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Originally Posted by spooky  with a semester left until i graduate, i thought i would have figured out by now what direction i'd be taking next in my career path. i'm okay with the uncertainty, but i'd like to be atleast taking some steps towards a better future.
I'm currently wrapping up my first internship, and it's came up far short of my expecations. I can't judge the entire corporate world just because of this very lousy experience, but it has definitely made me reconsider if the corporate route is right for me. It's hard to be your best self in an atmopshere that radiates as much energy as a retirement home. I don't like the thought of wallowing in the sadness, but sometimes it's appropriate. I'm in a new city right now, away from my girl and close friends, and adjusting to the 40 hour work week where you really can't get anything done outside of work (welcome to the real world). I've definitely been thrown a curveball, but I believe there is a lot of growth I can obtain from this experience too.
I see myself being more on the creative side of things, where my job involves getting outside and being engaged in a fast-paced environment (not too fast, but definitely not slow) with a great boss and great colleagues. that brings up another question now: i've never had any close relations with my teachers or bosses. i don't like having to supress my self around higher authority, but i've made it a habit over the years. i'm a very outgoing person with my close friends, but put me in a classroom or work environment, and i'm hiding under the desk. i'd like to figure out why i'm like this, and take the steps to get around it.
I'm in a serious relationship now, and my lover has her head on straight much more than i do in the career department. I'm extremely happy for her success, but I don't want to be living under her and I want to be living my life with purpose. One of my biggest passions is music, and I could see myself doing something with my degree in retailing with that (concert promoter, itunes, rolling stone, insert your idea here) or getting involved with a philanthropic cause like TOMS Shoes (i applied for their internship, but didn't get it. i'll be applying again this year though).
However, I hate to say it, money is important to me too. Not for materialistic reasons as much, more for experiences. I want to travel, things like that. Since the only internships that come through my university are corporate ones I absolutely loathe, it's always a very limited choice. I'm glad I'm atleast getting my foot in the door, but I'd like to feel good about something than showing up everyday to work in chains.
There has to be millions of other people out there that aren't happy with their jobs. How do you guys get through it? I just lose motivation knowing I'm settling for something that adds no value or meaning to my life. |
Well, you definitely got the last part right -- you're not alone. Not only that, but you're lucky that this is your problem. I say that because there are literally thousands of books on the topic. One book that helped me see things a different way was
Finding Work That Matters by Mark Albion. If you're not reading anything right now about this challenge in your life then pick it up.
Furthermore, focus on doing what you want to do and find satisfying. Doing something for money is a poor reason. You'll probably just end up with more money and less happiness. The reality is if you're doing work you legitimately enjoy you will naturally excell at it much more so than if you force yourself to
get it at just to pay the bills and wait for the next vacation. Don't you think there's a better way to live?