How to pick a career if i have no passion?

Can someone give me any advice about how to pick a career if I don't have a true passion. I have things that I like to do, but I can't really imagine myself using them for a career. I like music, but not enough to pursue a career with it. I also like the social sciences, but I only like learning about them. I considered becoming a professor, but I don't think I can deal with the research. In my undergraduate studies, I was good with it, but I don't like it very much. I thought about picking a career based on financial prospects, but most of the high paying jobs like physician, pharmacist, lawyer, engineer do not interest me.

You have raised all major issues when searching for a career.

What do I have a passion for?

What can make me the most money?

The majority of us don't have it all--a career we're passionate about with great pay.

All careers will take work, but the difference will be work you enjoy versus work you dread.

You took the first step by being honest with yourself. Don't expect everything to be revealed to you at once. Learn a little each day and hopefully that leads you to the bigger prize.

Then go for something you know you could handle and will make money too.

Get a counselor, it helps, trust me. The counselor can take what u like best, and find a job for u.

If you have no passion for anything, then just work for someone else who does have passion and accept the fact that you will always be working for someone elses dreams and not your own.

Based on what and how you asked it... This is the only logical answer unless you stop using the stereotypes of your parents telling you that there is no career in the arts like music etc.

Because, my friends in the music industry are cleaning up right now. They all have different jobs in music. Sound engineering for the entertainment industry, write music for commercials, scores for films, and much more. Some of them make more than a physician, pharmacist or lawyer and about as much or more than an engineer.

Look deep inside yourself, analyze how you think and what you love. You'll be able to find a passion, I assure you.

I had the same problem and chose accounting. It is always required and later i can change to smth else

No skill or no passion? No skill, go to McDonalds, no passion take one of those career courses.

corrections officer, if you want to make good money for doing kinda nothing, good benefits, thats the road to glory

Go into banking and finance. It's what I did, and I love it!

Really though, I used to be just like you... I had no passion and no goals... The only thing I knew I liked was to be able to make a difference in other people's lives... Just go for what makes you happy.

ps- I tried the music thing and it isn't worth it.

You should make an appointment with your school councilor, there are some aptitude tests you can take. I did years ago and it put me in the right direction. I am over 6 digits a year and I love what I am doing.

there r sooooo many ......but passion is needed so u can enjoy it........dont be afraid to explore other options...and the best times u can have in life is when u help others...its so rewarding!

personally i was in the same situation....i took 3 yrs of nursing classes.....only had 4 classes to go.......then stopped taking um.......i would rather do something fun......like be an arts teacher for elementary kids.......i cant wait!

I saw a news clip about a guy that did not know what he wanted to do in his life so he just started working all kinds of different jobs (something like 1 job a week for several weeks) he did everything from pastry chef to dog walker. Most people I know did not exactly pick their careers. Most people my age that I know did not have the opportunity to go to college, we just went to work out of high-school & ended up staying with the job we were best at & liked the most & called it our career.

There are many people who work without necessarily having passion for what they're doing.. in that case I highly suggestion you find something that will be at least somewhat enjoyable to you, that you won't mind doing.

I encountered this (I have passion, but for things that are very hard to break into and make little to no money, unless you're really lucky.) I instead took a couple personality/career tests, and found out what I would be really good at, based on my skill levels.

I ended up picking interior design, which I hadn't really considered before but now that I'm studying it I enjoy it, because it's something that I'm naturally pretty skilled at and enjoy doing. (There were other options for me too - architect, that sort of thing, I have good "spacial" abilities).

That way you'll find something you're suited for, and who knows - maybe you'll end up liking it too!

To find your way in life, you need to find yourself first.
My suggestion would be for you to take a vacation by yourself. During this time try meditation, clearing your mind of all thoughts and assess your personality by writing down the most pleasant things you like since childhood.
Another way is to travel and work in a different country for at least 3 months.
Or, possibly, you just need to fall in love!
Hope you'll find your way.

If you're one of those people that cant be happy without a bank load then go do something high paying that you hate. I mean its only your life right?

But from a layed back guy...follow your dreams.

now-a-days you can make money on anything, you wont be driving a 7 series BMW but you'll make enough to live and love your life. I play paintball for a living...yeah paintball.. my best friend plays a game called counter-strike, yea a video game. We aren't making 6 figures but he just bought a brand new CLK with cash up front

You don't have to have a passion or make it pay. Eventually you'll find things that really interest you, but it could be family and you do what you need to earn a decent income.

An aptitude test is not a bad idea--could also take a career exploration class and see if something does turn up that you love.

Otherwise you've got decisions to make: how much money do you think you need to make? Does it have to be via employment or would you be willing to be an investor?

If it must be through employment, then you have to ask yourself what matters. What's your "gross out" threshold? Some good paying business ideas (and you can work for someone in that instead of starting) can be gross to most folks. There are special companies that clean up bad crime scenes, for example. Some people apparently think the cops come play maid at a murder scene or such. They do not. Cops can tell you what companies DO that sort of work.

Hazmat is a related field--hazardous materials. Can be gross and IS with a degree of dangerous. Pay is good.

Can go into a profession where pay is good and unemployment is low--earn a bachelors in Chemistry--that fits the bill.

So you have to figure out for yourself do you want more ed? are you willing to do shift work? will you do unpleasant work? dangerous work? what do you need to earn? when do you want to retire?

There are still oil fields and drilling rigs out there--those pay well, and for a reason: one tough, frequently dangerous life to live.

wow, you're in exactly the same position as me. I'm not in a great position to give you advice, but I can make 2 general recommendations. Firstly, try to figure out what your priorities and desires. Secondly try to find out how careers on offer fit into those priorities. I know this sounds obvious, but most people giving career advice tend to miss a few steps or make assumptions.Consider the careers that aren't so often advertised. Look at the people you admire and think about how best to follow their examples.

Very, very good question. I too am still searching for my passion. listen to the others advice! :)

omg im in the same situation.
nothing interests me
i have no desire whatsover to do a high paying job like doctor or lawyer. just doesnt interest me. and i couldnt be bothered learning and going back to school for somehnig i dont even like.
i just want a job i can handle and enjoy. but i cant think of anything.

the only thing im passionate about is film, and i considered going to film school. but thats based on who u know mainly and im a really reserved quiet person and not good at making friends and such as to get into the industry ugh

life sux. i couldnt care less if i worked at a supermarket for the rest of my life as long as im happy