<p>Thinking back to my own experience... I had no idea what I should take up as a major in college. I chose engineering because I was good in Math. Big mistake. After two years I switched to Marketing. Much better, but for the wrong reasons. I never applied "marketing" in my career.</p>
<p>I'm sure my experience is not unique. I am now outlining the chapters of a simple, straightforward book, that will help parents, and young adults in this quest.</p>
<p>So here is my question: what would you as a parent, or you as a young adult trying to discover your passion, like to know? What specifically are your challenges?</p>
<p>There are some good books out there, but they are absolutely daunting in their depth of detail. Simply put, I want to create something that will be short, simple, effective and likely to be read.</p>
<p>Easier said than done. Focus on helping them explore their personal values, personality, and interests.</p>
<p>Culture
Class
Ethics
Money
Work/Life balance (If work is really “work” and not “fun”)
Family (or not)
Introverted/extroverted
goals (or not)
dreams (if any. I have, seriously, run into people who have no ambition. It’s depressing but it is true)
Patriotism
tendency to innovate
need for structure</p>
<p>There are a lot of dimensions to an individual that help determine what is a good path (or bad) in life. That is why most people aren’t settled into a career until they are well into their 30’s. If you can help people understand a little more about themselves sooner than later, maybe you can make the whole process of life choices a little less daunting. The unfortunate thing for all of us is that we were stuck with the condition of having an 18 year old set our paths into our futures with little or no experiential wisdom to help guide the way. The advice of a parent is limited to the experience of the parent and may have little or no bearing on what is right for the coming of age child.</p>
<p>I’m glad I’m not 20 anymore that decade really sucked. I started in finance, added international business, graduated then joined the military, went into real estate, then went to law school then quit and went back into real estate. All along, since I finished college in '98, I had this VC consulting firm I started (in '98) and am now finally turning it into something (2010) as I settle back into international business and finance… My core competencies and my passion.</p>