Life after college and confusion

<p>Hey everyone, first time posting. I know this is mostly for people starting/looking to go to college but I'm curious if anyone else has these issues.</p>

<p>I just graduated college in May (BS Mechanical Engineering), I also just turned 27. I didn't ever want to go to college, and when I finally started it took almost 6 years due to having to make up for bad high school grades/lack of study. Receiving that degree was by far the proudest day of my life but I felt ready to move on, start working, see what happens.</p>

<p>I was lucky to get a job out of school in my field, though it's incredibly boring (Doing HVAC energy audits mostly), I make a decent wage but I feel terribly bored, unfufilled and wondering what do I do next. At the same time I think another job might not answer those questions.</p>

<p>My career and life goals are not to climb the ladder of company, not to make tons of money, and not to stand out in my field. I want to feel happy what I do, and most importantly feel like I make a difference somewhere to someone. I just don't feel my current career path will lead to this.</p>

<p>Sure we all have regrets, maybe I should have gone to school right after high school. Maybe I should have been a doctor to help people... maybe maybe... I know I like to solve problems, engineering was a great choice for me I just don't know where to go.</p>

<p>I made a list of jobs and careers that I felt I'd feel happy no matter what I made, or what I did and teaching other's always came up on my list. I went to a small teaching focused engineering school and was really inspired. Teaching non college never seemed like something I could do though, I want students who are passionate to learn and luckily most fellow engineering students are. </p>

<p>My other idea was just more school to maybe find a job that feels like it makes more of a difference. I was considering applying to graduate programs in biomedical engineering, but then again I don't have any background in the field. My grade honestly were not super great in undergrad so even getting in might take me a year of work before I get accepted.</p>

<p>So now I think maybe I can go back to grad school, but I'd be almost 33 when I finished (You basically need a PHD to teach), and honestly I'm not sure if I"m smart enough. I work hard, but i basically was just a middle/average student at my school. I'd do good in some things but 5 years of even more intense study doesn't seem like something I'm smart enough for, I think I could work hard though.</p>

<p>Just feeling lack of focus. It's hard to go to work, care about life when you have no set goal. I know money is nice, and I should enjoy working but without wanting more after college it seems pointless. I like college, I liked knowing in X amount of time I will have something to show for my work. Right now money isn't enough to show for my days of work honestly.</p>

<p>Any thoughts from anyone who has been there? I know I can only make the choice but some advice would be helpful.</p>

<p>Why do you insist on gaining fulfillment through work/school? Learn an instrument, another language, or a new skill. There are plenty of materials to read, if sports are not to your liking (both of which are all too accessible these days). </p>

<p>Life is about finding a path for yourself, because no god, mother, or institution should be doing it for you. Find an interest and take pride in creating something for yourself.</p>

<p>Honestly because work takes up the majority of my time right now 5 days a week. Sure I can do other things but I’d like to know what I wake up everyday to do actually makes a difference. Collecting a paycheck isn’t enough.</p>