O/t What should I do with my life?

[the duke]

Hello fellow Hambers! I know i already asked this kind of question a couple months back but I've been thinkin and once i get to thinkin my mind becomes a dagerous thing. But I've been thinkin of what i should do with my life after high school which is only two years away and so far everything else has seemed to go by so fast, two years will most likely too! I have considered many things that i would really enjoy first of which would be going to Wyoming tech and building old cars, second I like to draw and I'm pretty good at it so I've thought of doing something with art but now adays you have to be dead to be able to sell art for very much money, and i've also thought of teaching auto shop at a high school somewhere in america because I obviously like cars and teaching seems like it would be fun. And I'm open to other stuff too, I think I could handle college because I'd say I'm bright, so I could get some type of other degree also. I just want to have a real hands on job, but not hands on like making oil filters here at the Hastings Manufacturing plant. But i was just hoping that someone could steer me in the right direction. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

the duke

[2tall2beahotrodder]

Ok, im guessn your my age 17? Jr in Highschool??? Well i had the same question "what should i do when i get older" like you, i wanted to go to whyotec, start my own business, or go work for a car company like ford or GM designing cars or something.

well after researching and pondering, its better to make money as soon as possible, even if you hate your job, then get all the "toys" you want and retire at a early age.

So i came to the desission "State Trooper". I live in NJ, and nj state cops get to retire at the age of 45 with full benifits and a big check every week. Also that you would only have 2-4 years on the road, (behind a cop car ) then you get to choose over many job oppertunities in the law (for me : Grand Theft Auto)

I say,become a state tooper, make 50-100k a year, Get many Rods and tools, and retire at 45-50 and sit back and relax.

1 more thing. Dont be a busy cop and get antsy and shoot some one. Just drive down the road and pull over old people for speeding or not wearing the seat belts....
EASY LIFE.

[Stevie G]

Have you considered the Art school in Pasadena?
Chip Foose is a graduate.
The Prowler concept was his senior thesis.
Just a thought.

[Tim]

good place to ask that question Duke, its were i figured it out.

i love building stuff, seeing how things work, love cars and anything that has the possiblity of movement, and along with that am an art freak.

so i went to school for mechanical engenering thinking designing stuff would be great.... well long story short its alot of math, wasnt the place for me.

so then i posted, whats a good degree you could use for lots of stuff-- so many degrees and ect you can realy only use it for one or two jobs-- and something that would involve cars and art.

cars and art, every one had always acted like that was a tall order but i came to the hamb in question and found industrail design.

some schools offer it and its more like graffic design, but i talked with tuck and went and checked out the STOUT colleg page with the course description on it and was blown away. it was exactly what i was looking for.

so since you say cars art and hands on you might want to take a look at industrail design.

just my two cents
tim

[Zeke]

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, im guessn your my age 17? Jr in Highschool??? Well i had the same question "what should i do when i get older" like you, i wanted to go to whyotec, start my own business, or go work for a car company like ford or GM designing cars or something.

well after researching and pondering, its better to make money as soon as possible, even if you hate your job, then get all the "toys" you want and retire at a early age.

So i came to the desission "State Trooper". I live in NJ, and nj state cops get to retire at the age of 45 with full benifits and a big check every week. Also that you would only have 2-4 years on the road, (behind a cop car ) then you get to choose over many job oppertunities in the law (for me : Grand Theft Auto)

I say,become a state tooper, make 50-100k a year, Get many Rods and tools, and retire at 45-50 and sit back and relax.

1 more thing. Dont be a busy cop and get antsy and shoot some one. Just drive down the road and pull over old people for speeding or not wearing the seat belts....
EASY LIFE.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yer not very bright are ya.

[james]

Start NOW on getting scholarships. If you do good in art, take as many classes as you can and bug everyone you can about scolarships. I had my first year at a private artschool (meaning big bucks) completely paid for, and my GPA in high school was about a 2.4 or so ( C ). If you are good at a sport, go for scolarships in that. There's a lot more freedom in making education choices when money is taken care of. What ever you decide to do, an education is priceless (some here will argue this, though). Don't be in too much of a rush to get a job. Go to school, explore what's out there. Just make sure to nurture any talents you have.

[hotrodladycrusr]

You need to explore the Center for Creatives Studies in Detroit. Hard to get into but you'll write your own ticket in life when you graduate.

[Paul]

what you do is important,

but who you are is far more important.

be yourself.

Paul

[Greezy]

DONT become a truck driver, the state troopers always hassle you especially in NJ... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Nads]

Hey Tim, you should have paid more attention in English class too.

[zonkola]

It's good that you have varied interests, and you should definitely like what you do 'cause you'll spend a lot of time doing it.

However, I'd think hard before turning your hobby into a job. You may like building your own cars, but will you like building someone else's dream car that you personally think is going to suck? Will you be able to turn money down for lame projects when the rent is due? Will you be pumped to work on your own car on the weekend after getting greasy on other people's cars all week? It works for some car guys, but not, I think, for all of them.

In my case, I didn't become a professional musician because I didn't want to write pet food jingles or be some record company's bitch, and I didn't want to spend my life living out of a suitcase. Similarly, I wouldn't want to build cars for income--not to imply that that my skill level is high enough to go pro--because that's something I do to relax. So I do product design for a living--which I also enjoy--and do the other things for myself.

Does that help, or make things worse? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[brutus t maximus]

just remember "you" are not what you do.

so take the time and find something you can have fun and be passionate about.

if you dont have a gf yet.. dont get one. you dont have time, and one thing leads to another if you get my drift.

try to get a good return on your investment, that is your life blood, that is why you will do better if you look at a variety of jobs and pick one that you can have fun at... if you are miserable,,, all the money in the world wont help..

but then again all the money in the world buys a lot of rod parts http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

working with your hands and being creative that way is very rewarding, but being creative with your mind will far outlast your hands when carpal tunnel or artheritis takes its toll.

i say do the art or design school approach, save your physical self to do work on your stuff,, i dont know anyone who ever strained a brain muscle that didnt heal by morning. And God knows if you work with you back and hands, there will come many a morning that you cannot hardly get out of bed. should you have trouble getting out of bed, do it with a smile because of the fun you had working on your rod,, not somebodies grocery getter.

oh and remember the sunscreen... hahahaha

bob

[OldSub]

Its a pretty important question, but I'm not so sure you have to give 'your final answer' just yet.

A lot of people change careers over their life, and with the pace of change the last few decades it is probably possible to choose a career today that won't exist by time you reach retirement.

Sure, careers like police officer and fireman aren't likely to go away, but they might change. Two of the professions I've claimed since school were things I'd never heard of in those days. I've seemed to manage to blend my past experience into new occupations every ten years or so. The changes have been welcome...

Someone said be careful about turning your hobby into your job. I did that once, and I would agree that much of the fun goes out of your hobby if you have to pursue it everyday for someone else.

A co-worker's son is at the tech school in Wyoming and loves it. He wants to design and build race cars. I think he is just a year from being done.

If you want to be an artist there are many people making a living doing graphic design in ad agencies and other corporate environments. I know several who seem to like it a great deal.

At your age its good to have some direction, but don't close the door to new opportunities or eliminate options too quick.

And decide how important money is to you. If you have to live high, you have to choose a career that pays well. If you don't need those things that come with piles of money you can more easily choose work that has other rewards.

[customcarpainter]

Another thought on this,check out your financial aid options NOW!Have your parents involved in this,if they claim you as a dependent on their income taxes during your senior year in high school,your greatly cutting down your chances for any grant money.The total income will be based on THEIR total income.If they don't claim you,it'll be based on YOUR total income.My advice would be to NOT work during your senior year,unless its for cash to keep your income level down,which will better your chances for more grants(free money).Check with your guidance counselor about this and see if it still holds true.You don't want to get outta college with a heavy financial burden,strapped with loads of student loans.Study hard and apply for as many scholarships as you can get.Every $500.00 helps.

[Phil1934]

I have heard the line "Do something you hate and retire early" seveeral times and I always think of Willy Lomax. I see someone 60 years old without the kind of money they hoped for trudging off to a job they hate. I'm a Civil Engineer and have always worked in the field. They hired me for my first job on site and I travelled the country for four years without ever seeing the home office. But travel sucks, too. However I changed jobs about four times and always made more money a few years in because I loved the work. That's the key. The job changes are because I found I like start ups. When the middle management comes out with a company rule book, I'd move to the next challenge. I ran my own biz for about seven years until gov't and ins. hassles took the fun out of it, so I can't recommend it. In fact I told Harlan I'd use the eng'r'g degree instead of opening a shop. but he went with his dream. And I have to say "Attaboy". But I would like an update as it would give you a little insight into one possible venue. I'm currently getting another off the ground and while pay is lagging due to equip't and land purchases next year should be a banner year again. Then I'll have to see the next challenge. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Paul]

You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.....
Deteriorata


Go placidly
Amid the noise and waste.
And remember what comfort there may be
In owning a piece thereof.


Avoid quiet and passive persons
Unless you are in need of sleep.


Ro-tate your tires.

Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself
And heed well their advice,
Even though they be turkeys.


Know what to kiss.....and when!

Consider that two wrongs never make a right
But that THREE.........do.


Wherever possible, put people on hold.


Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment
And despite the changing fortunes of time,
There is always a big future in computer main-te-nance.


You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back.


Remember the Pueblo.


Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle and mu-ti-late.


Know yourself.
If you need help, call the FBI.


Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
Especially with those persons closest to you.
That lemon on your left, for instance.


Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
Would scarcely get your feet wet.


Fall not in love therefore;
It will stick to your face.


Gracefully surrender the things of youth:
The birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan
And let not the sands of time
Get in your lunch.


Hire people with hooks.


For a good time call 606-4311;
Ask for "Ken."


Take heart amid the deepening gloom
That your dog is finally getting enough cheese.


And reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot
It could only be worse in Milwaukee.


You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back.


Therefore, make peace with your god
Whatever you conceive him to be---
Hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.


With all its hopes, dreams, promises and urban renewal
The world continues to deteriorate.


GIVE UP!


You are a fluke
Of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back.

[Fat Hack]

You spend half your life rememembering the days when you were young,
The other half you're dreaming how much better life could get.
Every time you make a choice, Hey! Half your life is gone...

...and all you have is a few good dreams divided into many small regrets,

Like everybody else.

(Too Much Joy philosophy 101!!!)

[ChrisinPhilly]

Whatever decision you make, good luck. But as an old guy of 46 the best advice I can give you is to take it easy on the drinking and druggin' and wear a rubber. I see a lot of young guys just piss away their youth,

[brewsir]

remember that anything in excess will kill ya or get yer life screwed up.(booze,drugs,women..all at once....)

Order a no money down real estate course from Carleton Sheets and buy a shitload of rentals. Collect rent once a month and play the rest of the time!
Compared to a real job being a landlord really isn't much of a hassle.
I know a lady in her 50's who never had a job...just buys real estate...she is a real spendthrift (remember,too much of anything is bad....being tight is bad too) but she owns 5 or 6 of the coolest cars in town. She uses rental income to qualify for loans on her next house....and lives in a 3 unit she owns.....it has a 6 car garage beside it.

If that doesn't work for you....I suggest looking around at young guys (20's) that are really livin large and ask them what they do for a living. Many got their bux from mom and pop ....but many have good jobs that have benefits and good pay.

Education is not always found at a college....and never stops...educate yourself. Read books....not story books but actual knowledge books from things that interest you.
I read books on cars and how to build them , because thats what interests me, sometimes I read business books (because I recently bought a business)

Live by the golden rule.....
treat people the way you want to be treated
That alone will get you way ahead.

Sorry to get preachy....it's early

[Tman]

Being someone that currently has a stack of Wyotech resumes on his desk I would say that you are better off following a different path if you really want to play with cars.

[onelow48]

I had the same thoughts when I was in high school. I was hevy into art/photography. My father was a tattoo artist,
and back then that seen was completly deferant. I moved alot when I was younger. The one good thing that I found
useful out of all that traveling was I got to meat a lot of deferant people. Basicly what I'm getting @ is doing what you love is'nt allways good to do for a living. I got into
car audio for 4 years then metal fab, after that I got into sale's . All these jobs revolve around cars. I did not have the $$ for school so I made my own. The thing I found
is that you got to focus on the big picture. You've got the brush in your hand start painting! If you don't like what you see start over. You've got time! DON'T FIND YOUR FUTURE/ MAKE IT.

[hatch]

If at all possible...never work for anybody...keep all the money in your pocket.

[choprods]

for 28 years-I build cars and do custom projects for a living. Like Tman said I also get resume's from wyo Tech kids....having said both those things I recommend you search around a little before you start a career based on hobby interests. I feel wyo tech is a fine institution- [a little pricey at] that but really feel the demand for our hobby as a profession may be slightly inflated in relation to real world positions available. I recommend finding a field that is commonly in demand[having a REAL skill helps] so with this training it allows you the option of relocating at will. this will allow you to accept a position when it becomes available]stay single as well till you are established] this also helps -cause you are able to jump when a move or a move up shows itself. a good thing to remember is to learn to be happy with where you are in the scheme of things....lusting for the BIG PAY -BIG TITLE is a detriment to your end goal....learn to accept these things at face value and you will be able to enjoy life easier. now- feel free to ignore this and any other advice and go your own way!good luck http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif-Kenny

[james]

Another thing- DON'T touch credit cards!!! I can't think of very many people under 30 that didn't get majorly screwed up. Try not to ever owe anyone anything. (except a mortgage-that's good debt.) That includes cars, boats, etc. If you don't have the cash you probably don't need it.

[Tim]

yeah nads the nazi

i dont spell that great when im rapid fire typing my replies on the hamb, but i figure if i started spelling things right on the hamb now no one would think it was realy me typing http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Junkyard Dog 32]

What should I do with my life...?

That's pretty deep, Duke.
I figure the answers I can give are going to come from things I would have done differently...

Wow...
First.... Never be named in a paternity suit. Especially if you never even met the chick.

Second.... Buy LAND!

Third.... Never put all of your faith in someone other than yourself.

Forth.... If you want a job, or career, involving cars, GET A JOB, WORKING WITH CARS http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Sweep the floor for some big name builder. Take out his trash, and block sand fenders for him. Learn from him... Do what he does to be sucessful, and don't do what he does, that causes him failure.... Know where I'm comin' from on this? Life is the only teacher you'll ever really learn from. Things that matter, anyway.

E.... Stay away from DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND FIREARMS.



JOEhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[D Picasso]

1. Don't Get Married.

2. Don't Get Married.

3. I can't stress points one and two too strongly.

[Phil1934]

Since the serious has worn off this post, I can give you a few more tips. When you are in high school, it's the "permanent record" threat. No one will even call your school when you leave. The same applies to the threat of keeping a continuous employment record. No one cares if you take a few months between jobs, if they lasted several years. I'm not advocating being a slacker, that's my aspiration now that I'm 50, I'm just saying you don't need to rush headlong through life. Step back and take account of your choices, and if you don't like them, change. I recall an old Andy Griffith, the "Bible of TV to us Southerners", where Opie asked Andy if Floyd had made a mistake moving to a South Seas island and returning and Andy said "No, we just say he lived a little." The decisions get heavier and there's not always someone there to make it better, so choose wisely, but your decision does not have to be set in stone. Back to cars. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[DrDano]

Duke,

My $0.02 : Your post brings back strong memories of when I asked the same questions of myself. "What shall I do with my life?". I was in your exact same place that you are now not so long ago, roughly 6 years.

I was offered a scholarship to WyoTech when I was a senior and was offered scholarships to a few others. At the time the only thing that I cared about was how fast I could be trained and how fast I could be out there making money "while all the other kids are still at the Universities". I believed all the crap that everyone said, especially the long winded speals by school recruiters who bashed traditional universities and colleges for "the fast and easy way to quick money".

I turned down the offer by WyoTech and went to a very different school; an art school to study animation instead. At the time animators were making very good money and I could draw like a champ in CADD. After a while in the program I decided that animation wasn't me, so I finished it out and started working in the web site/ advertising market.

After 2 years of working for someone else as a programmer I now work for myself and wonder why I never did this before. Being self employed is hard, but its the greatest thing you can experience....I love it. I'm currently back in school studing for a 4 year degree in programming and having the time of my life.

So, here is my advice, if you read anything in this:

Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.
I don't care what anyone says about this, if you love your work you will be happier and live longer. If you get into a career just for the money you will do nothing but chase the dollar in circles and hate your life until you die. Others will disagree with this, but I have experienced it first hand - money is not everything, your happiness is. If you love to draw, go to an art school and try it out. If you love cars, go to a tech school and try it out. Your young and can do what ever you want. If you don't like it, try something different.

Nuff said, good luck Duke. Don't stress about it, everything works out in the end, even if you can't see why its happening at the time.

[redmeat]

<font color="red">Here is the deal man.........find something you love and become great at it........if you truely love your job you will never tire of it!.....I have a job that has afforded me many things that others do not. . .but . . .I am not happy with my job or myself.......that said . . . <font color="blue">I WOULD NOT CHANGE A THING!!!! </font> ......My life has had some great experiences(I have seen most of Europe, the Caribean, the entire country and much more).....I am 34 and still do not know what I want to do with my life!!!...... <font color="green"> WHATEVER YOU DO THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO ENJOY IT!!!!! </font> I personally say JOIN THE MILITARY(preferably the NAVY) and push to get stationed over seas or on a boat that regularly travels over-seas....see the world gain experience.......If you say I will do it when I am older and have the Time/Money to do it. . .you never will.....do it while you are young and do not have responsibilties(Mortgage/wife/kids).......... <font color="purple">OH AND ABOVE ALL. . .WEAR A CONDOM(DISEASE/ KIDS CAN RUIN SHIT
</font> </font>

[hillbillyhellcat]

I'll give you credit for thinking about it now instead of when you walked of with your H S diploma... At 22 I am still kind of unsure of what I want to get out of my life. Don't be so sure what you are going to do, some things can easily become unfulfilling and you'll change your mind several times. The reason I'd like to share is that I have the same interests - cars and art!

I really wanted to learn to work on cars when I was a kid... I didn't need school, I was going to be a mechanic.. or so I thought!

I spent my first year at a local community college trying to get a business degree to humor my parents so later on I could go to Wyo tech or another tech school. Eventually I became impatient and quit full time school and got a job as a mechanic's assistant at a GM dealer... What I saw wasn't to fulfulling... I saw guys 50+ years old busting thier humps to make enough dough just to pay the bills. All day long I would solve stupid problems like where a squeak was coming from way inside a dashboard or other bitchwork..and it was boring. And after a 45 hours of getting greasy the last thing I wanted to do was work on my own car!
After almost 2 years with no health insurance, small pay and nightschool I gave up. I hated going to work in the morning, there was no creativity in fixing flats.

So I went back to school. It didn't seem to bad this time! I got a business degree and am going back for HR... And now I am enrolled at the local Vo Tech for auto body and and really enjoying it as I can do something creative and have something to show for...

I was once told, Do your second favorite thing as a job, and your most favorite thing as a hobby. That seems to make sense to me now.

I'd like to open a shop someday where I can recondition cars and sell them, maybe in dabble in antiques as they're my favs.. But it will be something on the side as too much of a good thing spoils it.

I hope my rambling helps some. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[metalshapes]

I never had to ask that question, I knew what I was going to do before I was 13, and I'm still doing it today.
But what I could never have known is how much Racing has shaped me. Nobody has ever heard of me, altough I had some
succes in my little niche. None of that is important, what is important is that it tought me some hard lessons about working for your goals, deadlines, planning, spending money, pain (from muscle ache to crashes), humility and not to take yourself to serous.

[38Chevy454]

Wow, lots been said and I think mostly good advice. So here is more to pile it on, with my $.02 you now have about $.34 worth.

I think the best thing you can do is get some more education. Whether that is at a traditional 4 year college, vo-tech school, art school, or apprenticeship and self taught. Brewsir gives good advice, always try to learn and educate yourself, and treat others the way you want to be treated.

If you're good at math and science, look into four year college, in a computer or engineering type field. Computer and engineering start out higher, but it is kinda flat unless you get into mgmt. If you are good at businees type stuff, do that. Business grads start lower out of school, but the potential for higher earnings is better.

If you like working with your hands, learn a trade. Become a machinist or better yet a tool and die maker. Or become an electrician or plumber or several other trade options. Most of these will lead to running your own business eventually. See how that education thing gets hooked in? You need to learn about rules and running your own business.

If you feel real creative, try art school. If you are good, you should do fine, but there seems to be a lot of "starving artists", so my advice is take a long look at the career potential. I have no experience here to lead you.

If you enjoy teaching, go to four year college and become a teacher. Teaching is a good prfession and you will certainly have reasonable pay, although teachers seem to have an underpaid for their value reputation. You won't be poor, but not too many teachers are rich, unless you do some work on the side, back to Brewsir's advice he gave.

If you like medical stuff, look into nursing. Become a Registered Nurse (RN) for the best career potential. Males in nursing is not so popular, and are in demand. Seriously, there is a shortage of nursing and the pay is quite good, although the work can be tough and the hours can suck. I know my wife is a RN, seems that she works a lot of holidays and weekends. Plus just think of all those female nursing students you will be in class with about 4 to 1 ratio.

Overall, a bit of advice that was given to me: you can make money with your brain or your back. Meaning that you can educate yourself or you will always be busting your ass.

[dixiedog]

there is more GOOD information in this post for you than you could get in 20 years. Here are my ramblings to add to it.

Ask questions and listen to all opinions,
then take the parts of the answer that you can live with the most and make your decision
(This from a guy that started a multimillion dollar construction company with $5000 and a handshake)

You can run the law,
Run from your wife,
But, you cant run from your feet.

KARMA - <font color="purple">IT DOES EXIST </font>

If it sounds to good be true
It usually is

Dogs are mans best freind IMHO

Dont trust guideance councilors - they cost me an extra year of school.

when someone says "trust me" don't

Save your money and buy property - Brewsir speaketh the truth. But remember 4th one above.

60's style what is "Pueblo"????

Later - B-

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Join the Marines.
See the world
Travel to far and foreign lands
Meet new and exotic peaple,
then kill them.

[Phil1934]

3 things:
Find something you like, something you have a talent for, and something there is a demand for. That last one is the kicker in the street rod business. Around here shops are either playrooms for older well heeled gentlemen or a marginal business. Even the ads in the mags represent more garage businesses than full time efforts. I would think any shop with more than four employees a rarity, excepting the CA biggies like CCR.

[trey]

if you wanna make money, dont join the military. we arent here to get rich, just get by. i cant say i would do an auto related field either. seems like it would be annoying to work on someone elses stuff, and then go work on your own. i wouldnt wanna work on my own anymore...

trey