My fuzzy future?

[Skittles1101]

Basically, I've been in public safety for my entire adult life. I'm a 911 dispatcher and have been for over 5 years now, and even before that my "dream" was to be a cop when I grew up as a kid. Well, now having been in the field for several years I'm really starting to get burnt out. It's not that I can't handle it, it's just changed who I am. My fairly short fuze for stupidity is just getting shorter and shorter by the day. Hearing some of the things I have to hear, trying to help people without being able to see or touch them, trying to calm down severely desperate people with only my voice, not getting ANY kind of feedback or recognition (or even RESPECT) unless there is a mistake, working in a very low respected job (not only by the public, but also the cops and firefighters we work with!)...it's just wearing on me.

I really can't complain, because I make good money and have good benefits, but now that I've joined the Air Force Reserve I'm really looking into my future as far as school. What the heck should I go to school for?? Public safety has been my life, and now the only thing I know is I don't want to do it forever. I've thrown around becoming a science teacher, or a vet, or working in a lab for years but I have no idea how to get there. Keep in mind I'm a single mom, and work more than full time (generally between 50-60 hours/week), and I'll be going to school HOPEFULLY online once I qualify for the GI bill. I guess I'd love some direction. I really don't know what's out there as far as careers. Who here LOVES their job? I know this is a really vague question, and I might not even be making sense, but any input would be appreciated. I have a while to think about it, just figured I'd share my frustration out to my friends and see what you all have to say

[Dracoluna]

Honestly, find your passion and follow it. If teaching is something you love, then go for it. If you would rather work in an environment without a lot of people, then a lab sounds great. The only problem I see with the vet idea is the lab courses required can't be taken online and neither can the 4 years of vet school so unless the GI bill will cover the other expenses, that might be hard to manage. I can't say I love my current job but I do love marketing (work in retail so they are connected) and that's what I'm going for with my degree. I also love teaching which is why I take my reptiles out to schools, humane societies, etc. and do educational shows with them. Just find what you're passionate about and work it into aspects of your life.

[Skittles1101]

A lot of my passions are unrealistic career-wise. I love reptiles, astronomy, art, animals. I mean, like you said, vet school would be really tough...I also don't think I have the smarts for anything in the astronomy field. I mean I can navigate my way through the sky like it's nothing and I'm smarter than I look, but not advanced physics smart lol. Where is there money in reptiles, or art? Unfortunately, as much as I'd love to take a pay cut to do what I love (like vet tech, it's more realistic, but they make a lot less money than me) I have my son to worry about and money is kind of a huge thing Honestly, being a science teacher seems like my only reality.

[Dracoluna]

I've found if you love it, you'll be able to learn it so don't give up on astronomy but from the sounds of it, you really focus more on animals. A science teacher position would be great since you'd be able to teach others about your passions and pass that love down to the kids. Trust me, it's hard to find teachers these days who are truly passionate about what they teach. Besides, it's always nice when a science teacher can draw (which brings in the art) and makes things fun which requires the creativity you have.

[angllady2]

Well, have you considered something like becoming a CPR trainer or something similar ? That way you's still be on the fringes of your field. Perhaps a lifeguard at the local swimming pool ? Maybe you could do self defense seminars ? Tell people things they can do to minimize their risk of being attacked when they are in public. Maybe you could do safety demonstrations at schools ? Tell kids how to handle dangerous situations like aggressive dogs, a burglar, someone hurt or unconscious in the home, being approached by someone they don't know, stuff like that. Just tossing out ideas.

I've only ever spoken to one of you guys one time. But the woman I spoke to was polite, professional and caring. I have a great deal of respect for people like you. I can imagine the nonsense you put up with, I've seen enough of those reality police shows to know most people don't have a clue how rough your job really is.

As far as schooling goes.... Well, do you have any hobbies or other indulgences that could translate into a career ? Like to cook ? Paint ? Sew ? Do craft stuff ? Computer nerd ? Write poetry or short stories ?

The big thing is to try and find something you like, so it will be easier to make the change. I wish you all the best.

Gale

[Mike41793]

Haha im going thru the same thing. This fall semester will most likely be my last at community college and then im gunna transfer to a 4 year school and ill have to declare my major. Im still not sure what i wanna do either. I know alot of things i DONT wanna do but figuring out what direction i do wanna go in really makes my head hurt lol...

I know this doesnt help but i figured id just let you know you arent alone :gj

My goal is to figure out something that ill enjoy and be able to make a career out of. Which im convinced is impossible ...

[RobNJ]

I'm in the same boat as you, minus having a child. I've been cooking since I was 18. I like doing it, but don't love it anymore. There was a time when I did, but I think I was more in love with the lifestyle that came along with being a cook. Throughout my 20's, it was just wild, care free living and hard partying. I'm 32 now, and I just don't want that anymore, and now I just don't get the same enjoyment out of what I do. I've been thinking of going back into a corporate cooking environment mainly for the reason that most have educational assistance programs and I could go back to school for next to nothing. The only thing is, I HATE the corporate cooking environment. It's soulless and robotic, and you can see it in the faces of those who work in such environments.

Anyhow, I'm hoping to get back into school this winter to at least finish off my associate's in Liberal Arts, only 6 or 9 credits to go I think. Don't know what I'd even go for beyond that to tell you the truth. Maybe languages? I'm self taught(and very unpolished) in spanish. Would still have to find something else to do along with it, as knowing another language alone isn't enough to do much for me.

So no, I have ZERO solid advice, and I think what you're going through is normal enough.

[Mike41793]

I'm in the same boat as you, minus having a child. I've been cooking since I was 18. I like doing it, but don't love it anymore. There was a time when I did, but I think I was more in love with the lifestyle that came along with being a cook. Throughout my 20's, it was just wild, care free living and hard partying. I'm 32 now, and I just don't want that anymore, and now I just don't get the same enjoyment out of what I do. I've been thinking of going back into a corporate cooking environment mainly for the reason that most have educational assistance programs and I could go back to school for next to nothing. The only thing is, I HATE the corporate cooking environment. It's soulless and robotic, and you can see it in the faces of those who work in such environments.

Anyhow, I'm hoping to get back into school this winter to at least finish off my associate's in Liberal Arts, only 6 or 9 credits to go I think. Don't know what I'd even go for beyond that to tell you the truth. Maybe languages? I'm self taught(and very unpolished) in spanish. Would still have to find something else to do along with it, as knowing another language alone isn't enough to do much for me.

So no, I have ZERO solid advice, and I think what you're going through is normal enough.

Lets buy a food truck!

[JLC]

My advice would be to not worry about trying to "decide" anything now. You've got some time to spend active duty, and the Air Force is going to take you places you've never been before. (Both literally and figuratively.) Those adventures may very well shape you into a whole different person, or they may clarify what you know to be the central passion of your life. You'll have built strong contacts in career fields you don't even know exist right now. And you'll have been tested and stretched and have learned that your own boundaries of abilities are far greater than you imagine.

Not only will you see a vast expanse of options to choose from (compared to the 4-5 that you see now), but you'll be in a much stronger position emotionally and mentally to choose the one that is right for you.

[RetiredJedi]

Have you ever considered something in HR or Business Management. Almost all buisnesses use an HR rep or has someone that is charge of the daily operations of a business. That way you would have a good chance of still working in a vet clinic or other places like that. I got my degree in business management and I work in an Operations Office and am involved (in some way) in everything that happens around here. As a matter of fact, if it's going to happen here, it has to go through me.