I know this question isn’t philosophical at all and relates more to modern society, but how does one go about figuring out what he wants to do as a career? I’m a philosophy and criminology student, but what will that get me in life? How do people figure out what it is they want to do for the rest of their lives? I figured I could ask this question here, hopefully get some real answers.
First, you have to ask yourself: How much money do I want to make
If you don’t care about that… I’d say your options are fairly open, and you should choose a career that you know you can live with morally, as well as have some fun with. For example I’ve been told I have a great knack for marketing… but I just don’t feel like I could live with myself, creating the commercials I myself hate.
If you do… I would become a lawyer, given your current training. Remember not all lawyers are bad… there is alot you can do with a law degree and a philosophical background.
That’s my quick two cents… obviously I know nothing about you, and I’m probably way off here… but hey, my fingers needed some excersize.
Well I do appreciate your input…my original intentions were to go to law school. I suppose it’s still an option, I just don’t know if I want to do all the extra schooling, even though I know that it would do me well.
As an old guy, I can tell you certain things you will not
hear anywhere else. Most of all, no matter what you plan,
things will happen. You will not wind up where you think you
will. I am 46 and on my third career change. It will happen.
Forget money or anything else. Focus on one thing and one thing
only. Pick a job or career that won’t make you throw up.
You are going to be there a few year, pick a job you can stand
doing for a few years. Trust me on this one.
Kropotkin
Yeah… I hear where you are coming from.
I’m finishing up my undergrad, but I’m not overly interested in philosophy or school anymore… I’m just becoming disenchanted with the modern world, and having a ‘career’ and whatever else.
I’ll likely take a small break, work, smoke, travel a bit… see what kind of intentions develop within me.
My parents don’t want me to ‘stop’ my schooling, fearing I won’t return… but I find this to be a weak willed argument. So long as I don’t knock up some girl… I can’t see why I wouldn’t return.
Did I mention I hate being in debt 
Yeah… I got this feeling when I was younger.
I often feel old for my age… hence my name
I once ask my dad, do you want me to be a graphin designer, have a gov’t job, or work in the filming buisness, I believe that I can make money
in these fields.
My dad said," Go be whatever you want to be, as long as you love it or believe it will do you well. No matter what major you pick, all majors in college are good."
I think you should imagine your future, and think will you be happy if i choose this path. Does the American Dream really exist or should I be practical? Being practical means security, believing in the American Dream is to be a somebody.
Amen, Peter. (And I’m right behind you at almost 45).
William, try to find something you’re passionate about. If you can make a career out of a passion, you’ll have the world beat. Took me forever, and to Peter’s point, it wasn’t really even how I planned it. But I got there, mainly because I felt some kind of passion and let the passion guide me.
Best of luck to you.