Well, I only have two more years of school left (second year starts in 18 days), and I feel like I'm running out of time to decide where I should go in my life. There are so many things I'd like to be, and it's hard to narrow them down. I've dropped two careers so far, but I can't really decide on the others, so I'd like some insight and wisdom from NH's senior citizens... Please, don't tell me to choose what I'll enjoy, because I think I'd enjoy every one of these...
My choices so far and the pros and cons:
- Aerospace EngineerPros:
I get paid plenty, assuming I get a job at NASA/Raytheon/Boeing/Lockheed etc.
It sounds very interesting, as I could personally design things for aircraft.
If I major in Aero, I'll also major in Mechanical Engineering, as they're taught side-by-side in most colleges. I can kill two birds with one stone.
I constantly work with state-of-the-art technology in my later years.
I'll get to play with LAZARS!
Near certain employment (as of now, I don't know about the future)
Cons:
Extremely difficult, hence the pay grade.
I'll have to do a TON of math. I'm already behind on math courses for Aero.
- Career SoldierPros:
I'll consistently work in the field.
I'll get to visit foreign places around the world.
I'll be able to handle weapons on a daily basis.
I get more respect.
There will be plenty of adrenaline moments (love that stuff)
Cons:
I could get stuck at a desk job. (That's what rules out most careers for me.)
I could die, obviously.
The pay is suckish.
Many soldiers end service with mental issues.
- Stuntcar Driver (Might drop this one)
Pros:
I enjoy driving (usually).
Provides adrenaline moments.
I might get to be in movies.
Very good pay grade.
Cons:
I'll get broken bones frequently.
Possibility of death or lifelong paralysis (might as well be dead).
My life might go nowhere.
- Commercial PilotPros:
Satisfying pay grade.
I'll get to travel all around the world.
... I'll fly.
Cons:
Extremely repetitive.
No field work. I'll be trapped in a cockpit my whole life.
Won't really make any friends. Pilots and copilots are constantly split up.
If the plane crashes, people die, but the pilot survives, the pilot always takes the blame, whether it's legitimate or not. I've read about a pilot committing suicide because of this, because people wouldn't stop sending him hate letters and blaming a crash on him.
Could someone help me decide which career to pursue? Also, if you have any suggestions about careers I may like, I'm all ears...