How old were you when you decided on your career?

[Ria]

Ok so, I'm 17, a junior in high school, and I have no idea what I want to major in. Well... maybe that's not exactly true - I have many interests (especially writing, and I was even thinking about Journalism) - but I honestly can't decide.

I know I still have time; and actually, it takes some people years and years until they decide what career they truly want to pursue, but still, sometimes I worry about it.

Just wondering how early you guys knew; or even if you still haven't really decided.

[basket of soft kittens]

well proctology is a career i always wanted to pursue ..but their has been ome setbacks ..like having to have my office in a van...that whole "charges"
thing..but i still love my job..

[James]

Military type stuff, age 7. I started doing it at age 19 and still am (I'll be 31 next month).

Writing, started at age 11, and am currently seeking an agent and/or publisher for my first novel.

I've been interested in teaching since I was about 18, and have done that for a couple of years, though with U.S. Navy personel as my students. Once I get the hooah out of my system I'm going to get my MA and go teach HS History/Spec. Ed./ESL somewhere in the Seattle area.

Then I will have a family, get old, retire, and enjoy my golden years.

[Haiw]

I suppose my choice to pursue a life in the military came when I was 16, however the feeling had been under my skin for about a year already by then. Its just that it took a while for me to actually decide that I was really gonna do it.

In the end what it comes down to is being open for everything and be willing to make what seems to be the best choice. Try and make yourself a list of what kind of things would seem nice to you to study, and then start digging for studies that appear nice to you in those areas. After that, find out what you actually DO and LEARN during them. (If I had done that I wouldn't have been wasting half a year in philosophy classes)

But then in the end you'll just end up having some choices left, and then you just gotta pick what feels best in your heart. Just make a choice that doesn't leave you with doubts and half-regrets the moment you make it.

[Ria]

That's great James...and hey, good luck with that novel :hug:

[James]

That's great James...and hey, good luck with that novel :hug:

Thankee.

[Ria]

I suppose my choice to pursue a life in the military came when I was 16, however the feeling had been under my skin for about a year already by then. Its just that it took a while for me to actually decide that I was really gonna do it.

In the end what it comes down to is being open for everything and be willing to make what seems to be the best choice. Try and make yourself a list of what kind of things would seem nice to you to study, and then start digging for studies that appear nice to you in those areas. After that, find out what you actually DO and LEARN during them. (If I had done that I wouldn't have been wasting half a year in philosophy classes)

But then in the end you'll just end up having some choices left, and then you just gotta pick what feels best in your heart. Just make a choice that doesn't leave you with doubts and half-regrets the moment you make it.

Thanks Haiw...I really need to start doing that - making a list and planning, on paper. I've mostly just tossed ideas around in my head, and it hasn't done much good. But I'm just procrastinating I guess. Also, there's an endless amount of things to consider, apart from education. It can get pretty frustrating.

[Ratamacue]

I decided probably when I was 14 or 15 that I was entering the military once I got out of high school. I'm not sure what I'll do afterwards though. Been throwing ideas around my head like computer animation or game development, or writing...but writing for a living sounds to me like it'd suck.

[Fintin]

i am majoring in US history...i started college majoring in youth ministry...i just didnt have the pasion to do it...but i have always loved history...i was thinking about teaching, but yeah...im thinking about law...that is if i use my degree...like james im looking into getting works published and songs picked up for recording...

[Dennis G]

A very brief answer,

From like age 10, I always wanted to be in the military, but as a few may know I had my first child. My Father told me to put the military thing on hold (my father was a career soldier) but now I have new responsibilities and the military would have to wait. Ok fine, so I went to work with my now retired father in general construction, I had to get out! So I found a bondsmen that would help me get started I did this and personal protection for many years. And now I’m employed on Erie PD. Sort and sweet.

[Ria]

...but writing for a living sounds to me like it'd suck.

Actually, I agree, in a way...Right now I feel like I could never be an author of novels or books...I like short essays, articles, etc. I might have to do a little something on the side if all I did was write. Writing and traveling, on the other hand, sounds wonderful.

I also love traveling, but I don't think that would work because of other commitments. Plus, I'm not sure what I would do exactly that has to do with travel. There's business, but...meh...I dunno...business doesn't sound like me.

I just need to research so much more!

[gaz]

I'm twenty five, I still only have the vaguest of vague ideas of what I want to do.

[Ria]

I'm twenty five, I still only have the vaguest of vague ideas of what I want to do.

Ah, well, that's a little reassuring :) ;)

What do you do now gaz?

[Ratamacue]

...but writing for a living sounds to me like it'd suck.
Actually, I agree, in a way...Right now I feel like I could never be an author of novels or books...I like short essays, articles, etc. I might have to do a little something on the side if all I did was write. Writing and traveling, on the other hand, sounds wonderful.
I love writing short stories as it's not like you have to devise a plot for 300 pages of text. Just come up with an idea in your head and let it flow for maybe 10-20 pages. Short and sweet.

[gaz]

I'm a barman at a pub where I've worked for six years. I just need to give myself a boot up the arse and find a normal job. My qualifications are in Aerospace Engineering but to be entirely frank I'm not that good at it, I just don't have the patience (Or ths skill) for the maths involved. Currently I'm developing a pretty strong interest in air traffic control but that'll probably change within a week.

[basket of soft kittens]

I'm a barman at a pub where I've worked for six years. I just need to give myself a boot up the arse and find a normal job. My qualifications are in Aerospace Engineering but to be entirely frank I'm not that good at it, I just don't have the patience (Or ths skill) for the maths involved. Currently I'm developing a pretty strong interest in air traffic control but that'll probably change within a week.

whats the craziest thing that happened at your bar?

[Ratamacue]

I'm a barman at a pub where I've worked for six years. I just need to give myself a boot up the arse and find a normal job. My qualifications are in Aerospace Engineering but to be entirely frank I'm not that good at it, I just don't have the patience (Or ths skill) for the maths involved. Currently I'm developing a pretty strong interest in air traffic control but that'll probably change within a week.
Air traffic control is supposed to be an extremely stressful job, and I can see why listening to radio comms at airports.

[flickme]

Ive wanted to join the military as a career ever since i can remember. Ive never even considered any other career.............ever.

the only problem of a military career is

-might get killed
-hard to have a family

[gaz]

the only problem of a military career is

-might get killed
-hard to have a family

I can't imagine anywhere else in the world where you can see multiple categories of the only problem.

the only problem of a military career is

-might get killed
-hard to have a family

I can't imagine anywhere else in the world where you can see multiple categories of the only problem.

I was going to make problem plural but there is no edit button so I said f uck you gaz

[GrimReaper]

the only problem of a military career is

-might get killed
-hard to have a family
There are other proffesions the can get you killed and are hard on family life.

[AFACadet]

I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy and be a pilot since I was seven. I also wanted to be an Aeronautical Engineer since then, but changed my mind sophmore year at the Academy and am majoring in Military History.

[Falco]

I always wanted to become a pilot, it's as simple as that. My mother seems to think that it came from the fact that when I was a little kid the father of one of her students was the captain of the fligh in which we were passengers and he invitred us to the flightdeck, and for about half an hour, I sat on his laap while my parent were chatting with him.

We also live just beside Trudeau Int'l airport (CYUL) and for all my life I've seen aircrafts come and go. In a few years I'll be the one in the front seat.

[Ratamacue]

I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy and be a pilot since I was seven. I also wanted to be an Aeronautical Engineer since then, but changed my mind sophmore year at the Academy and am majoring in Military History.
What year are you? My bro's a Midshipman 2nd Class at CU, switched from Aerospace Engineering to Polysci his first year and trying to get a flight spot now.

[gaz]

I was going to make problem plural but there is no edit button so I said f uck you gaz

****, you're a smart one. Marine Corps recruiters are going to be fighting over you, after all, shooting at those cardboard targets all day has to get boring, once they get you running around on the range the other recruits will have much more fun taking potshots at you.

I was going to make problem plural but there is no edit button so I said f uck you gaz

****, you're a smart one. Marine Corps recruiters are going to be fighting over you, after all, shooting at those cardboard targets all day has to get boring, once they get you running around on the range the other recruits will have much more fun taking potshots at you.

welcome to last year ;)

[Jack Mehoff]

I wanted to be a **** star, but the minimum qualification for a **** star is a 12 inch *****. Where the hell am I going to get a 12 inch *****?

[Hot Lips]

I have to decide?

[memphiz]

Well Ive wanted to join the military since 9/11 actually so im still working on pursuing that
And I wouldnt mind getting a Managerial position at a Canadian Tire

[EvanL]

ive always wanted to be able to help ppl. And ever since i was old enough to think on my own, ive always wanted to be a guardian. The military and police force are the only careers which ive always wanted to be part of. Nothing else has ever stuck with me.
And now i start cop school in January. :D
I couldnt be happier

[scm77]

14 :D

[Haiw]

Wow. That's quite a young age to decide to become a polesmoker.

[EvanL]

14 :D
This isnt a poll about our IQs :cantbeli:

[memphiz]

Wow. That's quite a young age to decide to become a polesmoker.
Only GWBs

[Khabbi]

First day of school I knew what I wanted to be , a slacker :D . guess I was 7 then . glad to help out Ria :D

[b.scheller]

since i was 10 i wanted to be a teacher, and since i could remember i wanted to serve in the military.

[Fee Fi Fo Fum]

from 10 onwards i wanted to be a cartoonist then when i was 15 some kid that was a year below me was a better artist (younger too :fork:) so i decided to take a challange and looked into the military.... thats where im going :)

[MARINO]

i've done my 1st year of physics at university and i've begun my 2nd year studying to enter in Zaragoza Military Academy.(hope this year is the last)
I decide it when i had 6 years.

[Warlord]

I enrolled for a civil engineering degree. Then found out that I still have to go for my ROTC despite having spent my PE classes in the last two years in our Citizens Military Training.

As i went to the desk of the recruiting officer. I told him I didn't enroll in engineering to destroy houses but to build them. Well he turned out to be the my drill instructor.

Can you say latrine duty.

I am now a civil engineer but i've been transferred to procurement. But I still know how to make a sticky molotov cocktail.

[molly747]

My sophomore year of college, I decided I wanted to become a writer. So I did.

[NcDeuce]

Ok so, I'm 17, a junior in high school, and I have no idea what I want to major in. Well... maybe that's not exactly true - I have many interests (especially writing, and I was even thinking about Journalism) - but I honestly can't decide.

I know I still have time; and actually, it takes some people years and years until they decide what career they truly want to pursue, but still, sometimes I worry about it.

Just wondering how early you guys knew; or even if you still haven't really decided.

I've wanted to join the military ever since I ran around "playing war" as a kid. It wasn't until late in high school that I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in Army Aviation. I've been working my tail off to achieve that goal. However, if I don't branch Aviation, I don't really have any other solid choices as far as branches in mind at this point and time. Either way, I'm still unsure whether I will stay in after my obligated time is up in the Army. I want to do other stuff, fly helicopters for travel tours, start my own business, and make a run at politics. You're still young, keep your mind open to all your options. Who knows, I may want to go into law.

[Jack Mehoff]

I wanted to become Jack of Finland, too bad that thread got locked :fork:

[wormie]

When I was 9 I decided on the United States Marine Corps and then im planning on become a cop or a firefighter when im done. Im a year and a half away from joining.

[AFACadet]

I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy and be a pilot since I was seven. I also wanted to be an Aeronautical Engineer since then, but changed my mind sophmore year at the Academy and am majoring in Military History.
What year are you? My bro's a Midshipman 2nd Class at CU, switched from Aerospace Engineering to Polysci his first year and trying to get a flight spot now.

I'm a firstie. I've got 225 days left ;)

[Keyboard]

I've always had an interest in the SWAT team, so I'm planning on being in the Toronto ETF. I've also had an obsession with JTF-2, for a while, I wanted nothing other then to join the military, and be in JTF-2.

Who knows, the two decisions may switch around.

I'm only 17 though, so I've got a long time to go.

[Howitz]

I've always knew i wanted to serve in the military. At first I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy, or through ROTC, to become a pilot. As years when on i realized due to the extremley poor quality of my eyesight that was simply out of the question. I then looked into all the other services, and now im 16, and a junior in HS too, and just got back yesterday from Clemson, SC where I want to go to college (12 hour drive *whew*), and where i got to talk the the Recruiting director for the Army ROTC program, I think it's definatley something I want to do. After 4 years in the Army I dunno what then, maybe continue on in the Army. Anyway I plan on majoring in some field of engineering, but i don't feel pressured to decide just yet, either a major or career. I must add one of my pieces favorite advice from my dad "I don't care what you do with your life, that's up to you, but if you join the military, I want people to be saluting you."

[Mamon]

I always thought of the military as a possibility since i was little, the order of it all (or so i thought) appealed to me. I'm a history major now, 20 years, with little idea of what i want to do. I worry about it too, but there's still time.

[Maverick77]

I dedided I wanted to join the army when I was 6.


Im 17 and still going to do the same thing

[usa320]

Well, originally i wanted to go into engineering, but because of poor math skills i realized i couldnt cut it, so my last year of high school i decided to go for business instead and work my way up in the company i was already working for.

Im still thinking of doing something else though. My job is alright, but not what i really wanted to do in life.

I want to get into government... ive been looking into some jobs at the TSA, and i might decide to get out of retail and into homeland security... Ill do that for some time, and then probably run for office at some level.

[basket of soft kittens]

ive always wanted to go in the military in elementary we used to play guns.. and sketch guns.and pretend to do cqb...but recently one of my favorite cousins joined the marines and tells me nothing but horrible tales about it ..also i kind of enjoy my freedom to do whatever the hell i want but nows the point in my life where its descision making time ..so i dont know anymore im really confused

[Seiyuuki]

I was this many years old.

[hank]

29 and it took me until 33 to get there. Don't rush, lots of time.

hank

[usa320]

My qualifications are in Aerospace Engineering but to be entirely frank I'm not that good at it, I just don't have the patience (Or ths skill) for the maths involved. Currently I'm developing a pretty strong interest in air traffic control but that'll probably change within a week.

Im pretty much in the same boat. wanted to be a fighter jock, but my eyesight is hellish so it probably wont happen. And my knee is fukced up big time because of an old injury. So basically military service is out. Thought about being a commercial pilot, but i felt now was a bad time to get into the airline industry.

:(

So then i looked at Aerospace... But i didnt have the needed math skills.

Ive also thought about ATC, but the selection process is quite lengthy and the training is in Ft. Worth, and i really am not into relocating anytime soon.


So ive continued my business education.

But i really want to serve in some way shape or form. So i plan on getting a job with some branch of government... TSA, Customs, border patrol, FBI, something... i want to do something to give back to the country and community... Ive thought about policing but again because of my knee problem i am doubting i could hack the physical tests needed to become an officer. My father was a Fire chief and has basically talked me out of ever becomming FIRE/RESCUE or EMS...

So im gonna see what kinda jobs i can get in government with the education i have, even if its entry level job, i can eventually work my way up. Eventually i want to go to washington and hold office.

[FallenAngel]

When I was about 16, I decided I wanted to be a lawyer. That's the path I'm on right now. With any luck, I'll pass the bar in about 6 years.

[Ratamacue]

I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy and be a pilot since I was seven. I also wanted to be an Aeronautical Engineer since then, but changed my mind sophmore year at the Academy and am majoring in Military History.
What year are you? My bro's a Midshipman 2nd Class at CU, switched from Aerospace Engineering to Polysci his first year and trying to get a flight spot now.
I'm a firstie. I've got 225 days left ;)
Good luck on that dude.

[walford]

I've always been a crank. When I retire I will be a curmudgeon.

That being said, if you haven't decided, get a college degree in something general, but useful. It will help you get a job. If you're not happy with the path you chosen, you can always do a career change.

[ShotOver]

Always since i could remember i wanted to be in the Infantry, but then my love for cooking and the ocean came in. And mix that with a love for discipline and my country, ta da you got yourself a Navy Chef.
;)