RELAX... It's Easy With The Tush-eez Cushion...
http://pd.gophercentral.com/u/1060/c/186/a/503
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July 15, 2010
YOUNG MAN STUCK IN NEUTRAL MUST GRAB THE WHEEL AND GO
DEAR ABBY: Nineteen-year-old "Hopeless in Chandler, Ariz."
(May 21), said he doesn't know what he wants to do with his
life. When I was his age, I didn't know what I wanted to do,
either. I didn't want to go to college, the military didn't
interest me, and nothing I could think of seemed appealing.
My parents had factory jobs -- Dad in quality control and
Mom in assembly. They talked me into filling out an appli-
cation at the plant. I did so grudgingly, and was hired. I
figured I'd stay one or two years and then find something I
liked better.
This September I'll have worked there 32 years. I have sur-
vived layoffs and reorganizations, a move to another town
and the sale of the product line I started on. I consider the
job I'm doing now to be my dream job, and I enjoy going to
work every day.
My advice to "Hopeless" is to try something he may think he
won't like, give it a chance, and see how he feels in a
couple of years. He may be surprised by what he discovers.
-- HAPPY AND SATISFIED IN OHIO
DEAR HAPPY: Great advice! It never hurts to give something
a try before deciding you don't like it. Read on for more
suggestions:
DEAR ABBY: I would encourage "Hopeless" to take college
transfer courses at a community college. This often leads to
finding an interest. Volunteer and/or get a part-time job.
If nothing else, those experiences can eliminate some fields
of endeavor or spark an interest in something he has not yet
considered.
-- VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
COUNSELOR IN MURPHY, N.C.
DEAR ABBY: "Hopeless" should sign with a temp agency. I
worked as a temp during my college breaks and was introduced
to various office settings, technologies and career oppor-
tunities. One summer's temporary placement -- answering
phones and doing clerical work -- led to a higher-level
position the following summer after graduation. I took it
and couldn't have been happier.
"Hopeless" shouldn't wait for others to tell him what he
should do -- he should just get out there and do it! If
nothing else, he may discover what he does NOT want to do
and can direct his college course accordingly.
-- BARBARA IN KATY, TEXAS
DEAR ABBY: Life is what happens while you're busy making
plans. "Hopeless" should choose something he enjoys doing,
do it well and enjoy the experience. Most important, he
should stick with it until he's sure a change is needed.
Career planning works for some, but for most people life has
a funny way of taking us down roads we never saw coming.
-- "DOC" IN LOS OSOS, CALIF.
DEAR ABBY: Twenty years ago I never would have thought of
becoming a professional organizer, but that's what I am now.
This is not a career that appears in any career counselor's
tests, but I'm sure you wouldn't find many unusual careers
in a book or test. I advise "Hopeless" to join volunteer
groups and ask friends if they need help with anything. He
may discover an aptitude for something he wasn't aware he
possessed.
-- JAN IN CARLSBAD, CALIF.
DEAR ABBY: There are hundreds of jobs that provide a good
living -- plumber, electrician, bricklayer, construction
worker, appliance repairman, stonemason. The list goes on.
These are jobs that keep the world spinning and keep us in
the comforts we enjoy.
If "Hopeless" doesn't know what he wants, he might consider
taking a year to work with AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps or
Habitat for Humanity. If he uses his imagination, he can
make a difference in the world.
-- KEEPING IT REAL IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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