Help me decide on a career

I'm class of 2016 and still haven't decided on a career. Wanting to hear some options on jobs outside. I think I have decided that if I haven't found what I want to do, I'll go into service. Not sure where, whether the Army, Marines or Air Force.

Thank you for commenting.

Edit: Changed thread name, wanting more choices. Alright with outside or inside.

 

well not sure if it helps, but i drive trucks locally for a food service company. I am always outside no boss on me just do the job and get it done. Pay is great and so are the benefits. Also with a class A CDL you can pretty much can get a job any where in the USA.

If you are a animal lover you can do what my girl friend did and get a job working at a zoo or animal sanctuary. But you gotta love animals because the pay is not that great.

 

I work as an electrician, somewhat outside... if you get a good job with the city, you're set for life, that also goes for plumbers, if you don't mind being covered in shit...

 

Just something to think about, but you ask about a career and not a job. There is a difference. Mostly where you see your self 10-20 yrs down the road. A career is long term planning, which is the right idea. You have to work the rest of your life, so either do something you enjoy or get paid enough to do something you can do.

I wanted to be a wildlife biologist. I looked into how much schooling I would need, job availability, and pay. I quickly realized I might enjoy the job, but I'd never afford to do anything else. I decided on the career that would allow me to do the things I wanted to do. With the help of the GI Bill, I went to pharmacy school. Now I'm in my early 40s and work an average of 23 weeks a year and spend the other time in the outdoors enjoying life.

Whatever you do, look at where you want to be later in life and see if that gets you there. It rarely happens on it's own.

 

^^^ He's absolutely right. There are many factors in choosing your career. What kind of skill sets do you have and/or what interests you? What resources do you have available to you? I joined the military at 17, made some mistakes along the way, but learned valuable skills both in the military and outside of it. I'm currently a Flight Paramedic in the Middle East (US company). I've had a fairly colorful career between 17 and 43. To just say you want an "outdoor career" leaves a great many options for you. Whether you choose the military or not, almost all choices have pros and cons. Weigh them out to what suits your needs and desires and not so much the opinions of others. Good luck.

 

Thanks for all the opinions, after some serious thought I have decided I want to stay home so the army and otr trucking is out of the question.

 

I used to do heavy industrial electrical work, now I am a planner. No ragrets.

 

When you say class of '16, I assume that means you are a Sr in HS? 17 or 18 years old?

Well, the 'stay home' thought is today. Next week you might change your mind. Don't paint yourself in any corners.

But keep in mind, not many of us really knew what we wanted to do at that age. Or if we did, it changed as we realized what other options we had. Very few folks pick something at 18 and run it their whole life. Although it does happen; my plumber is an example.

You give us no clue as to any skills you may have, or subjects you enjoy in school. It matters. Learning is lifelong. If you think you are done with our education next spring, well.............

So, for outdoor thoughts. Surveying is a good one to add to the list others have mentioned. I did that a couple of years around your age and enjoyed it a lot.

 

I am 17, I'll be 18 in February and I like to work with my hands. ATM I'm thinking of being a mechanic. I like modding my truck but the mechanic part frustrates me usually.

 

I've worked out side from when I was a kid to now and had various jobs from cutting grass to different phases of construction - comercial swordfishing - etc , etc and I'm currently 15 years into a 30 year plan if I make it with the local government taking care of grounds and facilities. I've always liked working outside but it's not for everyone.
If I could be your age again I would set a target date and goal to retire @ 50. Time flys by and like what was mentioned that means picking a career. Live with your parents as long as you can and horde your doe like a squirrel LOL. Planning is the key my son!!! Good Luck. JD

 

If you like being a mechanic and looking for outdoors, every consider being an aviation mechanic? excellent pay with opportunities around the world.

 

well I am not OTR I go home every night and only make local deliveries. I learned quick that being OTR it is hard to make good money. I make really good money and only work 4 days a week 38 hours. I have great benefits(insurance/401k/profit sharing) and the only way ill leave the company is if they fire me.

 

Does underwater count as outside? Im a commercial diver. Challenging career but I enjoy it, been doing it for 13 years.

 

If you were considering military options, and want to work outside, but also want to stay home, what about working as an enforcement officer for the dept of fish and wildlife? Cruise around out doors in trucks/boats verifying people are complying with hunting and fishing regulations.

As to the mechanic, personally I like working on my truck. But when it is a repair job, on someone else vehicle and it is a PITA it is just not fun IMO. Then as you get older your back and other body parts start to hurt from being hunched over a vehicle all day, and I'm just in my early 30s.

I've got no experience in the F&WL BTW. I've worked out doors in construction year round, it is not pleasant half the year. Summers are awesome, winters are cold, wet, dirty, miserable. I'm now an engineer that sits in a cozy office all day with free catered lunches, free lattes and no fixed work hours so I can show up and leave whenever I want. Way better.

 

Depending on the day I can work outdoors. I am in construction, a fire sprinkler fitter. You can make a real good living in the union construction trades, and depending on the trade you could be outdoors a lot. Take a look at a skilled trade, ( electrician, plumber, pipe fitter, sprinkler fitter etc). It's kind of like being a mechanic and pay is good.

 

When people tell you "Don't worry about it, you've got plenty of time to decide!" they are full of shit. Figure it out before you're 25 and work your ass off until 50, then retire. If you wait too long to figure out what you want to do you'll be 70 and still working your hands to the bone.

 

Carpenter / General Contractor

 

I work for the US Forest Service as a firefighter. Get to travel a bit, get dirty and work hard, and work in the fire service with a bunch of good people. Long term career with benefits and great retirement. Federal job and can take you anywhere in the US.

 

If you're debating joining the military, consider the Coast Guard. Best decision I ever made. I am excited to go to work every day.

Obligatory picture of outdoors.