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I've had this thought buggin the crap out of me all year and I suppose it's a good thing that it's driving me crazy..I graduated high school and have my G.E.D. but I chose not to continue my schooling right when I graduated. I wanted to work and pay my truck off and just chill. I now see the error of my ways because, should I decide to further my education... I have to pay out of pocket when I could have had so much paid for in grants it's sickening And now I'm getting to the point where I feel like I'm wasting valuable time in this short life workin for Wal-Mart when I could be making so much more money and have a higher quality life. Which brings up the next thing that's bugging me...I have NO IDEA what I want to do! My questions to you folks are...What, if any, college do you have? (majors)Are you even using what you learned then in your job today? (are you working in your field of study?)Any ideas or suggestions for something to look into doing? (i'm intrigued by graphic design stuff and genarally taking ordinary things and making them look extraordinary)Thanks ahead of time for your responses And if you're still in High School....LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE!

Bachelor's degree in visual communications design (graphic design) at Purdue, and yes I use my degree, first as an employee and now owning my own business. Honestly though, if you want to do design you don't need a 4-year degree... but you should definitely take many classes. Classes in how to use the software, yes... but also general art classes, and theory classes that can teach you how to see the world differently. And lots of reading... books, magazines, blogs. Actually i'd suggest doing a lot of reading now, see if it's something that you'd like... because design is a field I wouldn't recommend getting into unless you really love it.

First thing first: you're still young so don't worry too much if you don't have things figured out yet. But, you're right, life is short and next thing you know you'll be in your 30's, 40's, etc... So I think it's important to take some time and think about some goals and work towards achieving them, realizing that things won't always go as planned. Anyways, kind of vague advice I guess... But one thing is certain in the world: knowledge is power (to get the job you want, the lifestyle you want, etc...). I really do think writing down some goals, even if they change, and working towards them is important (ie: Take two classes next fall, etc...).Anyways, I will be getting my B.S. in Geology pretty soon and I'm still not sure what I want to do with it (or if I will even use it--I'm thinking of teaching). What I do know is that I do NOT want to be stuck indoors all day (my current job is inside a windowless lab).Have you tried getting any kind of entry-level job at graphic design company? Even if it's starting out at the bottom, you'll get some exposure to the industry and see if you like it or not.Good luck!

I 'm not sure if it's something I could do for a career. That's what sucks! I can't think of a trade i'd like doing enough to go ahead and spend money on learning and chance not using it or liking it. I alos enjoy Auto Body (what little I've done) but I know there's not alot of money in it til you make a name for yourself.

More than likely you won't have to pay out of pocket if you go back. I don't know how much you make.. but you probably qualify for the Pell Grant.. which you do not have to pay back. And.. if you do go back.. take classes at a community college.. MUCH MUCH MUCH cheaper.. I just finished my freshman year at a CC and now I'm transferring to a University.. freakin' expensive.. Though you would have to go full time.. but you probably could manage that.. As I know people who do.. And don't jump all on internet classes.. they are harder lol.. I'm going for a Finance Degree.. but who knows.. that could change.. I'm so sick of school!! I'm just ready to finish.. I'm not even getting a break this summer.. I loaded up on classes..

My questions to you folks are...What, if any, college do you have? (majors)Yes, 3rd year drop out. But that doesn't mean I had 3 years of credits when I left. More like half thatI was ill prepared for college and didn't really want it anyway. My parents, mother really, pushed me into trying it.I changed my major at least 3 times, from Liberal Arts, to Telecommunications, to Art and perhaps a few more that I can't remember now. While I don't consider myself stupid (IQ +/-125,) I felt that I was simply not college material. I learned how to party, play guitar, skip classes, hitchhike around, drive my car really fast and take out girls. So after 3 yrs of non-direction I decided to go to work instead and go back later... which of course didn't happen. Are you even using what you learned then in your job today? (are you working in your field of study?)I had been back then. At the time I was working in professional radio as a part-time disk jockey and a full time jack of all trades.I went into the car business later and stayed for 10yrs as a mechanic and then a parts manager. I found out that the business was ruining my love of the hobby and was itself changing dramatically at that time (late '80's) and I wanted no more part of it then.I currently work as a Wareroom Manager for H-E-B in Texas.Any ideas or suggestions for something to look into doing? (i'm intrigued by graphic design stuff and generally taking ordinary things and making them look extraordinary)You have the artistic soul and I applaud you for that. But no one can tell you what to do, only guide you in a general direction which may, or may not be the correct one for you. It's a bitter pill, but really, you yourself have to figure out what you would be happy doing for the rest of your life. Most of us never find it. Only the very lucky do.On another personal note: I resent the fact that almost all employers look for the sheepskin instead of what you are or may be capable of. I work w/many college graduates and many of them, them that make a lot more $$$ than I do, come to me for the answers. Many seem to have no clue what the "real world" is all about or how it works. 'Course even I am having trouble with that one these days. they have their electronic toys and call, text or e-mail everybody in the world, but don't have a clue how to use their time to make or create something!!

Quote, originally posted by A Psycho Martyr »What, if any, college do you have? (majors)Are you even using what you learned then in your job today? (are you working in your field of study?)Brandon: here's the scoop. Although in your case it may seem like you're "behind the 8-ball" you have ONE thing still going for you ..................... your YOUTH I was in a very similar situation like yours 30+ years ago. After graduating from a Technical Vocational high school (all boys), I figured I was set working in the building trades industry for life! I could have BUT I wanted more. It took me two years to figure out that I had better get SOME sort of college degree as a back up plan in the event I ever need to look for work. I was placed with an employer through the high school co-op program and that set the foundation to where I am today. Back to college... EIGHT years later I earned my Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering Only went part time because I was Paying as I went (never took out loans or anything), was working full time while going AND heavily modding my GM F-body cars back in those days (Firebird/Camaro). The grades took their toll at times BUT I did it I was (sort of like Ponta) into designing/drafting back then when it was in it's infancy on the computer during the mid 80's. AutoCad is still my favorite design/drafting program and use it on a somewhat regular basis to this day! The neat thing about what I do, is once it is designed, I then get to build it, test it, display it, deliver it Similar to graphic designing except I then create the tangible product that one can touch, feel, sit in, drive ............................. It's awesome & love it Enough of my hobbies ....................... I'm a filed engineer/service mechanic for Honeywell International out of NW Ohio. On the road somewhere every day fixing an HVAC problem or designing a better solution for "whatever" or anything to do with climate control & refrigeration. I pretty much do it all & love it! This is why my personal rides have VERY low mileage on them as I'm always in a commercial service vehicle.Rule of thumb no.1 ......... Do something you absolutely LOVE regardless of what income it brings you. The happiness will outweigh everything else. As a person in the service industry, I meet a lot of people from all walks of life and those who are the happiest are those who truly LOVE their jobs.

I went to school originally intending to be an architect. I went to a jr college 1st to get my general taken care of while I worked full-time in a machine shop. Well, that took 4 years...lol...and during that time I realized I just wanted to design & draft houses so i went to Minneapolis Drafting School (1989) and got a 2-year Architectural/Structural design & drafting degree in 1 year. My training was in both hand drafting and AutoCAD drafting. Worked my (removed) off. Started working for a remodeler, drafting by hand (yes, on this thing called drafting table). then worked for several local new home builders and then for a national home design service. I then decided to go out on my own and worked out of my home for 8 years. I have personally designed and drafted over 1200 new homes and over 500 remodel projects in the Twin Cities Metro Area. A couple of my designs were even on the Street of Dreams - Luxury Home Tour. That was the high point of my business. Then the housing market tanked, 3/4 of my home builder clients went out of business and I was out of work for a while. Got a part time job at a packaging and display company as a structural design assistant, cutting out samples and setting up sample displays. I liked it, so I let them know that if there are any other opportunities within the company for full-time work to let me know. 15 minutes later the CEO of the company offered me a trial position as a project manager for the commercial corrugated division for our company. I was surprised that they offered it to me ,but they said that with my past history of managing drafting projects and running my own company, they were confident I had the skills to learn what I needed to do the job. I said, "sure, I'll try it out". Been there for 2-1/2 years as the commercial PM and love it!!!! It's funny where life takes you. You just have to roll with the punches and keep willing to learn. I also, still design & draft houses on the side now, just cause I love doing it and it brings in a little fun money (le: vibe modding $$).The main thing is to think about is what do you do that makes you happy &/or feel good? Make a list of your likes and dislikes. Write down your skills. Are you good with people? Are you creative? Aren't you the one that modded some game controllers? Maybe you would want to learn airbrushing and possibly work your way up to custom painting cars, bikes, laptop covers, etc.. the possibilities are endless... OR maybe you would like to learn programming and create cool apps that people love to buy and use on all the Apple, Android or WebOS phones. Also, ALWAYS be willing to learn new things throughout your entire career, constant learning about everything within the company you work for. By doing that will help you to grow within the company, or grow to another company or possibly to your own company. If that is what you want. Once you cannot learn or move up with in a company, it is time to move on to a company where you can learn and move up. I've had my own company and probably will not do it again until I retire and make money off my hobbies. I have come up with many ideas for businesses I would like to own and if I won the lottery, I would definitely start up one of those.Did I help or make you more confused?

Quote, originally posted by tpollauf »Rule of thumb no.1 ......... Do something you absolutely LOVE regardless of what income it brings you. The happiness will outweigh everything else. As a person in the service industry, I meet a lot of people from all walks of life and those who are the happiest are those who truly LOVE their jobs.This is something you write down and give to your teenager to "read later".Yep, do what you love. Eventually, learning that money is not everything in life will be that turning point. And hopefully, your partner for life will be there with you.

For 30+ years I performed the miracle that the salesman sold.I had to install and service what the customer thought they bought even though it never matched what the salesman sold.Various industries:BankingGroceryRetailMedicalSecurityRestaurantsWarehousingJack of all trades and master of none.Currently I own 3 businesses of which I am the only employee:Bottled water as in home and office delivery as well as custom labeling of the small bottles.Business supplies as in anything a business uses from toliet paper to copy paper to letterhead to checks to trash bags to Sharpies.I also sell colloidal silver.I've made a lot of money but failed to keep any of it.

What, if any, college do you have? I am currently working on my AA... and still figuring out what I want to do with my life.Are you even using what you learned then in your job today? Nope. Studying art by night, decorating cakes by day.Any ideas or suggestions for something to look into doing? The tough thing about going for Graphic Design is you are going to be up against a lot of other people who are better then you and have been doing it for a long time (been there)... if you really enjoy it, don't let that stop you. You also need to decide what area of GD you want to go into... cause there is a lot, t-shirt design, web design, ad design. It's also good to know your field, do you know who Milton Glaser is?Thanks ahead of time for your responses And if you're still in High School....LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE! [/QUOTE]

What, if any, college do you have?Bachelor of Technology Construction ManagementHeavy Equipment Operator CertificationCDLcurrently working on Workmans compensation board course.currently working in my fields I seen that people are saying your youth is to your advantage. beeing 24 ill say For the most part that is true how ever be ready for it to work against you. I can how ever advice you that you can come out on top if you market your self right.while your chasing what ever you decide on try making a skills portfoilo IT WILL COME IN HANDY i can assure you!also education is something no one can take from you if youve looked at trades take another look at heavy equipment. you could get lucky and land a public works job, plus chicks dig it ( youll get the pun i hope)

I've got a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) degree and nope, not using it one little bit. I'm a software tester - primarily on gov't or military projects. Kinda fun getting paid to break software.

I went to a VO-TECH for AUTO MECH Graduated in "73"Now I work on TRACTOR TRAILORSBIG RIGS/LOL !No Collage.

Quote, originally posted by A Psycho Martyr »My questions to you folks are...What, if any, college do you have? (majors)Wasted my time in college. Didn't change majors when I knew I should have out of pride. I started in mechanical engineering. I should have majored in education.Quote, originally posted by A Psycho Martyr »Are you even using what you learned then in your job today? (are you working in your field of study?)Every bit of it. I am currently a r&d lab technician for a packaging coatings company . In short, we make the coatings in and on your beverage and food cans. College, hopefully, will teach some how to think. The rest of the stuff can be looked up in a book.Quote, originally posted by A Psycho Martyr »Any ideas or suggestions for something to look into doing? (i'm intrigued by graphic design stuff and generally taking ordinary things and making them look extraordinary)Do what makes you happy. You have your entire life to work at a job that sucks. Go for what you love to do.

What, if any, college do you have? • BFA & MFA (Bachelor's of Fine Arts/Master's of Fine Arts)• Graphic Design major for both undergrad and grad schoolAre you even using what you learned then in your job today? (are you working in your field of study?)Yes, everyday as a professional graphic designer. However, many of my classmates did not end up working within the graphics industry. I also work with people that come from all walks of life, not just a graphics background. They are all very creative and became proficient in the industry standard design softwares. Creativity and knowing how to utilize the tools of the trade are the two most important factors. One of my closest friends at work, an extremely talented designer, had been a philosophy major in college Any ideas or suggestions for something to look into doing? Graphic design can be a great career, if you are passionate about it and have a creative mind.It can also be a very thankless job. The hours can be ridiculous, especially when you are closing in on a deadline (which for me seems to be every hour of every day). The best way I can describe it is that it's like being in a perpetual state of finals (you college student/grads know what I'm talking about).I echo the "do what you love" edict. Good luck and let me know if you need any additional design insight.

Thank each and every one of you for your response. All are insightful. This definitely helps me out abit. Eases my mind some. I just got down on myself for a week or so about the situation. And I DO qulify for a Pell Grant, but I'm not sure how much it will give me. I'll be looking into this more seriously next semster or two for starting. Thanks again everyone!

What do you do for a living?I'd tell you, but then I'd have to

Take this from a leadership guru; there is only one answer to your question about what to do in life:A: YOU MUST DO WHAT YOU LOVE

Psycho Martyr,Are there outside factors that are making you have these feelings? Family members, wife, friends? Have a new outlook and perspective on life?It is very normal for people to have moments of reflection throughout their life, even at a young age. Now the question is, putting aside what the outside factors may be telling you (I am taking a guess), what do you feel is best for you? And what do yo want to do? That is what you need to ask yourself. Everyone has a different personality and view, that is what makes this world so unique and wonderful (for the most part). It starts off with being true to yourself.

eh... yes and no.Of course I have family telling me to get school wihle I'm young, but I also just feel that I could be doing better. I mean I know I'm capable of doing so much more than what I'm doing right now. I know I can working to live instead of living to work. I know I can do all these things, I just need to get off my @$$ and do something! I'm just comfy where I am and I fear the worst with change. Guess that's natural tho. It's hard makin that 1st step without knowing which direction I wanna go. But I hear most people don't know until a while after they start college what they actually intend on pursuing. I guess I just need to jump in there and start basics

After I graduated high school in 1998 I had no interest in ever going to school again. I bummed around the town for a few months before getting a crappy job dishwashing at a hotel in Banff, AB. I spent the next 6 years Hiking, skiing, washing dishes at work, partying, drinking, and living my youth to it's fullist (met my future wife while doing it). Then in the summer of 2005 the hotel was sold, everybody was laid off , and I moved back to Vernon.Found fulltime work at an office furniture warehouse within a week and worked shipping/receiving for a little over a year before I got on at the mill.Started off on the green chain sweating my ___ off piling boards, got promoted to grader about 8 months later. Took the grading course a few weeks later and got my B ticket (upgraded to A ticket the next year). Then they offered me the job of Planerman (as the current guy will be retireing soon) and my aprenticeship started. Over the past 3 years I've had 19 weeks of college. With all the grants, incentives, and tax write-offs I was literally paid to take the courses. Today there is pretty much (electronics excluded) no machine there that I can't operate, set up, or fix!!!Quote, originally posted by Caretaker » Live it up: There will be plenty of time to be old when you die. ^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^Since 2006 after seing Alice Cooper in concert, I've discovered that I have no problem driving an obscene amount of miles in search of a good show!!! Seen more bands then I can count!!! Vernon, bc to the Sunset strip in Hollywood is only 29 hours away...

k, cool cool. I appreciate the stories folks

Quote, originally posted by A Psycho Martyr »I also just feel that I could be doing better. I mean I know I'm capable of doing so much more than what I'm doing right now.This will take you further than you know. Seriously. Don't lose this desire. It doesn't have to be college, either. Trust your instincts. What do you find yourself thinking about constantly? If you want it, pursue it. You'll never have to ask "what if...?"As for myself? Bachelor's degree in Advertising. I am an advertising copywriter, with nearly 6 years experience. And I love it – despite the challenges, criticism and praise, then criticism.

Quote »What, if any, college do you have? I have been to college a few times. I studied Technical Sales and Information Systems (computer geek stuff). I have the equivalent of an Associates degree (never did the paper work to get the degree).Quote »Are you even using what you learned then in your job today? I currently am the Web Developer for Ruesch Motor Company. I use what I have studied every day. I also am a licensed optician. I have spent 5 years doing that, but there is no work in that field where I currently am. Quote »Any ideas or suggestions for something to look into doing? Find something that makes you happy. I have made over $75k a year and was absolutely miserable in my job. Although I don't make great money right now, I am happy with my job and I look forward to going to work everyday.Quote »And if you're still in High School....LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE! If you know what you want to do with your life, go ahead and head in the right direction as early as possible. My wife did almost 3 years of college while she was in high school, and then went and changed her major every semester for 2 years. There is nothing wrong with taking the time to figure out what you want to do.