Author Topic: How did you find out what youre good in life? (Read 2207 times)

Daegus · « **on:** July 12, 2012, 08:43:32 PM »

I've always had the dilemma of not really understanding what it is that I'm particularly good at in life. This has led me to plenty of stress and more questioning of my own worth than you can imagine. In all honesty, I'm not really sure of what I'm good at. I happen to be moving on to the next milestone in my life (college), not really sure of what to do. I could probably even tell you that the course I chose to take (a Marketing course) at the local college is more so for me to learn skills that I could use to do something wonderful.

This train of thought also leads me onto other things. If I'm not good at anything or can't find anything I'm good at, maybe I should just find something that I can learn to like and strive to be the best at it. Then again, what if that doesn't work out for me? I guess that's why I've been itching to do something business related for a good bit of time now - like perhaps starting my own business in who knows what and expanding on from there. After all, maybe if you're not good at anything you could somehow find a way to make a lot of money and do great things with it. For instance, if I were to become a millionaire, instead of spending all of the money frivolously, I could give to Catholic charities or fund the building of churches. Who knows? I certainly don't.

It's all a lot to think about and I'm not sure of how to approach this. I'm sorry in advance if this post seems like a bunch of rambling.

Edit: I meant to say "what you're good AT"

Telesphorus · « **Reply #1 on:** July 12, 2012, 08:47:54 PM »

Quote from: Daegus

I've always had the dilemma of not really understanding what it is that I'm particularly good at in life. This has led me to plenty of stress and more questioning of my own worth than you can imagine. In all honesty, I'm not really sure of what I'm good at. I happen to be moving on to the next milestone in my life (college), not really sure of what to do. I could probably even tell you that the course I chose to take (a Marketing course) at the local college is more so for me to learn skills that I could use to do something wonderful.

This train of thought also leads me onto other things. If I'm not good at anything or can't find anything I'm good at, maybe I should just find something that I can learn to like and strive to be the best at it. Then again, what if that doesn't work out for me? I guess that's why I've been itching to do something business related for a good bit of time now - like perhaps starting my own business in who knows what and expanding on from there. After all, maybe if you're not good at anything you could somehow find a way to make a lot of money and do great things with it. For instance, if I were to become a millionaire, instead of spending all of the money frivolously, I could give to Catholic charities or fund the building of churches. Who knows? I certainly don't.

It's all a lot to think about and I'm not sure of how to approach this. I'm sorry in advance if this post seems like a bunch of rambling.

Edit: I meant to say "what you're good AT"

It isn't easy. If there is some pursuit you enjoy and feel like you're a natural at it, it's better than to try to tackle learning a profession for which you lack a natural aptitude.

s2srea · « **Reply #2 on:** July 12, 2012, 09:47:48 PM »

Daegus-

You're going through what many of us go (or have gone) through. Figuring out what to do with one's career life can be a difficult decision to make. What I can recommend, since you're going to begin your college life, besides continuing to develop devotion to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, is to take a few different types of courses. Perhaps start of in a liberal arts type of major, so you can get a taste of all sciences- English, Literature, Mathematics, Sciences (though this is probably the most difficult for Trads nowadays) and see if anything appeals to you.

However, in our society today, I think that these traditional degrees, while potentially good, are also overrated. I would also recommend considering skilled technical trades- automotive technician, biomechannical equipment technology. If you believe in the 3 DoD- stick with something not too technical will be good too like wood working or farming or mechanic.

I would recommend considering public safety careers on two conditions- 1. That you're spiritually strong, which may be hard to admit to oneself. But this is a given for you even going to college. 2. Consider your local public safety departments to which you're applying. Visit with them. Do research on the internet about them, and see if you can get a sense of the morality each department has. I would venture to say any big city department will be morally depraved, and your best chances are with more rural towns, but those opportunities will be far more scare.

At the end of the day- take your time. Don't rush into anything. Appreciate the feeling of frustration you may have now. See it as a good dilemma to have- in needing to choose a career you have so many choices, you just need to make one! Trust me, when the opportunity arises for the right career to choose- you will know it! And it will be great knowing it!

Raoul76 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 12, 2012, 09:52:38 PM »

I'm almost 36 and I still don't know

I picked up French during my wasted youth and now am translating. Remember this -- Christ said not to worry about how you're going to feed yourself, saying the flowers in the field do not worry. The fact He saw fit to mention this, shows that He understood our fears, that we want to please Him but don't know what to do at times.

You will find something. Don't waste as much time as I have worrying and worrying, that shows lack of faith. Life is just something to get through; St. Paul, one of the greatest minds of all time, made tents. Just do something and be useful. Don't fall into sloth like I have, because it is extremely hard to pull yourself out of, basically like climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro just to do simple tasks.

theology101 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2012, 12:20:37 AM »

I guess I found out in elementary school that I was good at science- never made less than an A in any science class, but since I hated maths I never pursued it. About ten years ago found out I was good with computers. To this day, if you know how to post on forums and set up an email client, browser and network, I guarantee that you know more than a huge number of people and can get paid to teach them those things. If you understand philosophy, you understand logic, and if you understand logic, I guarantee you could learn electronics and computer programming. As you speak French I already know you are smart enough to learn a programming language like Java. I saw an ad yesterday for someone local to teach a new business owner how to use QuickBooks software. Eh but Im a computer nerd so these are examples I am familiar with. I have read posts from some people here that leads me to believe they should formally study theology.

I guess like was said above, just think what you enjoy, and what you might enjoy, then give it a try and see what happens. Now I will test your electronics skills! Play along- if you can answer these questions without too much thought, and enjoy doing it, I highly recommend electronics or computer science. Or philosophy.

If the output of a two input AND gate is true only when both inputs are true, when is the output of a two input OR gate true?

A NAND gate is an inverted AND (NOT AND). When is the output of a two input NAND gate true? When is the output of a two input NOR gate true?

Using Boolean algebra, a K-map, or any method, simplify the following logic:

AB + AC + A'BC'
(A ANDed with B OR A ANDed with C OR NOT A ANDed with B ANDed with NOT C)
Keep in mind A, B, and C can all only be either 1 or 0.

In a three element array in which each element can be any number from one to three, how many combinations of numbers are possible for the array?

If a While loop runs only while the input equals X, and the inputs equal X, X, and Y, how many times does the loop run? Think carefully.

I am confident you can answer all of the questions without using google!

catherineofsiena · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2012, 12:31:49 AM »

Start at the beginning. Pick up a pen and paper.

Make a list of what you do during an average day. What do you enjoy and what do you dislike?

What do you do for fun? For stress relief?

What subjects did you enjoy in high school?

Do you like books? If you have a home library look and see what types of books you have. If you go to a library, bookstore or magazine stand what section do you visit? What do you avoid? (What you don't like is as important as what you do like in your quest to find mission).

What bookmarks do you have on your computer? What kinds of things do you search for if you are wasting time online?

Are you a physical person or an intellectual type? Do you need a daily physical workout or daily mental stimulation?

Would you rather be outdoors or inside working in office? Can you do repetitive work or do you require a changing environment? Do you need structure or freedom?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Would you rather work alone or in a group? Do crowds drain you or energize you?

Would you rather be the boss or the employee?

Do you like to travel? Do you need a 9-5 work schedule or flexible days and hours?

Do you do volunteer work? Do you have hobbies?

If you had to write your own obituary what would it say? What do you want to be remembered for after you die?

I strongly recommend career and personality testing. There are a few good tests, some of which are free and online. Myers-Briggs is excellent but online will cost you. You can get the book and take the test inside the book. My results were the same.

Your college will also offer career counseling. If the testing is free you could take it, although I would be cautious about career counselors themselves. They will pressure you to make a decision when you are really getting to know yourself. The answers emerge afterward.

Another thing, if you are called to marriage someday, make sure you have an idea of your mission first because in addition to spiritual concerns you want a wife who will support your mission (Eve created to be Adam's companion and helpmate).

The Four Temperaments

http://www.fisheaters.com/quiz1.html (the online test is here. I am not endorsing FE).

http://sedevacantist.com/misc/temperaments.html

http://www.keirsey.com/ (similar to Myers Briggs but free)

Thursday · « **Reply #6 on:** July 13, 2012, 12:36:53 AM »

I'm also from canada and went through a college program (marine navigation) after high school.

At the end of high school when they ask you where you want to study after high school and they give you that big book full of course and colleges I was able to choose a path in this way.

1. I looked through the book and found 5 or 6 professions that Ithought I would be interested. As I recall they were..

Forestry (interest)
Refrigeration (because of the money)
Underwater welding (because of the money)
Electrician training (good practical job-good money)
something else (I can't remember)
Marine Navigation (interest and good money)

2. After I called the respective schools and determined the starting salary and the chance of getting the job after graduation I picked marine navigation. It had the best salary and if you graduated and got your government liscenses you were pretty much guaranteed a job. I'll add that I was also somewhat attracted to this profession.

Anyway, I consider it one of the best decisions of my life even though I only spent 7 years in the industry.

catherineofsiena · « **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2012, 12:46:07 AM »

I forgot to mention the book "What Color Is Your Parachute?" by Richard Bolles. It has some good information, particularly the chapter on Self Inventory.

Thursday · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2012, 02:20:37 AM »

Quote from: Thursday

I'm also from canada and went through a college program (marine navigation) after high school.

At the end of high school when they ask you where you want to study after high school and they give you that big book full of course and colleges I was able to choose a path in this way.

1. I looked through the book and found 5 or 6 professions that Ithought I would be interested. As I recall they were..

Forestry (interest)
Refrigeration (because of the money)
Underwater welding (because of the money)
Electrician training (good practical job-good money)
something else (I can't remember)
Marine Navigation (interest and good money)

2. After I called the respective schools and determined the starting salary and the chance of getting the job after graduation I picked marine navigation. It had the best salary and if you graduated and got your government liscenses you were pretty much guaranteed a job. I'll add that I was also somewhat attracted to this profession.

Anyway, I consider it one of the best decisions of my life even though I only spent 7 years in the industry.

I guess my point in telling you this is that it is good to pick something that has a clear cut path to a profession and a source of income. Once you are making money you can devote time to studying other things on a part time basis and change careers from there.

copticruiser · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2012, 03:05:06 AM »

Thought I was the only Canadian!!

Direction always needs the guidance of our Lord, a little common sense and some motivation.
My husband has never had much for education (academic that is) never made any big money BUT he NEVER turned down work He ALWAYS lived frugal and today he can support a large family and not be heavily in debt to the Bondage System we have because of it.

Trades are EXCELLENT especially here in CANADA. A good knowlege of finance is a MUST. I know so many who make big bucks and are soooooooooo BROKE.

We have never made big money and happy to say we have no debt. People are so foolish to work towards New Vehicals or Expensive Realestate or Expensive Holidays. Its a vaccuм that takes up your hard earned money which ultimately equates to your non renewable life.

Its actually alot of fun making $1 turn into $2. As far as work well life is short so when your young its ok to work like crazy for the money but long term take less money take MORE time for prayer and family.

My thoughts

Your Friendly canadian :farmer:

InstaurareEcclesiam · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2012, 05:17:48 AM »

Ask Our Lord first.

Before entering university (and taking up a huge burden of student loans), it is better to take time to discern. I did not do it in time, still regret it.

It is quest for all of us.

Also take up the possibility of theology, philosophy and priestly or religious vocation in this context. This is the highest thing one can do.

And afterwards lot of priests became scientists (in physics e.g. Einstein could not do without Msgr. Georges Lemaître, a Belgian priest who should have gotten the Nobel prize but anti-Catholic sentiment prevented) or teachers or found another "second" vocation or profession to suit their religious or priestly life of prayer too. I even know priests who became surgeons (neurosurgery and neurology and psychiatry).

But seek the Kingdom of God first, the rest will be given.

Talk to your confessor. Talk to a study course advisor, make an overview of things you like to do. Then pick those by which you could earn sufficient money (to feed a wife, or kids with).

As a third vocation, wherever possible I'd seek a gardening or farming hobby to teach yourself how to feed yourself and physically survive ALWAYS.

Prayer before everything. The Lord will guide us. If we seek and ask Him.

theology101 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 13, 2012, 10:11:38 AM »

Quote from: Thursday

I'm also from canada and went through a college program (marine navigation) after high school.

At the end of high school when they ask you where you want to study after high school and they give you that big book full of course and colleges I was able to choose a path in this way.

1. I looked through the book and found 5 or 6 professions that Ithought I would be interested. As I recall they were..

Forestry (interest)
Refrigeration (because of the money)
Underwater welding (because of the money)
Electrician training (good practical job-good money)
something else (I can't remember)
Marine Navigation (interest and good money)

2. After I called the respective schools and determined the starting salary and the chance of getting the job after graduation I picked marine navigation. It had the best salary and if you graduated and got your government liscenses you were pretty much guaranteed a job. I'll add that I was also somewhat attracted to this profession.

Anyway, I consider it one of the best decisions of my life even though I only spent 7 years in the industry.

I almost went to the school that the Seafarer's International Union runs when I was younger, as I thought a life of world travel aboard ship would be awesome. Never did though. I also considered Forestry, as that kind of life interests me, too. I guess anything where I'm able to be outdoors a lot was most attractive to me.

theology101 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 13, 2012, 10:42:28 AM »

Quote from: catherineofsiena

The Four Temperaments

http://www.fisheaters.com/quiz1.html (the online test is here. I am not endorsing FE).

http://sedevacantist.com/misc/temperaments.html

http://www.keirsey.com/ (similar to Myers Briggs but free)

Cool, I found out I'm melancholic. Amazingly accurate too. I do think I am more artistic than scientific- I often spend more time thinking of religious things than scientific, despite my chosen career. Perhaps I should start writing or something.

I should also note my favorite poem is Milton's Il Penseroso (The Melancholy Man).

These pleasures, Melancholy, give
And I with Thee will choose to live.

Traditional Guy 20 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 13, 2012, 10:46:54 AM »

Ha when I was a young boy I thought I would become a doctor, an archaeologist, etc. etc. etc. Well I graduated high school with a 3.7 GPA and was given a scholarship. Soon I ceased being a full-time student and started to work in the labor force, which is where I am today.

No I never thought I'd be here where I am but you know I don't consider my job bad. In fact I get angry at those who show contempt for those who do manual labor. But it does show you that the whole 'follow your dreams' stuff usually doesn't happen. Usually you will become working-class.

Antony · « **Reply #14 on:** July 13, 2012, 11:44:01 AM »

I still haven't.