A job/career/passion post from a different starting point

[RealP]

Dear Freedomainers,

I would appreciate your comments on the following:How can I go about this business of discovering what I want to do?

[tasmlab]

I would just get out there and try some different things out.  One incredibly massive short-change of school is how little they let you know about the diversity of jobs there are. 

Do think about time (how many hours you put in) and money.  Too many people, in my opinion, conflate the activity of paying bills with what they like to do.  A lot of times it makes sense to find a job that produces a lot of money and free time and then use that free time to pursue your interests. Particularly if your interests are miles away from anything that produces income, like art, music, philosophy, studying politics, etc.

The ideal job is, if there is one at all, is to be an entrapraneur and start your own business.  Bosses suck and salary is one of the least effective ways to earn money.  You should still probably work for others for a while, though, as school has probably left you wholesale ignorant of commerce (no offense, it's just the most common outcome).

It can be hard to imagine at your age, but you may very desire a wife and children some time.  This can be expensive, esp if you want to do it on a single income (highly recommended).

On the oil business: It's a very lucrative sector overall. Part of the reason, though, why the salaries are high is because you often have to locate somewhere very remote (think North Sea, West Austrailia, middle east, south america) and you often work these bizzaro work schedules where, even as an engineer, you spend three weeks on the rig then get one week to live at home.  I have a friend who does this and it's impossible for him to date, have a girlfriend, and marriage/family is completely off the table.

[RealP]

Thank you for your response Jeff.