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Don't know what I want to do in/after college?

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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
I love skiing and would rather be a ski bum then go to college, but I have to, well I'm forced. Specifically, I can not comprehend what I want to do i life, other than to ski. I 'm good enough to the point where if I tried and took chances I could make something out of skiing but I have no support. Plus even if I didn't go to school I would have to work with my farther eating chipotles everyday getting voluptuous. Skiing is a passion, plus I'm norwegian and, when your having fun making a living, naysayers vanish and risks are forgotten.

Do others feel remotely this way?
Sep 14 2012 8:44PM
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proZach
Posts: 7163 - Karma: 917
I don't think your parents want to keep buying you new skis and passes.

go to college get a job, work for a bit, then be a ski bum on your own accord.
Sep 14 2012 8:46PM
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Darth.Maul
Posts: 2472 - Karma: 652
No because only 0.0001% of skiers will make money out of it. Not worth the risk to forget school completely and try to make it big in a sport that is changing as much as freeskiing is. I'd rather go to school, get a degree, work for a career and I will always enjoy skiing every winter.
Sep 14 2012 8:47PM
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NotGhood
Posts: 2809 - Karma: 1,255
don't be a fool, stay in school.
Sep 14 2012 8:48PM
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SloanKettering
Posts: 691 - Karma: 465
after college i wanna take one year and be a ski bum

Sep 14 2012 8:49PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51260 - Karma: 157,386
If you don't know what you want to do you should def go to college. Best to spend lots of money chasing no real goal.
Sep 14 2012 8:51PM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
I have a job and worked 80 to 90 hours a week, I buy everything and do all things on my own. College is extremely expensive and I am really not interested. I was at one point interested in becmoing an engineer, civil or chemical but it faded on me. And the classes that were to be taken in college looked ridiculously boring and uninteresting. I just don't know what I want to do


It makes me mad and wish very soon I make a good decision in what I want to do, maybe the next Emeril Lagasse
Sep 14 2012 8:55PM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
Yeah off course I won't be a professional skier, I'm just really not sure what I want to do. I look at others passing by me leaving off to college to become engineers, surgents, PT's, psychiatrists, and me well I don't know.

I know what people are like after college, and in. THey constantly change professions, and waste big time money. I want to stay and continue firmly with something and work on it for the rest of my life. Just don;t know what and hope the time comes when I do, something to do with the environment where i'm outside sounds pretty good.
Sep 14 2012 9:04PM
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icon1234
Posts: 3081 - Karma: 1,475
If you're not ambitious then I wouldn't go to college. I actually want to do well in school and have bigger dreams than just skiing all the time, so I am enjoying my time right now. If I were you t I would keep doing what you're doing and ski bum. If eventually that lifestyle becomes tiresome for you then you should be more motivated to get an education and do something else with your life. But don't go to school because you are "forcing" yourself to do it, it won't end well and you will waste a lot of money. But just fyi, the college lifestyle is pretty fun and laid back (compared to the real world), no idea why people wouldn't want to experience it.
Sep 14 2012 9:05PM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
Well my parents goal, actually societies goal. Only other thing I could think of is going to Berkley school of music and performing, becoming a pianist. But even that is a stupid idea because it is rare to make tons of money playing an instrument. I have been playing for 14 years, not being cocky about it but i'm really good and could progress. I just think to myself, wow that would suck if I had to play piano everyday for the rest of my life, and make little to no money. Plus all my performances haven't gone so great. I always sweat and fart, because i get nervous. I mean performing ever night would lessen those fears overtime.
Sep 14 2012 9:12PM
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panojibber.
Posts: 1041 - Karma: 683
Just because you go to college doesn't mean you need to be an engineer or a scientist or a doctor or something. You can take literally ANYTHING at college.

Just do it man, go have the time of your life, start off taking something, if you don't like what you're taking then switch majors. Its a lot of fun and you'll have a crazy time. Consider it an investment in your financial security as a ski bum. No reason you can't have a decent job and ski 7 days a week.

If you're interested in being outside then take conservation or an outdoor leadership program, or get some guide certification. If you're good enough to go to a good music school and your parents will let you then jump on that, thats an opportunity that not many people get.

Compared to school, working full time sucks. Go to college, escape real life for as long as you can hahaha.
Sep 14 2012 9:25PM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
not having a college degree today, regardless wheter it is finance, engineering, or english, or religeous studies whatever it is, is basically killing yourself in today's world. No reputable job hires kids without college degrees. The .000001% of people who become very succesful withou tone are just a very small percent.

Theres a reason skiing is a rich white mans sport. Becuase it requires money to do. The better the job you have, the more you can ski. Ski bum will get old quickly and then you have nothing. Your still in high school you are still very young
Sep 14 2012 9:27PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,168
If you dont know if you want to go to school and do not know what you want to do then DO NOT GO.

Dont bother throwing away money if you are just going to be unhappy wishing that you were some where else.

Go ski, go fuck, go drink, go do drugs and go have fun. Your parents should understand that you will be happier being a ski bum then stuck in a classroom.
Sep 14 2012 9:29PM
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status_whitegirl
Posts: 480 - Karma: 12
im 20 and still a second semester freshman and just figured out what i wanna do, you have time, i decided on veterinary science & medicine a couple weeks ago
Sep 14 2012 9:33PM
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Static
Posts: 8491 - Karma: 4,058
I assume your parents will be paying for your school? If that's the case get them to invest in some real estate for you instead of school, passive income makes life grand. Tell them you're interested in property management. And if you find out it isn't for you then you can always just sell and get your (their) money back.
Sep 14 2012 9:48PM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
DOn't drink or do drugs of any sort, and no they won't understand plus time will come when I know what I will do.
Sep 14 2012 9:50PM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
I want to experience college, just don't want to waste money, because I really, and truthfully have no idea what I want to do. I am very ambitious, ahhh I'm just stuck, my mom wants me to pursue in the medical field, no way. Yeah I will get good money and jobs are everywhere, but doing that will just put me down to the point where i'm at a standstill,, and I really don't want to feel that.
Sep 14 2012 9:57PM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
Thanks, I will go, and may in the process figure out my major... I just want to leave RI, and go somewhere far away, say a college in idaho or utah or florida. I mean I could go somewhere close to the mountains so that I could ski. Plus their are probably some good mountains in idaho near the college, obviously I won't pick a college that will be the closets to mountains for that to ski but I will find a college that I like which is renowned for a major that I like, which happens to be near a mountain.. if only
Sep 14 2012 10:07PM
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ikindalikeskiing
Posts: 1381 - Karma: 142
go to college. its the funnest thing ive fucking done. ever.
Sep 15 2012 12:34AM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Go to college for Product Design or Product Engineering.

Study abroad at University of Utah or CU or Reno and get design internship with a company like DPS, Moment, or Icelantic (companies I've seen internships posted for).

Make all college projects related to skiing. Need to write a paper for econ? Write it about the ski industry usage statistics. Need to write a paper about a sub culture? Write it about ski bumming.

At end of college. Translate massive ski portfolio created in college to amazing job in product development in ski industry. Get paid to test skis and build things that you create.

Don't ski bum, make an amazing impact on the industry.

I expect 10% of your AGI from year 1 to year 5 after graduation as a fee for my life advice.
Sep 15 2012 12:57AM
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B.Aussie
Posts: 5851 - Karma: 4,522
Ski for a couple of years, see where you can go. Ski until you decide what you want to do and then go to university. There is no point going if you don't know what you are going to do and you're just wasting time.
Sep 15 2012 2:01AM
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feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084
go to college, make something not too specific. you will probably have fun as fuck there.

skiing is a job for just a few people. i would say that most "pros" have a very instable and measly inflow of cash. some definitely make good money, but unless you finish top-10 in international contests CONSISTENTLY, you wont be in that category.


when i was 17 or so, i was very similar to you. but now that i grew older i have realized that there are other important things in life (not even career) and you should try to do as much as you can as long as youre in this age where you can do what you want. camping in the cold on a lift parking lot the whole winter is not as much fun as it sounds.
Sep 15 2012 6:44AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
if you're really not ready for college, don't go, if you're not committed, i'd suggest against it. You will just waste money (trust me, i've been there)
have you thought about taking a year off before making the decision?

and those saying you cannot live off skiing, that's very true to some extent, however when you want to live off it, most people think you want to be a pro skier which is indeed pretty hard.... you can however make a modest but good life of skiing if you're willing to work hard for it and work skishops, be a liftie, skipatrol, maintenance crew, whatever... it's not going to be glorious but you'll come around if you work for it and you'll get a lot more days on snow than you have probably ever had before ...
and as for the future, yeah, for me personally that's the hardest part, right now i'm getting around doing all the stuff i do but the future is a big question mark, ie. what am i going to do once i'm 50 or something ...
but even then if i look at the people that surround me now and that i work with daily or that i know are living the mountain life, there are plenty that are over 50 and are very happy with their life ...


so i can't speak for you in general, but yes for most people it's the right decision to sack up and do college, for me personally, i've wasted 4 years of my life on something i didn't want to do and i regret not having followed my heart ...
Sep 15 2012 6:56AM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
Thanks for the advice. I am just saddened inside as well as frustrated with myself because my cousins, friends and family are either forcing me to go to college or are packing to college. Yes, I want to go, but my heart tells me to ski or in some cases become a performing pianist at Berkeley which both are terribly hard to create a good well paying profession out of. My parents want me to go into the medical field or engineering field where the money is, but money is not everything and I no plenty of people who are very depressed even when making millions of dollars.

I also have a relative that is going to college for engineering however he is flunking because he parties 24/7, plus he hates his major but is too afraid to approach his parents with the news... I don't want that to be me, plus I probably won't party all that much.
Sep 15 2012 12:12PM
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Spiri7o
Posts: 2163 - Karma: 1,100
I like this response and I agree. I will do something like this with you John
Sep 16 2012 4:50PM
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Trollolo
Posts: 793 - Karma: 16
Im actually blown away by the amount of bad advice in this thread. Everyone just saying "go to school" yada yada. If you don't know what you want to do, do NOT invest the time and energy into it. I have my BBA but I can't count how many people I knew who either failed out or dropped out in there undergrad, after spending 2 years of there life and tens of thousands of dollars. College works if you know what field you want to go into and want to work at it. If you don't know what you want to do, start job shadowing some people until you find out. Don't just go to school cause it seems like everyone else is doing it.
Sep 16 2012 7:34PM
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smooticus
Posts: 1798 - Karma: 27
College is the best place to find out what you want to do with your life, at least there your actually actively learning with people who are career motivated. Also im calling bullshit on working 90 hour weeks, I drove a combine that was 12hrs a day 6 days a week, and it was probably the worst thing ive ever had to do. 90 hours is almost 13 hour days everyday of the week, bullshit, what are you a fucking truck driver.
Sep 16 2012 11:29PM
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JWeinstock
Posts: 3439 - Karma: 1,352
go to college. if your a ski bum you will be broke in 2 years. be smart
Sep 16 2012 11:32PM
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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,016
honestly man this isn't great advice either. I didn't know what I wanted to do. at all. so what did I do? went to college in the Undecided program. Figured out what I thought I would like, took a few classes in things that interested me, and eventually found my area of study.
Sep 17 2012 1:21AM
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nevermind
Posts: 2 - Karma: 10
Take a year off, then decide. You're not doing anybody any favors pursuing mediocrity, even if your parents insist. Take time off, and only go to college if you NEED TO.
Sep 17 2012 1:47AM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
you're one of the lucky ones then ...

personally i regret having wasted several years on college, only positive thing i got there were my gf and friends but that's it.... in almost every other aspect i regret that i didn't pursue what i liked and i even gave it up due to my studies ....

so from my personal experience i'd side with his advice and wait with it until you're sure of what you want to do and you're motivated to achieve ...

if you're not then you might still make it but theres also a great chance you'll be unhappy and eventually flunk out anyway because you're not dedicated ....
Sep 17 2012 9:51AM
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Errl
Posts: 2082 - Karma: 451
my future is still a question mark, but i'm taking my time in community college. i'm knocking out general ed credits while working part time and skiing all i want. to make any kind of living, you pretty much need some kind of education (well, i suppose this doesn't apply to everyone). i know i'm definitely going to pick up some kind of degree, enjoy life for a bit and then maybe head back to night school or something
Sep 17 2012 10:05AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
i'd agree here for the most part. i've seen SO many people waste a lot of time and money because they weren't truly dedicated to their schooling. i also know quite a few people who have since gone back after getting their head out of their ass and are now doing quite well.

take the time, figure it out, and then pursue it.
Sep 17 2012 10:07AM
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BrewskiJr
Posts: 5738 - Karma: 1,478
I think you just went to a Uni that didn't suit you.

The college I go to, Miami University (OH) does an awesome job of giving you a well-rounded education. The first two years you take very general classes. Im a business major and most of my classes my first two years weren't business. I know people who didnt declare a major until the end of their sophomore year, and will still graduate on time (4 years).

If you aren't 100% sure of what you wanna do with your life, I highly suggest looking at a college that can cater to that. Colleges with a set plan of required outside courses make it really easy for you to figure out what areas interest you, without holding you back.

If you have any questions about this or whatever definitely PM me. I'm more than willing to help out, as I see a College Education as one of the more important things you can do with your life...




after doing future spins.
Sep 17 2012 10:12AM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175
this was my dream since middle school/early high school. 

Graduated college with loans and had to pay them back, thus having to get a real job and move to the city, and pay bills...etc you get the idea.  I'm a few years out of school now, and still have no idea what i want to do with the rest of my life/when i grow up. 

Its a pretty sad reality I've realized, maybe 10% of people (specifically men) like their jobs the rest do it due to responsibilites 
Sep 17 2012 10:56AM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,270
when you're 40 and don't have knees you'll wish you'd gone to college

go to school, learn shit, then ski for a while, then settle down
Sep 17 2012 11:51AM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
fine 12hour days for seven days a week
Sep 17 2012 3:07PM
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Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
Taking one year off to ski wouldn't really affect that much. You don't necessarily HAVE to get started paying all your loans back as soon as you graduate, even though that is a sensible thing to do.
Sep 17 2012 3:09PM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
That's what numerous people tell me, and when i'm not interested, then i'm not motivated. It's really my family who is pushing me into becoming someone i'm not, such as a engineer. I just don't want to waste heaps of cash, just to get no where and be depressed. I really have no idea... be a park ranger
Sep 17 2012 3:18PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
same here, from what i can tell, college is a great jumping board for life, it makes a lot of stuff easier for you in the future, but if you're not ready/motivated for it, think about what you really want to do and chase your dreams ! doing so is going to be a whole lot harder than college, but maybe it's the right thing for you to do !

Sep 17 2012 4:10PM
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lee_aviator
Posts: 213 - Karma: 39
Bump
Sep 20 2012 10:37PM
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Bodhisattva_
Posts: 5749 - Karma: 2,009
Fuck off
Sep 21 2012 1:19AM
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HolySchimmel
Posts: 1601 - Karma: 1,297
Well I can't say anything about colleges in the US or what to do really. It's your life, and sometimes you are  going to have to make deciscions that will maybe effect you for the rest of your life. I wasn't sure what to do either, what I did was to read through study programs (or however you would call it) and just look for something that might interest me. I am guessing you had some subjects you liked back in school. For me it was some chemistry, physics and so on so I looked for something that could fit that. If you don't know what to do at all, you should maybe try travelling around a bit, look at different jobs (internships and so on) and maybe you will find something that will suit you. I think one of the worst things you can do is to do what everyone wants and expects you to do. Talk with your parents, I guess they want whats best for you too. Don't let yourselve get pushed into something you don't want to do - chances are you are going to be unhappy for a pretty long time...
Sep 21 2012 7:40AM
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5oup5teeze
Posts: 1259 - Karma: 74
You don't have to know what you want to do in college before you go. The first couple years are for mostly general classes anyways. Those classes are designed to help you get good grades and figure out what you truly might be interested in. I've been in college for over four years now so I know a few things. I'm graduating this fall in business. If you love skiing so much, find something you could do in that field. If you're somewhat interested in engineering, then go to college and do that so you could engineer skis for a big company. Or go into business to learn the trades so you can open up your own ski shop back home. There are many options for you. Remember, if the road is important to you, then don't worry about the destination. And if the destination is important, don't worry about the road.
Sep 21 2012 8:52AM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
Fuck off, your pissing me off by sending inappropriate pics. But i did like them a little, well not really.
Sep 21 2012 4:13PM
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Funnel
Posts: 7808 - Karma: 1,414
If you really feel like college isn't for you... don't go. I will say, I have been having so ugh fun in college that I'm not even stressing for the start of ski season. College has done a damn good job of keeping me occupied. Like I said though, don't go if you don't want to. Invest your college fund or start building that resume.
Sep 21 2012 4:45PM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
Thanks for the advice... may be a pianist. but probably not
Sep 21 2012 4:57PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
OP I did go to college (AAS in Park and Rec) but in the last 6 years the jobs I've had are canoe guide, park ranger, fence builder, wildland fire fighter, interpreter, Lifty, recreation aid, cashier, librarian, bear caretaker.
I will be going back to Aspen for a third season in a row at Buttermilk as a lifty. I wouldn't have it any other way. Some people don't like that life style but you don't know til you try.

If you want more information on how to make it work or advice on doing what you want, PM me and I'll help you to the best of my abilities.


Sep 21 2012 5:48PM
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foodbuffet11
Posts: 843 - Karma: 84
Thanks for the advice. Your jobs, as you listed are really interesting. Your living in Aspen, Colorado I believe probably always out side, working a little and doing things that you love to do. I friended you and if I need help and in addition decide to go into a field or major such as AAS in park and recreation, i'll pm you. Thanks man, I appreciate it.
Sep 21 2012 9:34PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
No problem
Sep 21 2012 10:29PM
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james6345789
Posts: 4763 - Karma: 465
Do it!
Sep 21 2012 10:33PM
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