[chrissie]

Hi,I need some help,I really don't know what to do with my life career wise.I wish I was one of those people that always new what they wanted to do when they grew up but sadly I'm not.
Ive always loved the idea of running my own business,in an ideal world I would own my own coffee house/tea room.but I don't want to waste my time with something that isn't worthwhile or I end up hating. Sadly I'm the type of person that gets bored easily, however this idea is one that has always stuck.
Im almost 19 and I would like to start going somewhere with my life,I'm bored of trying things and giving up because its not going anywhere. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas that could help me get my life on track?

[twinkiedooter]

Being 19 and not deciding what to do with your life isn't the end of the world. Lots of people don't decide what to do that early on. What truly interests you? What hobbies do you have that you could turn into a full time money making career? The possibilities are endless. You have to realize that you are growing up and not finished yet with yourself by a long shot. Relax. Do some meditation on yourself and ask yourself just what do I really like doing.

[vingogly]

Many community colleges have coursework oriented toward the person who's trying to start his/her own business. You might take a few courses of this sort and see if you enjoy this kind of work. I don't know what you're doing for a living, but you might consider taking a part time position at a local coffee/tea house to see how you like it (or, if you're unemployed, look for a full time job in a coffee house).

I'm 60 years old and have changed careers a couple of times in my life. The old notion that you need to decide what you want to Do With Your Life once & for all is pretty much dead at this point. Many or most people today will have a series of careers in their lives. You'll find that all experience is good, and that none of it is a "waste of time"... at worst, you'll learn what you DON'T want to do.

Regarding career exploration, bear in mind that we are happiest in careers which allow us to do the things we prefer, that are congruent with our personality types, and that we have (or can develop) some aptitude for. These are three different things to consider when looking at career possibilities.

Career preferences can be explored by taking the Self Directed Search (SDS), which costs 9.95USD and is one of the standard tests used by career counselors. A good book for exploring personality types and careers is Do What You Are, which asks some simple questions about your Myers-Briggs Personality Type then provides detailed information for each type including the sort of job characteristics you probably need to be happy with a job, and a list of suggested careers. You can probably find this book at your local library or bookstore. You can find a free career aptitude test at this site (you'll have to create a login and provide your email to do so).