I am a young adult women and am confused and worried about my future.  I feel a strong calling to the married state, but certainly cannot presume on it nor expect it to happen within a certain time frame.  My parents are traditional Catholics (former NO), but still quite worldly in their views of many things.  I hear many trads advocate that girls should stay home until married, but my parents would consider someone who did that to be a bum.  There is such pressure to attend college and get a degree, but I cannot imagine spending many thousands of dollars and devoting years of my life to obtaining a degree needed to work, only to wed shortly thereafter, essentially wasting everything.  That and the combination of the toxic environment, really seem wrong to attend.  On the other hand, not knowing when I would marry and with my parents pressure for me to move out, it would be necessary for me to take a job and support myself for an unknown (or maybe indefinite) period of time.  Most any job beyond working at the corner gas station seem to require a college education these days.  

The next problem is what is considered an appropriate job for a women.  We grew up on a farm with the children being all girls and my father in poor health, so naturally we were out in the fields helping with farm equipment, plowing, household repairs, etc.  There was no issue with this or distinction made.  The work needed to be done and extra hands were needed to do it.  I have trouble fully grasping the distinction, or maybe a better way of putting it - the reasoning, behind work that a women should or shouldn't do.  I fully understand that when a women weds, she stays home and cares for the home and family.  I am most certainly not suggesting a married women with a career.  I am also not suggesting that a women should (try to be/try to act like?) a man.  But if she needs to support herself and is skilled in what is considered a male dominated field, can she be a good Catholic and work to support herself as long as necessary in such a field?  

There is no harm in acquiring knowledge which would be useful both in acquiring an income and in caring for a home and family. Of course, it depends on you own inclinations and gifts of which you say nothing.

But just a stab in the dark, here are some things which would be most useful and feminine, and not necessarily be in competition with men:

Nursing, teaching, naturopathy, herbalism, gardening (knowledge and practice), podiatry, occupational therapy, floristry, home decor, dressmaking, tailoring, child care, cookery.

Are your parents actually trying to push you out or would they be satisfied if you were to decide on a path and take it?

All of these require a college degree if one is to do them to the level of self support.

I am a working woman with a college degree and a career.  I am forced to work because of my circuмstances.  I got the degree and established my career prior to becoming a Catholic and I DO NOT recommend that for the reasons OP stated:  college is expensive and immoral and the corporate world is toxic and hostile to Catholics.  

I suggest these jobs (not careers--your career will be wife and mother) for preparing you best for your future and will leave you will no debt:

day care worker
library clerk
waitress (at a quality establishment)
receptionist (best feminine qualities succeed in this role)
veterinary receptionist or assistant
sales clerk at women's/children'/home goods store
gardening supply center
floral sales clerk

Here are some that would requirement minimal (6 months or so) training:

certified nursing assistant
day care teacher
secretary

Jobs that I DO NOT recommend:

photo lab clerk
any position at a school
any position at Walmart or similar store
home improvement store clerk

God is so good--He will provide a job if He deems it necessary.  He'll put you exactly where He wants you if you pray for this intention.  He will also provide a husband if you pray for this intention as well.

Get the word out discretely that you are seeking a husband.  Don't be ashamed to admit that.  Please be open to marrying an older established man who could make a wonderful husband.  Network with Catholics outside your local area if you can.  There's no reason why you can't be married within a year if you make it a priority.  These jobs I mentioned can be quit easily and no reasonable Catholic gentleman would be put off by the fact that you are working to support yourself while waiting for marriage.  He would be encouraged by your resourcefulness.
 

I don't see any problem with a lady doing men's work - as long as she does it modestly. I don't see why that would be impossible.    

Quote from: Nadir

There is no harm in acquiring knowledge which would be useful both in acquiring an income and in caring for a home and family. Of course, it depends on you own inclinations and gifts of which you say nothing.

But just a stab in the dark, here are some things which would be most useful and feminine, and not necessarily be in competition with men:

Nursing, teaching, naturopathy, herbalism, gardening (knowledge and practice), podiatry, occupational therapy, floristry, home decor, dressmaking, tailoring, child care, cookery.

Are your parents actually trying to push you out or would they be satisfied if you were to decide on a path and take it?

All of these require a college degree if one is to do them to the level of self support.

Nursing and occupational therapy both require a lot of schooling. You can't get into OT without a graduate degree. Ain't cheap. Some upper-level nursing jobs require a Master's, too.

I don't see any problem with a lady doing men's work - as long as she does it modestly. I don't see why that would be impossible.    

I agree. At the end of the day, it comes down to whoever's most qualified for the job. Here's an example:

People with a master's degree in my major go on to lead college and professional choirs. If the most qualified candidate for one of those jobs is a well-rounded, God-fearing woman (most of the country's best-known college ensembles were originally church choirs and many do still perform religious music) with decorum, then she's the most qualified candidate.

Also, dental assistant is something that can be done in less than 2 years; and dental hygienist is a 2 year degree at a community college (although this may vary due to needing to complete pre-requisites in science courses).  The cost is manageable, tremendously less than a 4 year degree ... And from what I understand, the ability to make a good income and choose a part time schedule is very good.  

Our 21 year old daughter will be taking courses at a community college an hour from home, while still living here, to manage expenses, and frankly, to be prevented from living alone in an apartment in a high crime rate city.  

Not to go off topic, but I would like to add that I'm saddened by the idea of parents thinking their daughter a 'bum' simply because she lives with them as an adult. You have my sympathy, and prayers.

I agree--such parents should be ashamed of themselves.  They are deeply infected with modernism even if they do self-identify as traditionalists.  I have a conciliarist colleague extremely steeped in modernism, and even he says that his little girl can live at home as long as she wants.

Word of advice. :)

If you want to be self-sufficient and not feel forced to either live off your parents or marry anyone just so you aren't still living at home.... go to college. If this were 20 years ago, you probably would have been OK starting out as a receptionist and working your way up into a management position. The issue though is most companies who pay very well are not even hiring receptionists without some form of college degree or ongoing classes.

There are companies who will hire people without any education, but they might not pay very well. If you are only earning $9-10 per hour without health benefits, you will still have to rely on your parents.

I personally would be embarrassed and ashamed to overly rely on my parents to continue to take care of me. I had been unemployed/underemployed for a brief period of time this past year and was very thankful that my savings was such that I didn't have to be a burden on my parents.

I'm currently back in a management position - which means that like this evening I'm talking to my mom and pointing out all the different things we are going to take care of around the house. Stuff like this makes me happy - particularly since I'm not drawn towards either a married life or a religious vocation.

It is possible to live a good and holy life and follow the plan God set out for you without going either into the married life or the religious life. That said, you do have to be self-sufficient and honorable. Don't sponge off your parents. :)

As far as job positions - really consider what you would like to do. If you have no idea, start out by going out and filling out applications. Get out there and start working.

A lot of employers expect to see a steady line of employment when people apply. The more related to your ideal position - the better, but you working at a grocery store (for example) is better than a 1+ year empty gap between graduating from high school and applying for a position.

Another thing you should do is head out to your local job employment bank. They should have resources to guide you towards finding work + there are free classes you can take.