<p>Before you consider law school, do a ton of research. Currently there is a huge glut of people coming out of law school, and finding it impossible to find jobs. Thats even more true of those who don’t go to first-rate law schools. Does the world really need more lawyers?</p>
<p>Maybe I skipped over it, and I apologize if I did, but did you say anything about wanting to contribute something to make the world a better place, if only slightly? Sorry to sound high and mighty, and I’m not perfect myself, but it’s not all about you. I commend you for thinking hard about what YOU would like to do, I really do, but all ethical creatures must consider the bigger picture also. Lecture over.</p>
<p>I beg to differ. I think a LOT of jobs feel like ‘work’ but for those that found their calling, it doesn’t feel like work at all. I would be doing what I’m doing even if I wasn’t earning the salary that goes with it. My spouse is the same. I believe most people that are really good at what they do, thrive in the position, and it is who they are…it isn’t something you count down the hours and days and live for being ‘off work’ and you aren’t calculating how much you are paid by the hour…it is simply an important and enriching part of your life. I had enough of those crappy, terrible jobs until I found my career path. </p>
<p>I’m not suggesting everyone has this luxury. But if you have the means to go to university and the ability to excel in a range of areas, you owe it to yourself to find out what you would find most interesting to pursue.</p>
<p>You sound perfectly on track for your stage of your academic career in terms of knowing what you want to do. The classic “best career” embodies the intersection of talent with interest. Maybe use that as a guidepost. Many self-made successes have never worked a day in their lives because they are so very happy doing what they do. Being somewhat relaxed about all of this is also wise, as anxiety never helps decision making. Ignore people who are in any way discouraging. It’s just noise. Keep reaching out to experienced, helpful adults in the real world and here on CC. </p>
<p>Most people end up in careers they just fell into. Sometimes it seems that so many other people have it all together and know just what they want (and how to get it). This just isn’t true. A lot of success in life comes from recognizing a good opportunity when it comes your way, and running with it. Many of the most financially successful people did not have it all together in terms of knowing exactly what they wanted at your stage of the game. Not even close.</p>
<p>I recommend reading Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger. Your library might have it or they can get it for you.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for your helpful answers! I’m much less confused now.
You’re right, I did not mention anything about helping others, though I’d really love to do it, either through research, public service or teaching. Thanks for the book title too.
It’s definitely true that I might feel that way about the rich/poor thing only because my parents made sure nothing would change in my life. Probably wasn’t the case for theirs. I had never thought of it like that.</p>