The regular 'I'm drunk and what am I doing with my life!?' thread

Do you every get scared that you made the completely wrong choices about what to do with your life?

I have wanted to study plants my whole life, but I am finally realizing that I will never make money at it and honestly I am tired of only being able to work 3-4 months out of the year and resorting to trimming for the rest of the year in order just to feed myself. Someday I would like to not live in a trailer with no money...

 

sure, i've had very similar thoughts. i really like what i'm doing, but it does suck seeing these 21 and 22 year old kids in other departments where i work who have no training and no responsibility making a lot more money than me. but then, i do have potential to make money eventually; this is just the foot-in-the-door job.

of course, it's not like deciding to do what you're doing now dooms you for life or anything. you can make a career change at any time if you decide that's what you need to do.

 

I guess I just really wish more people cared about plants so that there was more money in my chosen career

But that is good that you have potential in your job

 

giving up the sauce will probably make you feel better imho

 

Yeah, no. I'll admit that I don't buy into the idea that alcohol is inherently bad for you so I am not too worried about it.

 

a ton of people care about plants, but unless your chosen career is selling pot it won't do you much good...


but really, is there potential for money if you make it to the top of your "business" at least, or are you truly doomed to near poverty at any level of your current career path?

 

Well, even my boss makes barely enough to keep his family housed and fed.

I want to work for the government in the Forest Service. If you work as a Botanist for a timber company or a consulting firm, you make a lot more money. So I guess I should consider that.

(Even the pot dealing trade isn't as good as it once was... )

 

I am going through a really tough time right now as far as that goes. I went to college after graduating HS, but only community college. An Associates Degree won't really get a person far, and I never really cared about pursuing a career. During my 20s I wasted so much time drinking, smoking weed, eating bad food, wasting time on the internet, etc. I was in a depressive rut. I didn't have much fun at all. Right now I have a desire to turn my life around, but it's so hard, and there are so many questions about what I am going to do to achieve that. Being 31 (now almost 32) bothers me, because I wish I came to the realization I am having now years ago. I feel I have so much catching up to do as far as improving my quality of life, and I find that really depressing as I get older. It's hard to have a positive outlook about much these days, and that seems to compound my problems even more.

 

I think you're approaching this from the wrong perspective.
So many go through post secondary education and end up "in a trailer and almost dirt poor"; but that's from a lack of thinking and/or research into their choice and social accommodation or supply& demand.
DON'T simply go for where the $$ is, you'll be sorry later. Do what you love, but find out what you need to know about securing work where your choice will have regular clientelle. For example, a Liberal Arts degree is okay, if you're willing to travel, but if not, get comfy working in a factory.
As to your particular career option, your idea is too vague. Some specific options are: Botany, Horticulturalist, Land Scaping or even farming. I'd recommend you research online before pursuing or ditching (scuse the pun) your dream job. Also, the U.S. and Canadian gov'ts have online career & skills biometric questionares that provide a wealth of insight about what career options you maybe best suited to do. And the suggestions maybe ones you've never considered!

 

Hmm, in addendum, after perusing your profile pics. have you considered a career in photography? Just a thought.

 

You could probably find a research position in botany at a university, especially if you have a degree in it or related to it. Then it wouldn't be seasonal.

 

Don't get upset. if you want to leave this bad habit. You can do it. With strong heart and strong will.

 

You could find a supplemental means of income. This would mean less time and harder work but that way you get to live somewhat comfortably and still do what you love.