r/findapath•
SpaceDog189

Next Adventure, Any Ideas?

Findapath-Career Change

I'm (26F) in search of the next adventure or path to explore. I've been very lucky so far to have gotten to explore many career paths and interests, but I just haven't found the ONE yet and with the end of my current position coming up mid-July, the clock is ticking to set out on some kind of new course.

I have a degree in Anthropology/Archaeology and am one the lucky ones to be making a living with my current job working in the environmental department on an air force base (I am not military, just a civilian) and therefore actually using my degree. I am not feeling challenged at all by my current role, really dislike the two-hour daily, don't like the pace of government work, and have come to learn that I just don't have the passion to make archaeology my career. Which I'm actually okay with.

So far, I have worked as a...

-veterinary assistant (1 year, I liked the work, but not enough to pursue further training to make a great wage)

- server then promoted to bartender (3 years, LOVED the job, the fast pace, customer facing role without a second of downtime, I want to ultimately make more, have more security, and (guiltily) have a career path I feel a little more pride towards)

-Canadian Canoe Guide (2 seasons, Heavan on earth, but not sustainable long-term), Backpacking guide (same)

-Substitute teacher for high school (repetition of teaching wasn't really my bag, I also could trick the kids into thinking I'm the coolest sub ever, I don't think I can keep that up forever, it was very much a facade)

-Inpatient youth mental health tech (Briefly, very not for me, mostly due to being very uncomfortable with the ethics of the career and not knowing a better solution)

-CPR Instructor (1 year, currently doing this as a part time job on top of my day job. It's fun and meaningful, but a LOT of repetition. I enjoy it part time, but I don't think I want to make it my only career

-Archaeology/environmental technician (I am climbing the walls, bored out of my mind. I barely leave my desk, and most of my work is rewriting and organizing old files, when there is anything to do at all.

In short, I don't know what to do next. I'm willing to go back to school (I have A LOT more credits that just needed for my degree) but I don't know towards what and I'm not willing to spend a lot of money without a nearly guaranteed payout.

I love to work and want to work hard, but I want a reasonable work life balance (I'm doing the nearly 70 hour per week thing rn and would be okay cutting down a little, but this is fine). I like to work with others, move my body, and challenge my mind. I am considering consulting, the trades (electrical?), nonprofits (particularly those with a community or environmental focus), or...? I had been aiming for medical school when in college, but had an accident and put the idea to the side until I got my feet under me again. I also worry I wouldn't cut it and am terrified by the price and level of commitment.

Any ideas?

Posted Apr 9, 2025, 8:23 PM UTC

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