Career Choices

[Nathan]

One thing thats important about a career is to do something you really truly love, money should hardly even enter into the decision imo. The reason for this is that if you really love something, then you'll be very good at it and dedicated enough to make it. Hence, you will probably at least make a comfortable amount of money even if you never get rich. My current career plan is for my dad and I to start up a day sailing charter boat. Something along the lines of a Nautitech 475 catamaran that goes out on 2-3 hr. trips 2 or 3 times a day for lunch/snorkeling cruises, dinner cruises etc. The hardest part of it is getting my USCG captain's license, I need 360 days of freshwater time (almost have that) but then 360 days of saltwater in addition to passing a very difficult test. However, the payoff is great...I'll never get rich but I'll spend my days sailing and hanging out on a boat (hanging out = cleaning, fixing things). Not to mention having a flexible schedule to spend time with my future wife/kids.

[Mr1der]

you could be just like Captain Ron!!!

don't worry, I'll help you kick the crap out of those damn dirty pirates! wait a minute, I can just be one...hmm....

[Rockenreno]

I'm currently a Computer Science major at UCSD. I'm not looking at going into the IT field, as I consider that the low-level stuff which requires no more than a GED to do (I could be wrong with some of it). IT can be really easy to get into, but to REALLY know computers it is very difficult. This is why I am going to college and learning about computers from the inside out. I just need to find an area of specialty. Right now I am leaning towards Artificial Intelligence... always liked that kinda stuff. It really makes you think.

As for you, my advice is to attend a 4 year college if possible and just try stuff out until you find something you like!

[Nathan]

you could be just like Captain Ron!!!

Captain Ron is one of my favorite movies

[hannibal]

I graduated with a BS in Economics in 2001. Ive been working for the government for almost 2 years now.It is nearly impossible for a 18 yr old to know what they want to do for the rest of their life. The best advice my Dad gave me was to try something. Anything (almost anything). If youre not happy, move on and try something else. Youth is the best thing you have right now. Follow your heart and do whatever interests you. If youre good at it and you keep your eyes open, you can find a way to make the money you want.For me, my job is just a way to pay the bills. I'm still trying to figure out what I WANT to do. At least I know this aint it!Hey Daniel240, can I ask want you do part time at the dealership??

[apoorboy]

apoorboy, based on you name, I guess you still has not saved the company that much money:)

TO be honest i save the company about 70k per year and apoorboy has been my nick name since i was 12.

[MainEvent212]

so you only get paid 35k then?

[apoorboy]

Yep thats all i get paid but i live in a community where a 2500 square foot house that is only three or four years old will cost you like 100k. So i paid 40k for a three bed 2 bath 2 car garage that is only 14 year old. I dont get paid much but the town i live in thats way above average income.

[MainEvent212]

ohh, i didnt notice the OK part

cuz where we live, that'll net you an efficiency and a second job...

[hannibal]

Sorry to bring this thread back...I saw a report on CNBC this week that said BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) was predicting a shortage of auto techs over the next 5 yrs or so. They were planning some programs to help recruit people in this field. The military was/will be offering some incentives too. Just something to consider...

[huntin5L]

Im also an IT guy and just graduated in december 2003 so a couple of months. I have a part time/temp position in a public high school right now and having trouble finding a full time positon. Im trying to get into motorola right now and i don't know what is going to happen. The kid down the street works there and he designs the navigation systems for porsche, jaguar. etc. He makes close to a 100k a year + bonuses and they get to drive all the cars they do navigation systems for and this includes Prototypes. This kid would bring these cars home i have never seen. But he is going to try to get me a job. Im not expecting to get in there, because it is very hard to get in there, but the fact of the matter is most jobs that you get are from those you know. When your in college make sure you meet people, especially kids in your major. It is huge to meet friends cause they could be a contact for you when looking for a job, just remember that. Good luck with school.

[Chuck Hanlon]

In reference to the guy that mentioned he does IT at a dealership. I sell computerized video surveillance systems to new car dealerships and deal with the IT guys all the time. They seem to be close to the top in responsibility and usually have quite nice offices. That implies that they make a pretty good buck. Probably not a bad goal. All the goodies of working at a dealership, respect, good money. Or will you wind up at a Daewoo store?

[Chuck Hanlon]

Another comment- The lead techs at the dealerships I deal with make 70K a year.

[StrangeLove]

I'm facing this situation too... I'm a junior in high school right now with a crappy gpa, but I'm in gifted classes. So I wouldn't really have a problem getting into college. Thing is, thats not what I want to do. I would would like to get into the automotive industry, but The only way I know of getting into it, is to become a mechanic, but I also want to make alot of money (duh, lol) Mechanical engineer? maybe, who knows...

I am considering going to UTI. They seem to have a nice program. I plan on taking the auto tech course, and then taking the porsche techincal training course. I have to research more...

I could go to college and get a degree in something... Mechanical engineer? maybe, who knows...

Oh well, I'm just starting to ramble on...

[Altiman94]

there is a college in missouri that offers a 4 degree in auto mechanics. My best friend is going there. Sounds like a decent program to me.