What to be when I grow up?

Anyone else struggle with what career you want to pursue when you grow up? Currently I work for a school system in the IT world. I went to school for Industrial Technology but grew up with my Dad being in the IT field. Long story short I ended up sort of looking after him during some health issues and ended up being hired at the same place he was at and I am still here. At the time it worked out great because I could work, take care of Dad, and finish college. Dad has since passed on and I feel very very lost at times.
I enjoy the work but at 24 currently I almost topped out in pay unless someone leaves, retires, or dies. I enjoy IT work but I also can run CNC machines, CAD/CAM, and I am mechanically inclined. Basically anything I have ever wanted to learn, I could pick up.

Little long winded but just some thoughts at work this morning. Please feel free to post thoughts, suggestions.

 

I appreciate the thoughts. Just hit a point of not knowing which way to go anymore. Makes it more difficult without guidance. I do enjoy working on mechanical things. I love gunsmithing and even take classes for that. My degree is in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Mechanical technology. Actually a very broad field which is good and bad I guess. Experience is what kills me. Most places want 8-10 years experience and I have half that.

 

All I can say is that I didn't have a clue until I hit about 30. I had all sorts of different sales jobs but nothing that felt right to me. Don't stress too much about being lost, you have a great foundation to explore from at this point. A steady job, degree and enough self awareness that you are actively trying to figure out what you want. Most people don't have all 3 of those things. I also found that finding someone I wanted to spend my life with and provide for really helped to, make sure you find a partner who motivates and pushes you to be a better man and you won't go wrong!

 

Have you looked into Industrial Networks/ IT? What about Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) - process automation, axial or even robot programming?

IT is a great field to be in and can offer you some flexibility if your're willing to search them out. Maybe just pick where you'd like to live 'forever' find a job there and figure it out?

 

Gunsmithing and machining which go hand in hand are things I really enjoy. After Dad passed I started taking gunsmithing at a local community college at night. The classes were mainly order gents that shared knowledge and just enjoy talking guns. Those classes were a huge stress reliever. I'm even thinking about picking them back up.

 

That's just it. I have no clue where I want to live really. Currently live in eastern NC between Raleigh and the coast. When you say industrial networks/IT are you talking enterprise level or more making machines within a manufacturing environment communicate?

 

I also didn't have a clue till I hit 30.
Worked for years and made it to shop foreman at a custom upholstery shop, and also a glass installation tech.
Found my calling in another company and celebrating 19 yrs.

It helps to have various other jobs so you can get a handle on what's really out there and what you like.

 

If you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life.
Money doesn’t make you happy.
I worked as a line cook and then chef for 6 years and then joined the Navy as a Submariner (navigation) after 10 years in the Navy I have incredible life experiences, but the mental stress is crippling at times. If I could do it again I would choose a more physical job like a wild land fire fighter.

 

Hear that all the time but how? Where do you start? I enjoy the job I have now I have a lot of freedom. Basically as long as my schools are taken care of I go help one of our other guys. He has taught me so much with cabling, electrical, and I helped him migrate our phone system last summer. Over 2000 phones, he asked me would I be backup in case something pops up and he can't do certain things. Several things have happened lately that just make me rethink what I am doing. I'm also at a point with the girlfriend (no ring) that I am rethinking everything in life.

 

Engineering. Has a little bit of everything if you choose the right field....on hands, pc butt time, field work , travel ..

 

I'd say start figuring out what your life to be surrounded by in 10,20,50 years and then get there, find a job that pays the bills and is rewarding then sit back and watch the world turn.
Both. There are good opportunities in enterprise level and industrial machine to machine level and server database management.

 

Things in particular to look for? I’d honestly like to get on at the local hospital. It’s a major hospital in the area.

 

i went to school for industrial arts (shop teacher)
I never wanted to be a teacher but my councelor at college had me take few wrong courses my original intention was to work in the field
I did not want to spend another year in college so i did student teaching and liked it and now 30 + years later love my job (most days)
My major was graphic arts but after teachingit for 3 years i was riffed (reduction in force) and then took a wood working job.
I had to teach my self alot of my woodworking skills but could always stay ahead of the kids
In NJ shop is now called Industrial Tech although most schools haved shut down their shops
Kids love it, I still do wood working but most of my projects are technology based
Your still young find a field you like and follow it

 

My resume is a hodgepodge of random stuff. Three college degrees from schools that don't require TV commercials, ASE certifications, a bunch of certifications for another field that I won't mention.

In all honestly I still don't know WTF I want to do when I grow up. I have been at my current job six years. It pays well, I'm debt free, but can't see myself doing it for a lifetime

 

I started out in IT back before they even called it that, but never really loved. Ended up working for a couple major telecommunications companies for 15 yrs until I got laid off due to a merger. Had no idea what I was going to do because I didn’t want to continue the same path. Ended up as a Firefighter, now with 12yrs in and love it. Who knew!