I don't have any transferable skills for careers. Please help?

<p>Careers are defined on the basis of transferable skills, right? Someone discovers a talent they feel passionate about—engineering, directing films, solving relationship problems—and college develops it. The skill can be taken from company to company. But so long as the skill is able to be performed, (I'm generally assuming) that person will be content wherever they are.</p>

<p>At 17, I'm not willing to forge a career path on the sole basis of my transferable skills. I don’t feel passionate enough about them. What I am passionate about is cinema, novels, television series… but only certain ones. </p>

<p>Right now, for instance, I’m especially connected to a television series. Ask me to write within the constraints of that universe and those characters? Won’t hesitate. (If I may be so bold, the results are <em>good</em>. Maybe not publishable yet, but ready to be primed for a career.) </p>

<p>Ask me to become a television series writer? Won’t accept. </p>

<p>See, I’m not passionate about writing itself. I’m passionate about the show. Writing happens to be the creative endeavor I’ve chosen to express that. This happens with nearly each field I consider. Once, I studied to become a CEO… but I only wanted to manage Disney. I dreamed of becoming an actress… but I only wanted to star in films connected to particular subjects, characters, or actors. </p>

<p>I set impractical goals due to my apathy of transferable skills, such as engineering or directing films or solving relationship problems. Unless it directly relates to whatever film or novel (or anything else besides a transferable skill) I’m passionate about, I don’t feel strongly enough to carve a career path from one talent. Basically, my skills are not transferable. </p>

<p>Very confused and very conflicted. I would really appreciate any advice you can offer. </p>

<p>Thank you! :) </p>

<p>You are mistaken. Your career doesn’t need to be your passion. That’s what hobbies are for. If you can’t find a passion to turn into a career, then simply find a career that is a) somewhat interesting where you don’t hate it; b) something you’re good at; c) something that can earn you a living.</p>

<p>Not everyone in this world can be the CEO of Disney, or the next James Cameron, or Ellen. Contrary to what you hear from the media, it’s okay to be a nurse or a teacher or an accountant or some office worker. Really, it is.</p>

<p>Don’t confuse your passion for your hobbies. Like you, I enjoy watching TV shows like Dave Chapelle or Conan. That doesn’t mean I want to be a comedian though nor do I have any desire to do stand up comedy. I also enjoy going to Disneyland. Trust me, I have no desire to work in an amusement park whatsoever.</p>