Guidance Counselor for Real Life wanted!

[Uber_the_Goober]

So. Most of us here above a certain age are able to recall having been awfully confused in their younger years about what to do with their life. What career path to choose. Perhaps even, what things they were good at. Eventually though, most people sort this type of thing out, and realize what activities they excel at, and which things they do poorly, and therefore avoid.

What I’m getting at here is this: I think it would be of benefit to some, if not most people to have some advice given to them as to what type of jobs or “career” might be the most fulfilling based off of the opinions of others; this of course having been shaped by their experiences.

So, just like the high school guidance counselor, who always sucked at their job, let’s maybe try to give me (and anyone else who wants to try this out) some guidance. What types of jobs might I be good at? What things would you recommend I try doing, that perhaps I’ve never thought of trying myself? I’ll start -

I’m a super fast thinker - most people think I’m a good multi-tasker, but I’m not. I just figure things out faster than most people. I’m already putting the product of 2X2 into another problem before most people are aware of the second 2.

I can understand complex systems in their entirety, and can accurately predict what types of end results will come about from changes to a process, or from failures of a link in the chain.

I can figure out how something was supposed to work, even though I rarely have a working model to go by, and I use this to take a broke down piece of machinery and get it working again.

I’m also a very persuasive public speaker - but that’s not something I ever get to do in the course of my work.

Based on all these things, I’ve ended up as a damn good equipment repairman. I troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical problems, and can design entire systems (though I’m almost never asked to do this) that are efficient and practical.

So - other than the job I’m currently doing - what types of things might I be good at? Are there any other fields that can make use of the things that make me good at what I do now?
Does anyone else care to share their talents/abilities with the goal of having the insights or experiences of others open you up to trying jobs you never dreamed of trying? I really don’t want this to be all about me

[turner]

OK, that’s all the things your good at. What are the things you’re not good at? What are the things you like to do. For that matter, what are the things you’re good at, but hate doing? My experience has been that these things are just as important in finding a career as what you are good at. I’m a pretty good engineer. National level awards, topped out on my pay scale, etc., but I don’t like being an engineer anymore. Don’t get me wrong. I believe I am who I am because of the life I’ve led, so I’m grateful for everything that’s happened to me, and for the job I have, but sometimes, I’d like to just chuck it all away and be a cook somewhere. Unfortunately, I now have golden handcuffs–I’m too used to the lifestyle I currently have to change. I’ll probably do this for 9 more years, retire then do what I want–a total of about 40 years doing what I really didn’t like doing in order to afford a particular lifestyle for my family.

So for someone beginning, I really think its imperative to know what you don’t want to do. For example, say you don’t want to be a cube monkey. Then an analyst position may not be for you even though that job would align with those things you say you’re good at. So…what do you suck at and what are the deal breakers for a career? Long hours? travel? dealing with people? working outside?

[Uber_the_Goober]

Guess I forgot that counts too.

Well, I can’t say that I would hate an office job, but a cubicle - definitely. I’ve done work at a desk before, and some has been good, some has been bad. Depends on the work and if it’s engaging and allows me to use my brain to solve problems.

I can not stand office politics though - I am who I am, and I’m not capable of being dishonest to others to make them think I like them. If you’re a douchebag, we’re gonna have friction. If you’re not, then we’ll probably be best buds. I’m all about working with other people. New ideas and perspectives are our greatest resource, and I know I don’t have most of them. If someone doesn’t play well with others, or has to be the champ-peen of the workforce, then they’re not gonna get any help from me.

Other than that, there’s not much I have tried to do that I’ve done poorly, but there’s plenty I’ve done that I wouldn’t do for a career. I’m curious as to what jobs any random Doper may know of that my little set of abilities would excel in.

I’m also interested in other people peeking in this thread, maybe some in their early 20’s or just looking for a fresh start, and who want some guidance themselves. It’s the perspective of other people that usually gets our mind working down a path we wouldn’t have gone if we’re left alone. That’s what I’m hoping to share here.

Open forum to say “If I was hiring for X job, you’d be perfect for it!” Then maybe you think “Really? I never would have thought to try that out.”