Life: 19-Year-Old Trying to Find Direction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a 19-year-old individual expressing uncertainty about their future career path and educational direction, particularly in the context of transitioning from high school to university. Participants share their own experiences and offer support, reflecting on the challenges of making career decisions and the pressures of academic achievement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) feels lost regarding their future career despite performing well academically and having an interest in various STEM subjects.
  • Some participants suggest that it is normal to feel uncertain about career choices at a young age, emphasizing that many people do not have a clear direction even in higher education.
  • One participant reflects on their own indecision about pursuing a postdoc or law school, indicating that uncertainty is a common experience.
  • Another participant reassures the OP that questioning one's abilities and goals is a typical part of the learning process and encourages a positive attitude towards learning.
  • The OP expresses gratitude for the support received in the forum, highlighting the lack of high-achieving role models in their personal life.
  • A book recommendation, "What Color is Your Parachute?" is mentioned, which may provide guidance on career exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that uncertainty about career paths is a common experience among students and that it is acceptable to question one's goals. However, there is no consensus on specific career choices or the best approach to finding direction.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the challenges of making informed decisions without sufficient exposure to various fields and the pressure of academic expectations. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and perspectives on navigating career uncertainty.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals in high school or early university stages grappling with career choices, as well as those seeking reassurance about their academic and professional uncertainties.

Mr_Orsum
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Ok... I'm 19, in year 11 (not sure of the American equivalent) this is my second time in year 11, I'm the oldest in my school. when i dropped out the first time, i had no drive, no support from anyone, nothing. I got an apprenticeship as a chef, hated it, continued for about 2 years, moved around a lot. Then decided to go back to school. just finished first half of year 11, top of most of my classes.

So that's pretty much where i am now, trying really hard, i want to be prepared for year 12 so i can get the best TER (uni entrance thing)... but i still don't know where I'm going, i said that i wanted to be an engineer at the start of the year, and have researched that quite a bit, but i don't even know if that's what i want to do now (yes iv read the "should i become an engineer" thread) I'm just so utterly lost, i mean sure science is awesome, physics is crazy and cool, maths is oddly fun and chemistry is really interesting, but out of all the careers iv looked at, nothing really jumps out at me, i mean I'm creative, but i think far too out side the box, this normally blinds my common sense, hell i don't even know what I'm asking... is this all worth it? like going to uni, getting a good job. I just feel like I'm this confused teenager that is about to become an adult, and i don't think I'm ready for that.

Any input would be appreciated, I am in a weird place right now, thanks for taking the time to actually read this...
 
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Don't worry about it, I'm in my second year at uni and don't know where I'm going. I probably won't know until half way through grad school if I want to do a postdoc or go to law school.

The only place I know I'm going for sure to is the funeral pyre. That's about it. I think that's the case for most of us.
 
In terms of knowing exactly what you want to do right now is a going to be a hard thing to confirm right now, and it's perfectly fine to question your ability to be able to achieve what your ultimate goals. Everyone does it.

Sometimes, especially when you have not been exposed to the subject in hand, it is easy to get caught up with the mind-numbing idea of having to 'know' all the things you need to know to become good at a particular subject. It might help to know that you are probably not as naive you might think you are. With hard work and a good attitude to help others learn, I think you'll have a good chance with anything you want to learn.
 
thanks for taking the time to read that and reply, since I don't have any sort of high achieveing family members or friends its hard to talk to them about it, coming here is really helpful, thanks again :approve:
 
What Color is Your Parachute?
by Richard N. Bolles
 

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