PURPOSE- I NEED HELP FINDING IT!!!

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 1/5/06 at 2:32pm

Hey guys-

I hope some people can help me- (or at least will read this)

After this summer I will be finished with my Associates Degree. However, I want and need to move on. I've been thinking for the longest time what I should/want to do. My passion is musical theatre; however, I don't know that I would or could do that for a living. I do enjoy sign language and would like to encorporate that with theatre if I could. But, I don't know where to go from here and I am really getting hung up and depressed.

I live in Florida but I would love to live somewhere else. New York would be my first choice but I don't think I would like the hustle and bustle of the city life. I have a lot of anxiety and I don't think I could live that fast paced. Also, I don't enjoy the cold weather that much. I do want to move somewhere up north so I can be closer to my family but in a way I don't want to because of the cold and other issues.

I am not a very social person although I'd like to be. I'm not into the whole drug/alcohol/sex scene. I'd like to meet college students that are very down-to-earth although I know there are few and far between.

I need some major help because I am because pushed into making a decision very very soon.
I need to find my PURPOSE!!!

[WOSQ]

Posted: 1/5/06 at 4:13pm

Paper is your cheapest resource.

Write it down. Make a list of your strengths and what you like to do. This list is for you so you can be honest. Do not include anything that you don't really like, or what might be expected of you. List everything positively; not "I don't drink much", but "I drink moderately and responsibly". See the difference?

You may find out that you are among the few people in North America who know ASL and how to perform musical theatre. When you factor in things like intelligence, sensitivity, a heretofore unknown talent for computers or something like these, you may find yourself doing tech or stage managing for a deaf theatre company. See how I'm thinking?

Have fun. If you can't have fun, what's the point?

[duroc]

Posted: 1/5/06 at 4:24pm

hey,

I can understand how you're feeling distressed and apprehensive about your future - pretty much because I'm in the same predicament as you are.

I'm not sure how much I can help you. If your passions are sign and music theatre, you may consider teaching, or (if writing is a strong point) writing scripts, or if you're nervous of being onstage, work stagecrew, instead. Really, what you have to do is sit down and go through possible careers you might be interested in, and make a list. I suggest choosing a career before choosing where you want to live, though, sometimes (say for health reasons) you might want to avoid certain places. Mostly though, the career will choose your home, not vic versa. Anyways, after spending some time thinking about this, it never hurts to email or even interview people in the field. As my guidance councilor told me - most people love to talk about their jobs, which is why they choose them in the first place. Doing this, you can get some ideas as to what they actually do, and if you'd enjoy doing it yourself.

I am an english major who graduates in May (that is, if I return to school next semester at all) and I really don't know what I'm doing either. Another suggestion I can give you, if you have the money - is to travel a bit. I was in England over the summer and it gave me a chance to see things I've never seen before. It might inspire you in some career path you never before considered. It's also just helpful, in general, to be well traveled, and being introduced to new cultures.

Anyways, this is getting kind of lengthy... there really are no easy answers, and some people don't know what they want to do, even at 40. I say don't feel so rushed in choosing a career path, then find out a year later you made a horrible mistake. One thing, though, about careers today, is that they are no as secure as they used to be - so you can start doing one thing, then several years later switch to something else. After narrowing down what you might want to do, you even might try some experimenting. Not sure how practical this is but this may help also, as you might find you like doing one particular thing.

Again, there is no easy answer to life... but definete stick with your passions, and not what will make you the most money. let me know if you if have any more questions. g'luck.

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 1/5/06 at 5:22pm

Thanks guys- I will make a list. In fact, I have my psychologist tomorrow and I'll make a list with her.

I would love to travel- I would do it in a heartbeat, that is, if I had the money.
Something I know I would enjoy doing is trying things out. However, that isn't really possible. I would love to work on a cruise for a month or so but I know that isn't possible. I know that I would need to sign a contract for a certain amount of time. I don't even think I have the qualifications. I would love to have an intership working as an actress on Broadway for some time but that is far from feasible. I would love to work with deaf children for some time but first I would have to be more fluent in sign language and that would take many months. I would love to travel the world and learn about different cultures but I don't have the money.

What I want and what I have got are two totally different things.
I am 21 and I feel like I am wasting my life away not knowing what I will end up with. It's so depressing. I have my passions, however, I don't think they will be good enough. As much as I would like to believe that "Practice makes perfect" it's far from true.

If I thought I would have a chance as an actress, I'd pursue it. I rather make little money doing what I enjoy rather than making a lot of money doing something I don't enjoy. However, I need some piece of mind that I won't be living on the street.

[duroc]

Posted: 1/5/06 at 6:39pm

all I can really say is don't underestimate yourself. When you think about all the possibilies, all the possibile careers choices, the list can be overwhelming. I think what you have to do is choose 1 thing and stick w/ it. For example, if you chose to work w/ deaf children, you should just focus on improving your ASL skills. Even if you don't like it, even if the time was wasted in the end, you at least tried it, and then after it is over you can move on to something else.

You know, it doesn't hurt to start w/ an unglamorous job, like waitressing or working in a department store or something. Even if you have to live at home, it will give you time to think about your future - not only that but you will be able to save money, for travel or whatnot.

21 is not that old. I am 22 and I still haven't chosen a career path... though right now I am still be treated for sleep apnea, and my future is essentically being 'put on hold' until I get better.

[CostumeMistress]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 1:00am

SweetQ, I feel you. I have no idea what I'm doing right now - the important thing, though, is to not become a basket case worrying about the "right choice." Here's some basic good choices to ensure a good future - Never stop learning, whether in school or out. Don't use a credit card - they're pure trouble. Take care of your body. Stay connected to people who energize you - family, friends, those who motivate you and make you feel good when you're with them. Then, just take a step into your future - there will never be a burning bush telling you the "right" choice to make, you just have to make brave choices and see where they take you!

[dramatothemax]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 2:48pm

Achieving a passion takes time. I think the fact that you know sign language and love it, is incredible. If you love something that much, take the time to improve on it. It will be well worth it when you feel and know that you've reached your goals. It's a high that no one can take away from you. You can do it :)

[children&art]

Posted: 1/10/06 at 2:55pm

my momma always said my special purpose was in between my legs....