Career choices

[Kerrywhite30]

I've arrived at the time in my life where I have graduated high school, and now have to choose a field or continue my education. Does any have any advice? What kind of careers do all y'all have? And what's the pay look like? Of course I'm not going to just choose a job because of the forum, but maybe someone can tell
Me a job I haven't considered! Should be a interesting topic

[Woody]

I'm an Engineer. If you don't mind a desk job and you want to make good money it's a option.

If I could go back, I would choose something more hands on.

[Weston81]

Bachelor degrees are like high school diplomas anymore, almost everybody has one. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I am just now finishing my degree after 11 years. From a corporate standpoint,I will tell you that not having a degree makes it almost impossible to even start at the most entry level position with my company or many large companies. With that being said, there is good money to be made and not having a degree. To be honest my degree will not necessarily help me with my current role but will help me with further advancement by having in that piece of paper. It all depends on what you want to do but leaving college as a junior 11 years ago was a huge mistake and only hindered my advancement in a corporate role. I am fortunate that that all my hard work has paid off for me, but that's not always the case. Long story short I'm still having to finish my degree but this time doing it while I have a two children and a full-time job. I will get off my soapbox now, hope this helps.

[Olly]

Picked a skilled labors trade. OR go to college for something in the STEM fields. That's Science, Technology, Engineering, mathematics.

If you're going for a 4 year degree in anything other than a STEM degree you're almost wasting your time.

[Kerrywhite30]

I was considering welding, any opinions on welding postitiona and payment? It just seems terrible to just be getting out of school and jumping right into more school! But i would like a more hands on job, I'm
Not sure if I could sit behind a desk everyday, I'd like a job that varies what your doing day from
Day. I think I'd go nuts sitting
Behind a desk all
Day

[Kerrywhite30]

But no offense to you for having a desk job!

[Kerrywhite30]

Bachelor degrees are like high school diplomas anymore, almost everybody has one. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I am just now finishing my degree after 11 years. From a corporate standpoint,I will tell you that not having a degree makes it almost impossible to even start at the most entry level position with my company or many large companies. With that being said, there is good money to be made and not having a degree. To be honest my degree will not necessarily help me with my current role but will help me with further advancement by having in that piece of paper. It all depends on what you want to do but leaving college as a junior 11 years ago was a huge mistake and only hindered my advancement in a corporate role. I am fortunate that that all my hard work has paid off for me, but that's not always the case. Long story short I'm still having to finish my degree but this time doing it while I have a two children and a full-time job. I will get off my soapbox now, hope this helps.

One thing I'm also considering is the trade off for going to college rather than working right off the back. I could make a lot of money in the four years outside of college. But thenn, college could equal more
Money in the end. It's just a frustrating choice

[Woody]

I was considering welding, any opinions on welding postitiona and payment? It just seems terrible to just be getting out of school and jumping right into more school! But i would like a more hands on job, I'm
Not sure if I could sit behind a desk everyday, I'd like a job that varies what your doing day from
Day. I think I'd go nuts sitting
Behind a desk all
Day

I know a few guys that weld/welded at the nuke plant. They make a lot of money for very little work. BUT it is a dangerous job and will almost certainly give you lung cancer.

[Woody]

Bachelor degrees are like high school diplomas anymore, almost everybody has one. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I am just now finishing my degree after 11 years. From a corporate standpoint,I will tell you that not having a degree makes it almost impossible to even start at the most entry level position with my company or many large companies. With that being said, there is good money to be made and not having a degree. To be honest my degree will not necessarily help me with my current role but will help me with further advancement by having in that piece of paper. It all depends on what you want to do but leaving college as a junior 11 years ago was a huge mistake and only hindered my advancement in a corporate role. I am fortunate that that all my hard work has paid off for me, but that's not always the case. Long story short I'm still having to finish my degree but this time doing it while I have a two children and a full-time job. I will get off my soapbox now, hope this helps.

One thing I'm also considering is the trade off for going to college rather than working right off the back. I could make a lot of money in the four years outside of college. But thenn, college could equal more
Money in the end. It's just a frustrating choice

In today's world, unless you start a company, you are nearly guaranteed to make more money with a degree.

[Weston81]

Bachelor degrees are like high school diplomas anymore, almost everybody has one. I work for a Fortune 100 company and I am just now finishing my degree after 11 years. From a corporate standpoint,I will tell you that not having a degree makes it almost impossible to even start at the most entry level position with my company or many large companies. With that being said, there is good money to be made and not having a degree. To be honest my degree will not necessarily help me with my current role but will help me with further advancement by having in that piece of paper. It all depends on what you want to do but leaving college as a junior 11 years ago was a huge mistake and only hindered my advancement in a corporate role. I am fortunate that that all my hard work has paid off for me, but that's not always the case. Long story short I'm still having to finish my degree but this time doing it while I have a two children and a full-time job. I will get off my soapbox now, hope this helps.

One thing I'm also considering is the trade off for going to college rather than working right off the back. I could make a lot of money in the four years outside of college. But thenn, college could equal more
Money in the end. It's just a frustrating choice

If you are looking into the welding field, and I am no expert, I would recommend going to a trade school for it. I know of a few guys who make very good money welding. If this is the field you for sure want to go into I don't know that college would serve you much of a purpose or bring you more money in the end.

[Flightstopper]

In my opinion it all depends on what you are good at, what you want to do and what kid of company you want to work for. Regardless, at least your next 5 years will be building the foundation for your career whether it be school or building a trade. Going to school doesn't guarantee you higher paying jobs or better careers but it does open doors if you pick a degree that fits your skills and desires and apply it appropriately. If you do a trade school and build your education on the job put yourself in the right position to learn from people well versed in the trade. If a person is driven it really doesn't matter what path they take to success as long as it is something you can apply yourself and excel.

[Darren]

Like many of you I really like the outdoors, hunting fishing etc. Mom and dad said I could do whatever I want so long as as got a degree in something first, so I chose a technical outdoor-related field, the hardest one I could try, figuring I could always try something else if I couldn't hack it. Grinded my way through LSU and got Bachelors degree in environmental engineering. Now I work for a consulting firm and thankfully the flexibility allows me to do a lot of hunting and fishing, plus the job takes me afield quite a bit, including airboats, atv's, etc. at times. I've even been paid to fish, as part of a fisheries study in the Gulf of Mexico, someone had to do it.

Shoot for as high as you think you can manage in a role that will fit what you want to do and will provide for what you need. Always remember that in the real world you've got to get up every morning and go to that job, don't get yourself in a spot where you hate/dread it. Best of luck!

[Olly]

In today's world, unless you start a company, you are nearly guaranteed to make more money with a degree.*

*if you can find a job

FIFY

[Olly]

I also think you need to ask yourself how much is money important to you? Seriously. I see so many guys get caught up in trying to make more money just so they can have what they think is a better life that they forget to live in the first place.

I'd rather make 25k a year doing something I love than 100k a year doing something that I hate. Life is so short that no amount of money is going to make me sell what little bit is mine.

[Flightstopper]

Like many of you I really like the outdoors, hunting fishing etc. Mom and dad said I could do whatever I want so long as as got a degree in something first, so I chose a technical outdoor-related field, the hardest one I could try, figuring I could always try something else if I couldn't hack it. Grinded my way through LSU and got Bachelors degree in environmental engineering. Now I work for a consulting firm and thankfully the flexibility allows me to do a lot of hunting and fishing, plus the job takes me afield quite a bit, including airboats, atv's, etc. at times. I've even been paid to fish, as part of a fisheries study in the Gulf of Mexico, someone had to do it.

Shoot for as high as you think you can manage in a role that will fit what you want to do and will provide for what you need. Always remember that in the real world you've got to get up every morning and go to that job, don't get yourself in a spot where you hate/dread it. Best of luck!

That's awesome Darren, wish those kind of opportunities were realistic here.

[Duckdog]

I can tell you what this world needs...better English teachers!!!

[Woody]

I can tell you what this world needs...better English teachers!!!

In 10 years Spanish will be our national language any ways.

[Flightstopper]

¿Què?

[Weston81]

I can tell you what this world needs...better English teachers!!!

I don't no what your talking about, it all makes cents to me.

[sws002]

I also think you need to ask yourself how much is money important to you? Seriously. I see so many guys get caught up in trying to make more money just so they can have what they think is a better life that they forget to live in the first place.

I'd rather make 25k a year doing something I love than 100k a year doing something that I hate. Life is so short that no amount of money is going to make me sell what little bit is mine.

This. I work retail, and it doesn't pay much, but it has afforded me some awesome opportunities and keeps me in the hunting business without having to make my hobby my work. I'm almost 30, and have my degree in Mathematics Education, but I figured out pretty quickly that I wasn't going to be happy teaching if I couldn't do the things I love with some more regularity than a teacher's schedule would offer.

[Olly]

I also think you need to ask yourself how much is money important to you? Seriously. I see so many guys get caught up in trying to make more money just so they can have what they think is a better life that they forget to live in the first place.

I'd rather make 25k a year doing something I love than 100k a year doing something that I hate. Life is so short that no amount of money is going to make me sell what little bit is mine.

This. I work retail, and it doesn't pay much, but it has afforded me some awesome opportunities and keeps me in the hunting business without having to make my hobby my work. I'm almost 30, and have my degree in Mathematics Education, but I figured out pretty quickly that I wasn't going to be happy teaching if I couldn't do the things I love with some more regularity than a teacher's schedule would offer.

It's part of the reason why I love my career in the military, I'll never be rich in the military but in 12 years I will be retired at 40 with a pension and find some part time job that I will quit every duck hunting season.

[sws002]

I also think you need to ask yourself how much is money important to you? Seriously. I see so many guys get caught up in trying to make more money just so they can have what they think is a better life that they forget to live in the first place.

I'd rather make 25k a year doing something I love than 100k a year doing something that I hate. Life is so short that no amount of money is going to make me sell what little bit is mine.

This. I work retail, and it doesn't pay much, but it has afforded me some awesome opportunities and keeps me in the hunting business without having to make my hobby my work. I'm almost 30, and have my degree in Mathematics Education, but I figured out pretty quickly that I wasn't going to be happy teaching if I couldn't do the things I love with some more regularity than a teacher's schedule would offer.

It's part of the reason why I love my career in the military, I'll never be rich in the military but in 12 years I will be retired at 40 with a pension and find some part time job that I will quit every duck hunting season.

Same here. I do enjoy retail, because it presents new challenges weekly. Although there probably wouldn't be quite as many challenges if everyone had to work retail at some point in their life.

I also think you need to ask yourself how much is money important to you? Seriously. I see so many guys get caught up in trying to make more money just so they can have what they think is a better life that they forget to live in the first place.

I'd rather make 25k a year doing something I love than 100k a year doing something that I hate. Life is so short that no amount of money is going to make me sell what little bit is mine.

This. I work retail, and it doesn't pay much, but it has afforded me some awesome opportunities and keeps me in the hunting business without having to make my hobby my work. I'm almost 30, and have my degree in Mathematics Education, but I figured out pretty quickly that I wasn't going to be happy teaching if I couldn't do the things I love with some more regularity than a teacher's schedule would offer.

It's part of the reason why I love my career in the military, I'll never be rich in the military but in 12 years I will be retired at 40 with a pension and find some part time job that I will quit every duck hunting season.

[Weston81]

I also think you need to ask yourself how much is money important to you? Seriously. I see so many guys get caught up in trying to make more money just so they can have what they think is a better life that they forget to live in the first place.

I'd rather make 25k a year doing something I love than 100k a year doing something that I hate. Life is so short that no amount of money is going to make me sell what little bit is mine.

This. I work retail, and it doesn't pay much, but it has afforded me some awesome opportunities and keeps me in the hunting business without having to make my hobby my work. I'm almost 30, and have my degree in Mathematics Education, but I figured out pretty quickly that I wasn't going to be happy teaching if I couldn't do the things I love with some more regularity than a teacher's schedule would offer.

It's part of the reason why I love my career in the military, I'll never be rich in the military but in 12 years I will be retired at 40 with a pension and find some part time job that I will quit every duck hunting season.

Just curious and forgive me if this is a stupid question, but what kind of health insurance will you get through the Coast Guard after you retire?

[Olly]

Just curious and forgive me if this is a stupid question, but what kind of health insurance will you get through the Coast Guard after you retire?

The same as all military retirees. You and your family get full medical covered by the office of the veterans affairs. The pension is 50% of the highest earned pay while serving.

[Weston81]

Just curious and forgive me if this is a stupid question, but what kind of health insurance will you get through the Coast Guard after you retire?

The same as all military retirees. You and your family get full medical covered by the office of the veterans affairs. The pension is 50% of the highest earned pay while serving.

Very nice, and glad to hear that as well!

[DeadEye_Dan]

Like many of you I really like the outdoors, hunting fishing etc. Mom and dad said I could do whatever I want so long as as got a degree in something first, so I chose a technical outdoor-related field, the hardest one I could try, figuring I could always try something else if I couldn't hack it. Grinded my way through LSU and got Bachelors degree in environmental engineering. Now I work for a consulting firm and thankfully the flexibility allows me to do a lot of hunting and fishing, plus the job takes me afield quite a bit, including airboats, atv's, etc. at times. I've even been paid to fish, as part of a fisheries study in the Gulf of Mexico, someone had to do it.

Shoot for as high as you think you can manage in a role that will fit what you want to do and will provide for what you need. Always remember that in the real world you've got to get up every morning and go to that job, don't get yourself in a spot where you hate/dread it. Best of luck!

Very good advice, top to bottom.

[Kerrywhite30]

I also think you need to ask yourself how much is money important to you? Seriously. I see so many guys get caught up in trying to make more money just so they can have what they think is a better life that they forget to live in the first place.

I'd rather make 25k a year doing something I love than 100k a year doing something that I hate. Life is so short that no amount of money is going to make me sell what little bit is mine.

This is amazing advice. I have just been hired at a little crappy job until I decide what it is I want to do, the pay is horrible, 8 dollars an hour, and it's a huge bummer.. But when deciding on these jobs, I have really been stressing over the whole "how much do they make a year" question.. But a job where I worked outside on te water, would be perfect. I've considered game wardens, BUT if you ask a warden, a lot of them
Say they barely have time to hunt.

[Olly]

I also think you need to ask yourself how much is money important to you? Seriously. I see so many guys get caught up in trying to make more money just so they can have what they think is a better life that they forget to live in the first place.

I'd rather make 25k a year doing something I love than 100k a year doing something that I hate. Life is so short that no amount of money is going to make me sell what little bit is mine.

This is amazing advice. I have just been hired at a little crappy job until I decide what it is I want to do, the pay is horrible, 8 dollars an hour, and it's a huge bummer.. But when deciding on these jobs, I have really been stressing over the whole "how much do they make a year" question.. But a job where I worked outside on te water, would be perfect. I've considered game wardens, BUT if you ask a warden, a lot of them
Say they barely have time to hunt.

They may not have a lot of time to hunt but everyday they are out in nature working their beat and depending on who's opinion you ask they are working towards protecting the wildlife for future generations. If that's something that gets your motor running go for it.

[Kerrywhite30]

What branch of the military are you in?

[Olly]

What branch of the military are you in?

The Coast Guard. I'm an Information Systems Technician.

If you're unsure about what you want to do now at 18 you might consider the military, a 4 year tour will allow you to grow up while gaining real world life experiences and not to mention you will learn a marketable trade to use if you choose to get out at 22.