is one to do in a world of corruption.
Well, I'm 55 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. Some folks seem to be born with a single-pointed focus on life, and some of us just don't have that. When I was 16 (1968), people tended to define themselves by their job - "I'm a fireman" or "I'm a truck driver". That may not be the best perspective for our world today, it changes too fast. Whole industries and occupations disappear. Very few people reach middle age without having made several major career changes. If I were you, I wouldn't worry too much about specific goals at this point. Use every opportunity to learn whatever you can from every source you can find, not just from school. You might want to take a year or two off between high school and college and work at something. Also, unless you're in a very focused program at college, the first two years are pretty much the same for most students so you'll have even more time to explore possibilities. As far as corruption is concerned, it exists, but there are also many good people out there and many good companies as well. We hear about the bad, but seldom hear about the good. Keep your eyes open and you just might find a place that's right for you, but develop the ability to change with the times when it's necessary.
There is a saying: "Do what you love, and the money will follow." Make this your prime concern and focus, and the rest can all be worked out in time. And you will have a much happier life. Don't burden yourself with the darkness of the business world now, it will only distract you from finding your most joyful and natural path.
I agree with both Gaston and Mojave, NJ. Your 16 and can get a part time job, or simply volunteer to gain experience and see 'where your heart lays..Hospital jobs are always available, grocery stores hire teens, vetenary clinics need part timers also sometimes.. Dog Walking is also an option for teens.. I know you said carrear but to gain a little experience in How To Work, a part time job could help you make up your mind as to what really interest you. Go out and try different things, you will 'know' what suits you for study in collage when it's time. Don't worry about the corruption, that's the lessons to be learned in the furture.. how to avoid the pitfalls.. your not here to avoid, your here to partisipate.. what will you learn in a bubble.. get in there and get your hands dirty. If you want to experience just the lolly pops and roses, your in the wrong world.. life is for learning both good and bad.. if it was all just sooo good and nothing ever went wrong or changed, we would be like the beast of the fields, just grazing till we are lead to slaughter. If I were to suggest something for you to learn, it would be Ecology..to help save the planet we dwell upon. To help find new and better fuel sources and to clean up the air and water before we all parish with the planet when it goes. Bright Blessings on your journey sh
You've already heard 150+ years experience with out me adding another 50 to it....but schools can only really point you in a general direction...and teach you the basics of field of interest....your education will come once you are out in the world existing from day to day....so pave the road well for it is you who has to walk it....be happy in your choice ...since it is you who has to open their eyes every morning to go out and face the existence you have chosen...that may sound abstract...but it is as real as it gets...when you get right down to it
Also from NJ here - you inspired me to register and throw another 50+ years at ya... I agree with a lot of what's already been said though I disagree about school. (Keep in mind that I took ten years between my sophomore and junior college years so my take may look inverted!) I think Life pushes you in a general direction and school is good for fine tuning the details. And as far as corruption goes - don't let that stop you. There are opportunities to be a stand up guy/gal even in the most corrupt environments. And maybe that's where it's most needed. Warning: don't expect to necessarily be rewarded for it! But if you feel good about who you are, the nature of the work you're doing and how you handle the people and and situations you find around you - you'll be ok. It "just" takes deriving satisfaction from inside yourself. I've got a daughter who's a high school senior this year, so I feel particularly close to your predicament. It's may seem a trite notion (though it's the cornerstone of being an idealist) but be true to your beliefs and then go, to quote Oat Willie, "onward through the fog!" Best wishes!
yes, the world is corrupt and it will try constantly to corrupt you. but there are many careers you can choose in which you can make a difference. don't worry that you don't know which major you want for sure at first. most people switch majors at least once. you don't have to plan your whole life out before you take the first step. just remember to always maintain a bit of skepticism and don't swallow anyone's paradigm whole...you'll be alright.
There are bad folks everywhere, but there are many good people who you can trust and who will not burn you. Expect the positive, and many times you can overlook the frown or sneer of the person who is just an unhappy person. They don't have to dictate the way you live your life. There has already been a lot of good advice given above. Gain a skill that can pay your bills, because that's the reality of the world we live in. But also go for your dreams. Pursue something or things that give you passion, help you to serve others, change situations, etc. One of the greatest ideals that came out of the 60's was the desire to serve others. When we get off ourselves, we are freed (ironically) to be more ourselves. We enter into life, which offers joy, challenge, opportunities for growth. Align yourself with people who are not merely headed for a career because it makes money, but who have goals, want to be personally responsible (including supporting themselves financially), and are willing to work hard for their goals. That is what dreams are about.
