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Vault Message Board: Career Change

Topic Name: What careers would be best for me?
Message Name: strive for happiness
Date Posted: 08/28/2002
In Reply To: Currently 30 y.o. programmer. ISTP for you MBTI types. This is what I want out of a career: 1. Offers good money. Similar to programming at the least, but I would like to have a shot at the really big money (solid six figures). 2. Offers a certain level of prestige. Doctor, lawyer, FBI agent, professor, psychologist, architect, etc... 3. Lets me use my brain. I like programming because it gives me a good mental workout. I'm particulary good at solving problems and analyzing large amounts of data. 4. Does some good in the world. All I do now is contribute to my boss' bottom line. I would like to provide a valuable service to people. 5. I like to build things, but I know not what part this may or may not play. I used to like to build software. 6. I like my independence. I've enjoyed programming, and its been a good fit, but I dread spending another day in front of the computer. I don't know, maybe I'm just burnt out with my current gig. I've thought about a lot of different careers, but nothing seems to really be pulling me. Well, there's one - the FBI. I'm ineligible though because of some of my background partying when I was in school. Some of the options I've been considering: MBA in Finance -> Hospital Administration. Could always go on to get PhD and teach. JD -> Hanging my own shingle, or working my way to partner in a smaller firm. M.Arch. -> Seems pretty risky. Doesn't seem like a lot of architects are able to make it. PhD in CS -> Try to get a gig at a teaching college. Does anybody have any specific advice relative to my situation? Can anybody think of other avenues I might want to explore? grazie!
Message: Check out Dalai Lama's "Art of Happiness" and L. Boldt's "Zen and the Art of Making a Living." You seem to be all over the map when it comes to new career ideas, which is good, but u need to refine your list and make an action plan to best hit your goals. These books can help if you spend time reading and reflecting. To paraphrase the Dalia, seek self-happiness, not the acceptance of others Good luck!

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