What to do, where to go?

My first reaction is similar to that of #3. You rattle off many of the popular lines of work and then go on to say that you don't like them. No one said you had to like work and many people do it only because there is a paycheck at the end of the day. I've read once that 65% of Americans do not enjoy, or like, their jobs. You may well belong to that 65% majority.

Asking total strangers to suggest work you may enjoy also doesn't seem a constructive way to search for careers. After all we don't know you and have no clue about what you may like, may not like and may be good at. This is what career counselling back in college would have been for.

Having said all that, let me mention one which at least you may be good at. If I understand you correctly you make money betting on the spread among bookies. This tells me that you are good with probability which probably means you are good in math. This is a skill. Most people couldn't calculate accurate probability to save their lives. You'd probably enjoy and be good at jobs where you put this skill to use. Like quantitative analysis which is another way of saying using mathematical analysis to make money. They include math and physics PhDs who work for investment banks. They design derivatives that are traded on markets. You should look into what types of specific jobs and careers are available.

I see that you want to be your own boss but that may have to wait. These kinds of jobs aren't conducive to being self employed. But after you have saved up a good chunk of capital, you can then invest it using your quant skills. Be your own boss, live off the profits. I bet you'd like that.

useful websites; anyworkanywhere.com, gumtree/london/overseasjobs.com, jobsabroad.com;bunac, campamerica(if youre young enough)

try googleing "jobs/working abroad" and sign up for daily emails.

alternatively look at online freelance work, get to a country with good wifi, and work for yourself.
a book that really helped me start out was "Work your way around the world" by susan griffiths

or just book a ticket to a country you want to go to and start asking around when you get there

good luck

My first reaction is similar to that of #3. You rattle off many of the popular lines of work and then go on to say that you don't like them. No one said you had to like work and many people do it only because there is a paycheck at the end of the day. I've read once that 65% of Americans do not enjoy, or like, their jobs. You may well belong to that 65% majority.

The point is I've done plenty of jobs I don't like and now want to move away from that and find something I enjoy. No point in being miserable my whole working life.

Asking total strangers to suggest work you may enjoy also doesn't seem a constructive way to search for careers. After all we don't know you and have no clue about what you may like, may not like and may be good at. This is what career counselling back in college would have been for

I did give a fair bit of background info on what I've done in the past as well as some as my strengths and weaknesses. So that should give some help

If I understand you correctly you make money betting on the spread among bookies. This tells me that you are good with probability which probably means you are good in math

No not spread betting, something different. My maths are not up to scratch at all. Most of my money is made from casinos rather than sports betting but it plays a part.

No, I like post's #10 idea. However, you're turning that down as well. So I'm going to take this from a completely different perspective: psychology. Let me save you thousands of dollars and tell you a few things about yourself...

1. These trips, ESPECIALLY the fact that you now refer to them as get out the way first are just an escape for you. Obviously by your term, you've already grown tired of them too.

2. You avoid working and finding something you enjoy doing due to your childhood. Start analyzing your childhood and question why you are the way you are. You need to do this first before you can go onto finding your future.

3. I would not suggest that you move overseas. This will only end badly as you won't like anything there either.

It's normal not to know what you want to do at 26. Your problem is that you don't like anything. Either you're depressed or something went wrong in your childhood. Check it out. ;)

If I'd wanted a session with a wannabe psychologist I would have asked for one. ;)

Of course travel is an escape. It is for most people, an escape from every day life back home, their mundane job, responsibilities, whatever. But it doesn't mean that's the only reason people do it. I travel for a change of scenery, to see and do new things, have new experiences, meet new people and have a load of fun.

You've looked to much into the wording I used. All I meant by 'get out the way; is that I wouldn't be able to set my self on the path of any new career until I was back from South America. If you'd seen how much fun I had on my last trip to SE Asia you'd know I am far from bored of travelling. Definitely one of the highlights / happiest times of my life.

I've worked from when I was at school (age 16) until now (with breaks for travelling obviously). It just so happens that my last job had not been a traditional one that involves having an employer or going to a place of work every day. Made more money than if I had an office job or whatever anyway so made sense. So where you get the idea that I've avoided working I'm not sure,

The thing is I DO like things overseas. Hence why there's certain countries I'd love to move to. The more time I've spent away from home the more I realise the country I was born in and the city I currently live in probably isn't for me. Definitely not the city.

I like plenty of things, just not mind numbing jobs. I don't see why I should settle for a life time in a job I don't get any pleasure from. Just need to find one I do love and I'll be set. :)

Currently looking at doing some open university courses when I get home from S. America in a completely different field from anything I've done before. Something a bit more creative.

Edited by: TheSpade

Edited by: TheSpade

I understand wanting to do something you enjoy for work and working for yourself. It will most probably entail a bit of sacrifice though in the early years. During my 20's I worked in mostly journalism and sometimes as a bartender. Sad truth: I made more money as a bartender taking home cash every night. Finally after many years of expanding my skill set year after year I am able to make it as a freelancer (albeit in lower-cost Argentina).

Just find something you love and do that. Most foreigners overseas who are successful (and not working for corporations, or the state, the medical industry, etc.) that I see are people who do their own thing -- arranging tours on a subject they know well, organizing language exchange or retreats, teaching yoga, music or other arts, freelance copywriters and translators, videographers, dj's, day traders (for those with a bit of capital), even selling original art or goods in street fairs.

Most of these things won't make you rich though so your other option is the old work, save, travel roundabout.

To many posts, did not read them all, but did anybody say tour guide. email me if you are interested in more info.

travelbribirk@yahoo.com

You don't sound very driven or sure of yourself so I wouldn't advise an Open University course. I'm not the most diligent person and I get easily distracted and I ballsed up a OU course - in a subject that is my passion, because I wasn't committed enough to home study. It is NOT an easy option.

There are a lot of other comments I could make about your attitude to work and life but it's not my place - one thing I will say however is it is often useful when you are 'confused' about life (which it sounds like you are) to get a huge big piece of paper and draw a 'mind map' - like big spider diagrams/brainstorms with all the things you love to do on one side (in life) along with attributes in a job which appeal to you , then the opposite/negative on the other side. List all the ideas for jobs that interest you in the middle and link them up to the +ve's and -ve's and it may give you a clearer picture/start to your options than you will get here. Basically you need to filter and organise your thoughts and get to know yourself a bit better. This worked well for me a few years ago.

Good luck

I'll have no problem with an OU course. I already have an honours degree, most of the work is done at home, you have to push yourself to do it because no one else will. Once I start something I will see it through.

You can comment on my attitude to work and life if you wish, I've put it out here for people to do so. Some people will think I've a 'bad' attitude. I would disagree, it's not bad it's just different from the society accepted norm.

Your idea about a mind map is an interesting one, I can give that a shot and see if anything interesting comes from it.

Do give it a go, nothing to lose.
Really do think hard about the OU course - I have a solid BSc Economics from a top UK university (so I'm neither stupid nor lazy) and I dropped out of the first module of my OU course. Turns out I got a 1st in my first assignment but I just didn't keep up with the reading. Like I said I'm not great with time management but I really struggled to discipline myself. It's a waste of money if you don't complete it and probably wont answer your questions on what to do in life (or help you much acheive it). You don't sound particularly disciplined (no offence). In fact, with all your hopping around from trip to trip (yet never actually living somewhere abroad permanently) and your sudden desire for something 'creative' to study seems like you are constantly running away from commitment and deciseveness (sp?). This seems to be the bigger problem and is an uncomfortable place to be in.

I'm not saying that you are anything negative at all, but I don't envy your situation and running into courses (which cost money) could be a waste of time and make you look even more 'jumpy' to potential employers.

My penny's worth. :)