Current Events > I'm 28, and have no idea what I want to do in life.

(+) Yeah! (+)

As a kid/teen, I was pretty much set on being a cop. Went through the police academy, but couldnt get hired with a dept. Started doing security, and still there 6 years later.

No degree, but I might be eligible for financial aid now. Though Im not sure what field I would go into... like zero idea

I make enough to cover my bills, but cant afford to do much outside of that.

Never really traveled.

Engaged but not really sure about everything
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Im most interested in martial arts, which doesnt really provide many career opportunities. But I would love to help train people at a gym or something.

Would also love to help animals, but I dont think veterinarian would be the right move either. A large part of their jobs is euthanizing, and I dont think I could deal with that
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Make money
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maybe you could open a school where you teach monkeys jeet kun do
then you could have a crack team of monkeys to do your bidding?
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No offense, but youre a little too old to chase after dreams unless your dream is to start a business. I guess you could get a degree thats related to the field you already work in and try to get promoted to a higher paying position
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You're the Guardian of Oreo Pupper, isn't that enough?
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Feline_Heart posted...

No offense, but youre a little too old to chase after dreams unless your dream is to start a business. I guess you could get a degree thats related to the field you already work in and try to get promoted to a higher paying position

Yeah, going back to school and being a decade older than everyone would be pretty weird.

But I cant make $14.50 and raise a family.
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SSJGrimReaper posted...

You're the Guardian of Oreo Pupper, isn't that enough?

Light of my life tbh
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You're never too old to chase a dream. Keep building on yourself, opportunity only knocks for those who hear it or something
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lww99 posted...

being a decade older than everyone would be pretty weird.

yeah you shouldn't do things to improve your life because they might be pretty weird
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i always thought a private investigation/security business would be cool...
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might be time to take up two jobs. Uber/Lyft/GrubHub...it helps make some supplemental income if you don't mind sacrificing free time and/or sleep.

But those are your options given your lack of skills/certification.

You could also go to trade school and become a mechanic or electrician/HVAC repairman. Do it right and you'll be making 6 figures in 3-4 years.
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If you want to stay security, see which company holds the government contract in your area. I work for a company that is contracted out to Homeland Security and we make 34 an hour in a low cost of living area of the country. I've worked here for 8 years, sat and did homework while on duty, earned a degree, and otherwise just chill on Gfaqs and Netflix for 8 hours a day.
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lww99 posted...

Yeah, going back to school and being a decade older than everyone would be pretty weird.

But I cant make $14.50 and raise a family.

Dude when I was in community college, there were a ton of people in their mid 50s.
If you're that paranoid about it, then find a college that offers an online option. My wife is currently going for her Bachelors and Masters in Education completely online.
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EvalAngell posted...

might be time to take up two jobs. Uber/Lyft/GrubHub...it helps make some supplemental income if you don't mind sacrificing free time and/or sleep.

But those are your options given your lack of skills/certification.

You could also go to trade school and become a mechanic or electrician/HVAC repairman. Do it right and you'll be making 6 figures in 3-4 years.

I worked two jobs in the past. Im not opposed to doing it again really, but its hard with our pets.

Trade school might be an option, but still gotta find something I enjoy doing. And it would have to be a paid apprenticeship.
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lww99 posted...

Feline_Heart posted...

No offense, but youre a little too old to chase after dreams unless your dream is to start a business. I guess you could get a degree thats related to the field you already work in and try to get promoted to a higher paying position

Yeah, going back to school and being a decade older than everyone would be pretty weird.

But I cant make $14.50 and raise a family.

Lol there were people in some of my classes who were in their 40s and 50s. I was just trying to say that if you go to college make sure its for something practical so that you dont waste your time and money
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Wouldnt really bother me that much. Just not sure what I would major in
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youre still in an age range where you could join the armed forces

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Kazuma_Yagami posted...

youre still in an age range where you could join the armed forces

Tried that before the police academy, wasnt for me
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I'm 29 and have a career and multiple degrees and Im still not sure what I want to do in life. Not sure that ever goes away for some people

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you have about 2-3 years to get really good at something before your body turns against you
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Maybe try being a personal bodyguard? If you want to get into fitness too, you can be a personal trainer. Maybe get some certification in nutrition.

I also second the trade school suggestion. Trying to get my 18 year old nephew to do the same.

Take one or two community College classes in stuff you might like or that sounds interesting. Just keep an open mind and don't get caught up in anyone that seems like they have a specific plan because they probably don't. Then you can look into financial aid for a college later if it's at all interesting. No commitment necessary.

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lww99 posted...

Feline_Heart posted...

No offense, but youre a little too old to chase after dreams unless your dream is to start a business. I guess you could get a degree thats related to the field you already work in and try to get promoted to a higher paying position

Yeah, going back to school and being a decade older than everyone would be pretty weird.

But I cant make $14.50 and raise a family.

If anyone questions you for it just politely tell them to fuck off. Anyone that judges you for trying to improve your own life are absolute shits.
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This isn't forever bro, look at Steve Jobs the dude knew it all and you are here

where is he?
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Balrog0 posted...

I'm 29 and have a career and multiple degrees and Im still not sure what I want to do in life. Not sure that ever goes away for some people

Damn... just not happy with any of them? Feel like there might be something better out there?

Turtlebread posted...

you have about 2-3 years to get really good at something before your body turns against you

My baaaaack

Cleo_II posted...

Maybe try being a personal bodyguard? If you want to get into fitness too, you can be a personal trainer. Maybe get some certification in nutrition.

I also second the trade school suggestion. Trying to get my 18 year old nephew to do the same.

Im open to trade school. Carpentry would probably be my best bet.

Not opposed to personal security, but Im sure its a hard gig to find.

berlyman101 posted...

Take one or two community College classes in stuff you might like or that sounds interesting. Just keep an open mind and don't get caught up in anyone that seems like they have a specific plan because they probably don't. Then you can look into financial aid for a college later if it's at all interesting. No commitment necessary.

Even a single class would cost a minimum of like $400, so its not like I can just take a whole bunch and see what I like.
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That's why I said one or two. Psychology, political science, finance, something like that. I've worked with salaried operations staff who had a two-year degree. So it's just to see if you could hack it.

Hell, my sister had a GPA in the ones in high school. She took a few community college classes and now she's getting her masters in social work at 26 with honors. You just need encouragement, which you're looking for here.

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I find it interesting that the Costco guy in the other thread is on $25+ per hour. Feels like wages are higher in roles which I wouldnt have expected it.

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gloBal enemy posted...

I find it interesting that the Costco guy in the other thread is on $25+ per hour. Feels like wages are higher in roles which I wouldnt have expected it.

It's about working for the right company.

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Also many people need to get into a field before they realize whether they enjoy it or not. There are tons of videos on youtube detailing what an average day is in certain professions. I just searched "what it's like to be a carpenter" in youtube and got a lot of results.

Take some time googling different professions and learn about daily responsibilities, income, job availability in your area, etc.
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this is p normal to be fair

i think most people in their twenties are going through some kind of extential crisis where we value more what we do in life (wanting a fulfilling job that we love, getting into a relationship/marriage, travelling the world, experience lifestyle) rather than the status (owning a house, getting paid more, sticking with the same company, etc)

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Parappa09 posted...

this is p normal to be fair

i think most people in their twenties are going through some kind of extential crisis where we value more what we do in life (wanting a fulfilling job that we love, getting into a relationship/marriage, travelling the world, experience lifestyle) rather than the status (owning a house, getting paid more, sticking with the same company, etc)

I would have framed it up as the current generation care more about their values and self fulfilment rather than just being willing to take whatever to maintain status quo and food in the tummy.

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I also lack direction. And drive. And discipline.

Always considering the military but i'm running outta time on that one. I hope you find your way man
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lww99 posted...

I worked two jobs in the past. Im not opposed to doing it again really, but its hard with our pets.

Trade school might be an option, but still gotta find something I enjoy doing. And it would have to be a paid apprenticeship.

The IBEW (electrical union) pays you on the job, you get raises about every six months, and all you need to pay for is your books. It's a 5 year apprenticeship. You also get a good benefit package

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sounds like you know your options but unsure what to do.
6 years of security and you been thinking police (not hired), military (not try), and college (too old).
have you thought about working in the TSA? thing is i believe youll have to go to college, be part of the government, and become a federal agent - all things youve tried and fear to try.

to me you have a passion to serve and protect. maybe the TSA or its private screening contractors have openings. the experience in security has to count for something, i hope.

or perhaps you need to ask yourself the real questions. it requires self reflection. where are you in life?
why did not getting hired at the police get you the alternative? where do you want to be and why havent you started yet?
why did those excuses unmotivate you to this one & done?
why did you not choose college yet? too weird?? when will your motivation be greater than your excuses?

i know how it is. having all the energy. anxious to do better things. only to look back at what happened and not being able to simply move on. it hurts to lose what you wanted. why try. after some time youll find yourself wanting more. it begins with small steps forward to finally moving on

we all started somewhere to get where we are and are still going to get somewhere. youre grasping for advice and i think you know what has to be done but youre fighting what you know and experienced now to be open to new challenges and new experiences. i get it, been there done that. self preservation is about having the wisdom to know when youve had enough. a part of you knows that you can do better this.

This is where it begins when you start challenging yourself and the stigma youve been told. breakthroughs in life happen and all it takes is a step towards your goals.


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