Off Path with the Career Path

[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.

[Get Inspired Today]

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?

[spooky]

Originally Posted by Get Inspired Today

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?

i'll pick up this book, thanks for your input. unfortunately i'm an only child and my dreams don't coincide with what my mom finds acceptable. she's the oldest of 4 siblings, and has always kind of been responsible for everyone so naturally she helps everyone, but it gets to the point where she think she knows better than anyone else. my dream job ever since i was a kid was to be an animal trainer at seaworld. i'm drafting a letter to send out to the company to express my interest and what i need to do to make this dream happen, however, it would only be a short-term career. they want young healthy people. it's tough to let this one go, because it would be a lot of work without the guarantee of getting the job. after i hear from them about what needs to be done i'll make my decision though. Since I was pretty much forced into getting a business related degree, I'm trying to find a way to use it. I really like the thought of working for TOMS Shoes, which is a very philanthropic company. It's all confusing now, but opportunities will present themselves. Thanks again.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by spooky

however, it would only be a short-term career. they want young healthy people.

I sense a limiting belief here.

You're young and healthy, aren't you.

And what's your (or their) definition of old?

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by spooky

It's hard to be your best self in an atmopshere that radiates as much energy as a retirement home.

I don't know where you're working. But I have been in many corporations and generally they radiate a lot more energy than a retirement home.

In fact, many of them have the opposite kind of problem. Instead of boredom, more likely you would be complaining of stress, burnout etc.

[Gayathri]

Having worked in corporate environments, I can vouch for the fact that there are several firms out there that provide stimulating, challenging, creative work. It might be difficult for interns though - I have never been one.

May be you just need to find a firm with a work ethic, vibe and values that match your own. Research extensively about the firms you apply for, and don't go somewhere just because it has a position open. Hang in there!

[Acting Like Godot]

I think that many internships are a waste of time. That's just based on my own observations. Very often, when an intern comes in, nobody really bothers to give the intern any meaningful work to do. Why? Because they know that the intern:

(i) knows very little and therefore would need a lot of guidance to get the work done; and

(ii) would be leaving in a few months anyway.

So very often, I'd rather do the work myself, than ask the intern to do it. It would be quicker and more efficient. Time spent training the intern and getting him involved in significant projects is usually a bad investment of effort, because the intern would soon be leaving anyway.

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My advice to interns is that if you really want to gain some actual valuable experience out of your internship, you either have to:

(a) pick a company that is known for running a proper internship programme (eg there are designated mentors; clear objectives set for what interns are supposed to do; a proper schedule of rotations etc)

OR

(b) you have to really shine, be motivated, be interested, be likeable, be capable etc - so that other people will feel inclined to give you some meaningful work to do (even though they know you'll soon be gone).

Otherwise don't bother with the internships.