Dilemma: I don't want to join the corporate world

<p>However, everything I have done thus far has prepared me for this route. I have had an excellent internship and have received a full time offer for after graduation (I have one more year). The hours are good, but the whole idea of being in the corporate world, becoming a manager, and eventually partner does not appeal to me. </p>

<p>I feel like it is crushing my spirit and will affect the way I will perform. I realize I always wanted something entrepreneurial, or just to do my own business and maybe expand it along the way. I also like creating new things, or expressing myself(I even admire music and arts majors for this reason). I also like a sense of independence and a strong sense of self identity, kind of what a freelance writer, animator, designer, etc does. I do not like the idea of working on big complex things within the context of a large organization, as I would much focus on developing my own individual skillset and developing a specific product within a much narrower context (and have more control ). </p>

<p>However, for safety reasons or not, I found I have been "successful" but don't like where I am heading. I was originally planning to become an actuary and have already passed a few exams. I want to do something different, but I feel like I am throwing everything I worked for away. I feel like I am in a very tough position right now. Has anybody been through this phase? Planning for my life after graduation has been on my mind for several years now, and I feel like I am being pushed into graduation without a sense of eagerness. I should also mention that I will be completing a masters degree as well as part of a special program upon graduation. </p>

<p>I don't know what to do anymore</p>

<p>I’m sorry if this comes off as cruel but grow up. You are going through what thousands upon thousands of graduates go through every year. It’s what I refer to as Graduation Crisis. I mean you’ve got a job offer, which many graduates do not have, and you’re complaining about how it’s not what you want? I don’t think anybody’s life has turned out to be exactly what they wanted but people manage. Your future is looking bright, but you are making it dark by feeling scared and sorry for yourself. Nobody can fix this for you.</p>

<p>I’ve had severe depression, anxiety, and self isolation issues in highschool and throughout college. The fact that I am slowly recovering from it now made me open my eyes to who I am and what I want to be, I don’t like what I am seeing. Is it too much to ask to not like where I am heading and want to change? Many people don’t realize what they hate until it is much too late. I have much regrets during highschool and college(most of it social, not academic), so I don’t want to repeat the same with my work life. Is this too much to ask?</p>

<p>This is not a place to receive mental health and support. You speak of SEVER anxiety and depression. It is almost irresponsible to post this here. You should seek help from a professional, not fellow forum members.</p>

<p>^Good advice (your first post). I’ve been feeling the same way as the OP. I keep viewing my upcoming job as a death sentence, but you basically told me what I needed to hear. Thanks!</p>

<p>I think that at the heart of the issue is fear of the unknown. Yes, people always say that college was their greatest years, but it all depends on what you want to get out of life. At every stage of life, you can either say: “This sucks, I cant wait __years before a transition, life is going to be great then!” Eventually, you grow old and die, regretting the things you didn’t do. Or you can live life by the day, finding happiness in what you do and make sure you always take full advantage of your opportunities.</p>