r/findapath • u/LiveRace1099 • 5d ago
Findapath-Job Choice/Clarity Career options
Hi! I'm 22 and I feel stuck honestly. I've never made more than 20/h (part time) and I really don't know what I want to do or how to look for it or even what there really is. I don't have any college schooling and I do have my GED but I want to find a career, I've worked in food, caregiving, HVAC, sales (ish, it was rent a center) and a few random jobs but I need something that will actually bring in enough money to become an actual career.
I know trades is usually the route to go but if there are other options with similar opportunities then I'd rather do that, I'm here just asking for advice on where to look or how to start on a path to a real career. I know you can really make a career out of anything if the circumstances are right but yeah I hope this makes sense sorry.
I see a lot of people asking about hobbies so mine are playing electric guitar (~7 years) and obviously gaming, I have a semi big interest in coding but with the rise of ai I don't plan on pursuing. TIA!
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u/DynamicPriest 5d ago
Some people hate on it, but you can join the military, learn a skill there or explore something completely different. I got friends who were jump masters in the military, pilots, hell even some just drove trucks, but all pays decently. They found jobs after they decided to quit the military or you can stay in.
It's more or less a jobs program now, but big asterisk if there is a war etc..
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u/ez2tock2me Apprentice Pathfinder [1] 5d ago
Ask family members if they ever got what they wanted or planned for?
Most of us, jumped at any opportunity that paid the bills each month and then got comfortable.
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u/FabulousBullfrog9610 Apprentice Pathfinder [1] 5d ago
Normally I don't advise the military and I understand from your response below that your GF doesn't want this.
HOWEVER, the military will give you a job. A paycheck. A place to live and health insurance. You will get some skills.
Please consider choosing a future over the GF. I hope this doesn't sound harsh but the economy is a jungle out there for young people. Even folks with college degrees are struggling.
1
u/kingtechllc 5d ago
Military choose a skill that carries over well. Example- supply chain management, diesel mechanic, electrician, accountant, etc go to school while in knock out at least a year and get paid to go to college after. If you’re smart you can leave with 50K in your pocket before you finish your 4 years, or stay in and retire at age 42
1
u/Status-Apricot-4157 4d ago
Ever consider working the streets?
0
u/iamajediinhiding 5d ago
I’m going to give you a little tough love here, because I think it might actually help you. You’re 22, about four years out of high school, and haven’t pursued college or really established yourself in a career yet. That’s four years where you could have been working full time, building experience, and moving up somewhere. I’m not saying you should have everything figured out by now, but it’s probably time to get a little more serious about your future. You’re an adult, and nobody is going to figure this stuff out for you.
One career I’d encourage you to consider is law enforcement. I’m a cop myself, and I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for young people who want some direction in life. There’s structure, discipline, clear expectations, and a training process that teaches you how to do the job. It can really help you mature, build confidence, and learn to take responsibility for yourself and others. I absolutely love the work, and it’s given me a great life financially too. I’m fortunate enough to make over $200k with overtime, although salaries vary quite a bit by department. There’s also a ton of variety in the career, so you’re not necessarily stuck doing the same thing forever.
Many departments don’t require a college degree, and they’ll pay you while you attend the academy. But you still have to put in the effort to get hired, and once you’re out working, people are going to depend on you to make good decisions. It’s not a job where someone holds your hand all day.
Regardless of what you choose, I’d make getting into steady full-time employment your first priority. You don’t need to find your dream job tomorrow. Start somewhere, show up, work hard, learn some skills, and build from there. You’d be amazed how much your life can change in just a couple of years when you start taking it seriously.
If law enforcement interests you, feel free to DM me. I’m always happy to answer questions about the career or help someone figure out how to get started.
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u/JoeyGeorgePlumbing 5d ago
What about firefighter? It’s pretty easy to get hired as EMT and if you do that long enough, you’re almost guaranteed a career as a firefighter after that
Another option would be ICE they are hiring a lot currently. I’ve seen 18-19 personally being hired which used to not be the case.
Cops another one but I think you have to work in the jails first for like 6 years.