I'm confused on what to do next with my life... I'm in college and I have no idea what I want to dedicate the rest of my life to. I feel like it's a really important decision and something that should be well thought out, but I'm not sure where to begin. This is actually making me really depressed because it's like I have no path way or structure without knowing exactly what I want to do. Any suggestions?

Welcome to the club! I went to college, worked, raised kids, and then decided at 43 what career path I REALLY wanted -- and then I changed my mind again. I'm retired and still not sure what I want to do with my life.

You are not alone. A good percentage of people change careers even after completing a degree and working in their field. I started as "education"... then changes my Major to "graphic design". I love graphic design, but have been thinking of another area.

I was SCARED when I came out of college. I went through a period of depression and anxiety. Finally I realized, just go with the flow. And hope for the best.

Trust me, you will make it! As long as you look forward to it. Try not to let life get to you, and don't take it all too serious. Have fun with it ;)

Thank you so much, that was extremely helpful and liberating.

Thank you! I guess I should go with the flow... and see where it brings me.

Having worked at some major colleges, few students really "know" what they want to do, and those that say they do, change it all the time.

And many people latter in life don't end up working in the area they went to college for at first.

No problem alyssaC. Keep your head up :)

That's true, I guess I should take life one day at a time.

My younger son went to a small Midwestern college and got a degree in Creative Writing and Studio Art. After graduation, he couldn't find a job in those fields. (Surprise!) He worked in a bank, as a house parent for handicapped young men, for Joint Commission (a company that rates hospitals and nursing homes), for a telecommunications company, and now moves potatoes all over the US from farms to factories to fast-food restaurants and grocery stores, so you can eat yummy french fries. In his private life, he is a web master (creative writing and graphic design) and helps people create and build business web sites.

Everything you learn and every job you work in helps you grow and become a smarter, more well-rounded person for the next opportunity that will come your way. There's really no one career path. Life is full of surprises. I have skipped around on several paths at the same time and detoured from one to another. I have had a wonderful, exciting, and interesting life with new challenges and opportunities to learn. Always be open to the possibilities!

You have been given great advice,just to add,what is it you want to do?

What are you good at?

If you don't know,find out by trying different things,once you hit on something you love to do the rest will fall into place.

I'm 38 and only finding out now what I love to do, and then had to figure out how to get paid for it!

You'll get there,keep asking yourself the questions and you will find the answers.

Thanks so much! I really like music, but I'm afraid it won't take care of the financial end. I can sing, play the drums, play the guitar.. you name it, ill play it... but finacially where does this take me.

What about work in the music industry?

Could you be a sound engineer? What types of jobs are available in the music businees?

You could try and do some research and find out what's available. Its never to late to make a new start.

Or work away and start a band, enjoy the financial side of 9 to 5 and your music in the evening and weekends.

Learn from my mistakes - do the things that you love only, or it's too late. I graduated from a good institute in one field, and after working in the industry for a couple of years now - I'm bored with it.

See what is it that you like, learn it. If you're really into it, you may come up with a few ideas to build your own start up, or end up in the Academy.

You could always give up as I do - and complain most of the time - that's the easy way out. And every day that passes I regret it more. Do what you like, there's no escape.

Thanks that's really honest and upfront of you.

Which is helpful when people face their mistakes, that way you can help other people. That's brave of you to admit your faults, at least you're a chill person. Thanks so much.

Oh and you can always go back to school or take up some hobbies so your not so bored.