Welcome to adulthood. I have to say I think most of us (save liz and kurt who were born with pantone swatches in their mouths) have been or are still trying to figure that out. Guess the best part of it is that you are getting a degree out of it. From there you can go where the wind blows you. A lot of people have the same feeling but they have it when they are in high school - then drop out and get stuck for cash for the rest of their days with no options at all.

I don't know what to tell you about what you should do, other than the idea of knowing what you want to do will change a lot... the best thing is to get as much education as you can, and jump at any opportunity that sounds interesting or fun. Anyone else have thoughts on that? I know I am interested...

Or you could read "on the road" and jump on some trans continental trains and live the good life as a hobo who visits for christmas...

Wow, this is a great post Justin. And I believe, as you kinda addressed, everyone, thinks along these lines. But, atleast you have a great start in that you kinda know what you want to achieve (ie the criteria section). My personal opinion on this subject, not that I am a pro by any means, and question where I came from and where I am going daily ... Is try and figure out honestly what would make you happy enough to get out of bed everyday and go into work/play. I know this sounds super cliche but it is the truth ... what would make you honestly happy ... maybe even figure out more criteria to narrow the playing field down. I wouldn't worry about the lifesytle so much as that I think it will naturally figure itself out just by you being happy and doing a great job in your work that you like/enjoy. If you are happy, everything else works out. There are a bunch of books on this subject ... but one book that my father recommended to me is called "what color is your parachute" ... this is a great book and could help you in this area. The other thing that I wanted to say is try not to stress out on finding "the one and only job" ... as many people change jobs like 10-20 times or something in their lifetime ... get your core criteria and hold on to it through all of your jobs and maybe keep adding to it as you find out more about you/your jobs/the people you come into contact with. And finally, people have many different definitions for sucess ... try and figure out what success/being successful means to you and this may help you out in the core criteria section.

good luck and peace out
ml

Oops ... one other thing that I forgot to add is ... try a bunch of different internships in different fields while your are in college, that is one thing I wish I did more of while I was in college. This will quickly widdle down what you want to do or the type of people you may want to be around ... super quickly.

http://www.amazon.com/What-Color-Your-Parachute-Workbook/dp/1580087299/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/104-2608846-4797527

I had a professor once tell me that the piece of paper that you get from a college degree is something that no one can EVER take away from you and is an incredible accomplishment in your life. That comment has always stuck with me. And once you have it and the title of having a BA or BS on your resume puts you lightyears above the rest of the world. Its an important thing and as a young kid you will never see it as something other than a chore that is dragging you down but as an adult you'll find its more than that. (I honestly will automatically discount a green resume without a college education but of course once experience comes into play who cares about your education)

No matter what, you should at least complete a degree in something because no matter what you do in life that fact that you stuck with something for 4 years and completed it accounts for a lot both to you and the person that is going to hire you. Plus to be honest, that time you had before you actually had to start earning a living, where the only care you did have was to get your homework in on time and study to pass your tests are going to be the most carefree and best times in your life. As soon as you start working, life is going to suck, sure there are going to be highlights but nothing like the college years.

Mark is right find something that makes you want to get out of bed and makes you happy. It is important. And I'll bet you that 80% of the people that have degree aren't working in that field anymore. I went to school for Computer Science and while I am working with computers I ain't programming -- plus the stuff you learn really doesn't translate to your job cause most of the time its all theory. And I suppose in the grand schema of things year it does apply but, really, does most of that crap you learned in HS really apply?

There is also another option
F) Find a Sugar momma or Sugar Daddy to keep you kept

...BTW I'm looking

Looks like you sparked off quite a topic bro. Keep us posted with your thoughts on the subject. I think Mark's comment about trying internships in different areas is a good one. It helped me out a lot and gives you a flavor for things you might not have thought about doing at all...

If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest
-Benjamin Franklin

Find work that isn't work and you'll never work a day in your life.
-unknown by stolen by Rob.

I revisit one thing or another I learned in High School and College and if I could afford it I would go back to college

I have been giving a lot of thought to getting a master's degree at some point... but the thought of taking the GRE makes me feel sick in my stomach.

I guess justin just posted this one and didn't bother to take a look at the responses. Dangit man!

Sorry for thye lack of reply. Ive had two exams this week and couldn't get to the pc.

Mark:
I went to indigo - the local book store here and checked out that book. It was pretty cool but i couldnt stomach buying it. I don't know why. You know how they say, "the first step to fixing the problem is admitting you have a problem." We'll im just having trouble identifying the problem. When i was looking at the book i saw all of these tests designed to paint a picture of who you are along with your natural tendencies. Thats all good, but i feel like i just need a big book of jobs instead. chapter 1 - jobs that pay more than 80,000 a year, chapter 2 - Leadership jobs, chapter 3 - just do this...

I really liked you idea about the internship thing though. Ive been working at a factory for peanuts every summer because the guys there were nice to me etc etc but i think its time to grow up. What better way to seach then to emerse yourself in something like that. I remember when Jer did those things, he loved them and it actualy got him somewhere. My girlfriend is doing the same thing, she wants to be in finance - she works at a bank.

RSVP is it? Yes, well, I never really thought about dropping out of school. It's been drilled into my head time and time again that a degree is gold etc etc. In my current program i also get a diploma at the same time so i really have nothing to lose. Not untill the end of next year when the escelator of education runs out and i fall right off.

The ideas ive been playing with lately involve more school rather than less. Just in the last week Ive thought more about, and researched an MA program, DDS, LLD, MD, and others. I definatly want to stay in school.

Thanks to everyone who commented. This is a real pain in the ass. I feel so directionless