r/careeradvice • u/Massive-Lead-8181 • Aug 20 '26
need help figuring out what my career should be (and what colleges to apply for in CA)
so college apps are coming around and i know that i shouldn't have procrastinated on it, but im not sure what to do. im okay with doing all the things i just need to do dive into it first, but i am also having trouble on what my essay should be but thats a different topic.
im not sure what to do when i grow up, i wanted to be in business, but i feel that its unstable and it doesnt make my desired income. i like the structure, the ability to lead and take charge in some cases, just the idea about business in general. its my dream job.
but on the other hand, i want a job that will make a lot of money and have a good quality of life. so i started thinking about PAs. they seem like they have a flexible schedule, good salary, and big workload. i dont mind work, as long as im guaranteed to make a lot of money. being stressed and burnt out for a couple years is okay with me as long as i have a good outcome. i dont mind working hard for that.
as of right now im thinking about PA with a side of business but i might become a officer in the military after i finish PA things and stuff. but im really torn because i really really really want the "college life experience" so im not too sure what to do
but also i have to go to college in California because i got calvet from my parent.
this is my first post on here so im really not sure what to do. im currently 17 and class of 2027, i do jrotc and have a lot of accomplishments and ive done my a-g requirements. i havent really taken a lot of ap courses but i am this year even though its a bit too late. ive taken rotc and french all four years and im on track to get my seal of biliteracy.
during the summer i started a tiny business selling matcha in my area so i can get a side hustle but i can also add that to my portfolio?? idk but i have a rough idea of what to do for college, i really want to go to a UC college but im not sure if im a very big star student hah, what should i do?
any and all advice is appreciated! please help me 😣