How the fuck do I decide a career

Genuinely really need help I’m in paralysis for the last four years lol. I’m 21. Been going to a community college I’ve taken many gen ed classes and this semester doing classes that interest me. I’ve always really loved psychology, obviously, and science has been extremely interesting/fun all my life. I don’t want to have to worry about money, I just want a comfortable life and know that I will never really need to stress because I have stability. A 9-5 is soul shattering for me as I have other mental illnesses that would make me not want to live really in so serious. I know everyone wants this. Im not special. What I want is fantasy in a few sense. But I want direction and not to keep ruminating and digging myself deeper and deeper with every what if. I need practical advice and knowing I’m not alone really helps.

Cynesta

Date posted: 9h

I feel you on this. I’m 22 and spent many many years at community college (due to health conditions and I worked for a time in a pharmacy) taking all sorts of classes and have since transferred to university. I still don’t have the exact idea what I want to do but I have always enjoyed math. Choosing something, even if I change my mind later or reroute to a degree in a similar field, has helped me with all the uncertainty of the future. I learned in a sociology that about half of people go into careers that are not directly related to their degree, which was reassuring to me. The sentiment I’ve overwhelmingly heard is that a degree proves to employers that you are willing to learn and grow. I would ask what you genuinely enjoy learning about, what you enjoy doing, and what you value. I’m definitely still figuring myself out and what I want and I believe it will change over time. You seem to be a very capable individual despite the mental hardships you face. I believe STEM related fields would give you stability, but I know some of them can be soul sucking. I would try and do something, anything, to learn more about yourself and other opportunities that would better suit you. Do it for yourself!! Have fun with it, a job is a way to make money until you find something else you can do and enjoy more. It’ll probably take several jobs until you find the one that you want to dedicate yourself to. Also talking to other people about what they do has helped me gauge what I do and don’t want. Maybe work for a semester. Having a bit of time away from school and getting my foot out in the working world definitely helped me figure myself out. I wish you the best in your studies and life endeavors, and hope you find something you enjoy. Do what you can with what you have, where you are :) Lean on people for support when you need it. Take care, Amanda

ben123

Date posted: 10h

You have to follow what you most love - and don’t expect never needing to stress because it’s a part of life

Amy B.

Date posted: 8h

Have you thought about going into a trade? The trades are really big right now and many pay well, and some of them might have the flexibility you are looking for?

KayGee

Date posted: 7h

Community college librarian here! 🖐️ I see many students spend more than 2 years- and many are “college age” (IE: 18 to 26). It’s not a bad idea to stick around a familiar, comfortable environment that offers education and growth until you are ready to make a change. You don’t have to feel any negative way about your college/career track - everyone is different and some people need help and time to decide a big decision like going to a four-year school or starting your career with an associates. Have you spoken to a career counselor? They are trusted sources and want to help, truly! My advice is to continue thinking (not ruminating [easier said than done I know]) and taking classes/joining clubs/asking for advice from the campus community, and you’ll figure it out!

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond