Hi,

I’m an engineer in its late 30s and I sometime go to high-school talking about my job, my scholar background, etc… I remember being very stressed about my future at that time, so I try to tell them what I wish someone had told me 20 years ago.

If any teens are reading this (or people in contact with teens), what topics or advice would you want to hear from some random dude like me ?

Thanks for your help

ps: I know most of lemmy users are middle age, but there is no way I create account on shitktok, Insta or stuff.

  • BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today
    2·
    1 day ago

    I think it’s important that when you are considering your career path, the first step should be a basic acknowledgment of the basic type of job you want.

    In my long experience, there are really only two types of jobs - Jobs where you solve peoples’ problems, or one where you provide a service that makes people happy.

    The first are professional like doctors, lawyers, auto repair, landscaping, finance, etc. People have problems, and you solve them. Those people probably aren’t happy about their problem, or the cost, but they are grudgingly satisfied that their problem is solved. If you can take satisfaction from that, maybe that’s the path for you.

    OTOH, some jobs are about providing happiness or satisfaction. Sales, food, retail, travel, music, sports, entertainment, etc. some people thrive better in that environment.

    I’ve had both types of jobs, and while I truly care about my fellow humans, I just don’t want to live my whole life listening to other peoples’ problems. I would rather be helping them enhance the joy in their lives. Maybe it’s a little shallow, but somebody has to do these jobs, too, and I’m honest enough with myself to understand that I’m that type. If it’s what I have to devote my life to, then I need it to be fulfilling for ME, first.

    And here’s the bigger picture - if you understand which of those basic camps you fit into, it will be easier to find a satisfying job, and even a career, that is far from your dream job. Probably only 10% ever get their dream job, so the rest are going to have to figure out something else when that Philosophy degree doesn’t translate into an income.

    Knowing which type you are will keep you from taking a job from the wrong side of the menu, where you will almost certainly hate anything, and stay on your side, where you can probably find something positive about multiple choices. As you travel up your unplanned career path, at least you’ll know you’re on the right highway.

    Out of metaphors, gotta go! Have a great life!