How do I know what career I should pursue?

Question

I want a relatively high-paying career that I will enjoy (don't we all!).  I feel like I should tell you a little about myself for better answers...  I tried asking my friends and family what they thought I should do and I got a lot of bad answers.
The most interesting one to me was something like a "loan agent" for a bank.  I was wondering what my strengths would have to be for a position like that and what my salary might look like.  (I'm aiming for upwards of $90,000 per year since the area I want to live in is very affluent and the cost of living is extremely high there.)
I don't want to go into a field relating to law or medicine because those fields just don't interest me.
My biggest interests are in computers, science, and mathematics... although that doesn't necessarily mean I'm GOOD at them.  
I'm good at writing, I can speak a second language, and I tend to think very logically (like a computer if that makes sense).
I can go to a University and that's no problem.  Right now I'm 20 years old and I have a 4 month old son and I'm really still trying to find out what I want to do.  Even if there is some sort of career placement test anyone knows of that I can take for free just to get an idea....  I can go to a University but I have to make a decision relatively soon before I lose that opportunity.  Any help?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Consider a career in Computer Science. It's a highly respected field, well-paid and it has a future.

galban · Answer

A attorney. I have regularly desired to difference the arena for the larger, or difference any one's existence. I am watching to turn out to be a prosecutor so I can positioned crimminals in prison. I'm a leo solar, aquarius moon, libra emerging.

jannsody · Answer

I'm not sure of any free online career placement test in which the business doesn't ask for personal information first (to perhaps try to contact the person at a later time).  I wonder if there is a non-profit agency that helps to train people to find work that would be able to administer a career placement test.  For general career information:  http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'loan officers', 'insurance underwriters', 'top executives', 'computer software engineers', 'financial managers', computer scientists', 'engineers', 'financial analysts', 'accountants and auditors', 'writers and editors' or whatever other career that piques one's interest.

Regarding one's career path, Farrah Gray, young male author and multimillionaire who wrote 'Reallionaire' recommends asking oneself this question:  "What would I do for years and years to come and not have to get paid?"  One should go with their passion first and salary second :) 

With schooling, please steer clear of those online, for-profit schools (may have 'bricks and mortar' buildings and may be 'accredited') such as penn foster, capella, university of phoenix, strayer, ashworth, everest, devry, colorado tech, kaplan, argosy, walden, ashford, ITT tech, remington, anthem, stratford career and others as they are merely out to 'make a profit' (and course credits may not transfer):  http://www.ripoffreport.com and can type into search.

For US colleges:  http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ

INFOPROF · Answer

Heather,

   The best person to answer your question would be.........you. College, in itself isn't your goal. It's pretty much what I'd consider an "objective" or a stepping stone on the path that you'll be traveling through life. Your goal, I'd imagine is to pursue a career that you're suited for and that suits you. Bear in mind, that in most cases your first year of school will be devoted to taking Gen. Ed. Subjects. You’ll have time to do some research before deciding on one or more related career paths.

By the way, most folks change careers several times during their life cycle, not to worry.....it's normal. We learn, we grow, we change. In order to dispel some of your initial confusion, you may want to take some time to decide "Where you want to go" before you actually start your journey. Sound fair?

Visit the site below to learn more about the different types of careers available to you as well as all kinds of useful information about each of them. Things such as:

1. Nature of the Work 
2. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement 
3. Employment 
4. Job Outlook 
5. Projections 
6. Earnings 
7. Wages 
8. Related Occupations 
9. Sources of Additional Information

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition

http://www.bls.gov/search/ooh.htm

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How do I know what career I should pursue?

4 Answers