Hey guys I'm 21 working on getting a degree with no idea what I want to do in life. Anyone have any suggestions on jobs related to or directly in the surf industry. I just started taking some shaping classes and I am thinking about going that route but would like to just know of some more options. Thanks!
Nurse. Male nurses have a guaranteed job, as all facilities need one on the floor at all times. You specialize/go np/etc, you're doing 6 figures. You CAN work firefighter hours, aka 2 24 hour shifts. That translates to 5 days off. As a male, you can snag up "bad shifts", which under 35 means you can skip holiday bs, pick up serious time and a half, and get a few extra days off here and there cashing on the favor book. School is tough, but it's worth it. Beyond the schedule advantages, it's a fun, and rewarding job. Look into it. Any interest, drop me a PM.
If I could start again at 21... I would go to school for both Web Development/Computer Science and Business. It gives you the freedom to do anything you can dream up, and most likely never work for anyone but you. Web Developers rule the world... silently.
I felt this way last week. Then I listened to Gaff, got lit and got barrelled, and I remembered again.
I can tell you what not to do. Don't go into a field that will likely put you in a large company / corporation. I did this, and the money is nice, but it's incredibly unrewarding. It wears on you over time. I really, really want to work for myself, which I have plans to do. We'll see how it goes. Something to consider: industries that people really want to work in will pay the lowest if you're working for someone else. Brewing is a great example. People want to work at breweries so badly that they often start out as volunteers before getting the $10/hr bottling line job. If you want to work in the surfing industry you could get a degree in finance, marketing, etc. but if you get a job with some surf company it will likely pay sh1tty. I like your idea of shaping because you'd be working for yourself, and you'd be creating something of your own. It's an art and not everyone can do it...you have to be 110% committed. Try to think of other areas in surfing that would be similar to shaping, but require possibly less mastery.
Do a start-up: the first company in North Amerika that has one product line: douche canoes. You'll make millions.
Don't take any job or career where money is the goal. If you do you will become addicted to and find it harder and harder to live the life you want. Once they have their tentacles in you and your start living up to that income you won't be able to break free especially if you find a girl and have a baby that come to rely on the lifestyle it provides. Better to live simply, live small and be free. Find a girl who believes the same philosophy. If you want to be your own boss look for careers that allow that as stated web design, computer technology in general etc. Don't laugh off the nursing thing either, I know a guy who does that and he makes more money and has more time to surf than most. Watch the documentary "Maidentrip" it's about a little girl that sets off in a sailboat she bought for herself to circumnavigate the globe. She says some pretty profound things about life in there and talk about freedom? That's the kinda girl you want to find and marry when she comes of age, no connection at all to the trap that is modern life, just excitement over every new day.
specialize whatever you do dont get a bull**** liberal arts degree because you will be unemployed. specialize either in engineering, medical, accounting(yes I know that sucks), Hvac, plumbing, electrical, etc. something people actually need. no one needs another doughe with an overpaid liberal arts degree. even business degrees are not paying off. speech therapy, a doctor of course, respitory therapy, etc. thats where its at. your welcome I just saved your life
i agree with zippy nursing seems like a great life. they work 3 days on 12 hour shifts and then have a ton of time to surf plus a lot of times you make your own hours and can plan it around surf. you cant do that in a cube
I agree with those that said stay away from surf industry jobs. It's a novel idea, and a common thought for someone your age that loves surfing, but likely a poor choice on several levels. If you go for something like shaping, you need to go into it knowing your likely not going to make much. Sucks, but it's the reality. Especially considering the turns the shaping industry has made in the past decade or two. Not to dissuade you from shaping in general, but as a career choice it's a tough road. Find something you enjoy, that pays decent, and gives you the ability to do the things you like to do in life. It's a trade off, because to do any job well, you have to put time into it, but as others have said, some careers eventually will allow you to put the time in when you choose to, which is great. I work in the finance industry. I've changed course within the industry a few times, but most of my career has been spent hin this industry. I've managed to work myself into good spots, that have allowed me to make the best of it, but I've certainly seen my share of great swells come and go from my office. You're already ahead of where I was, because at least your thinking about it at age 21....I wasn't. My ship steered primarily by the currents. I'm not complaining, because it's been a fun trip, and I have a wonderful life, but I don't love my career, I like it. My advise is try to keep goals in mind, short term and long term when thinking about your career. They don't have to be precise, and they may change many time over, but you should plan ahead on some level That nursing gig sounds really nice. You may not see it now, but eventually the satisfaction you get from your job becomes a very important motivator. At least it did for me. I can't imagine too many jobs as rewarding in that regard as a nurse, or a teacher. Plus shift work is great for surfing. I used to work all kinds of 2nd and third shifts in my early 20's. I have fond memories of coming off a 12 hour night shift, to immediately go surfing, then a nap on the beach, before going right back to another 12 hour night shift. You couldn't pay me to work those weird rotating 12 hour shifts now, but back then I could literally surf any day I wanted, while still pulling down a full weeks work. Heck, a full week of shifts was only 36 hours, and we got a bump up in pay for it If I was to go back in time, I would have done college the same, but I probably would have learned a trade right after school. I love working with my hands...doesn't matter what it is, fixing a car/motorcycle, plumbing work, electrical work, whatever. I'm good at it, but never viewed it as a skill when I was younger. Later in life I started to realize so many people cannot do that kind of stuff. They have to hire others, and pay handsomely for their services. I think at the time I figured I went to college for business, I should work in an office of a big company. Stupid, and illogical as that sounds, I think it's how I thought. Don't think that way. Not sure any of this rambling mess helps, but good luck.
x3. I'm in the medical field just finishing up my 6th year of Pharmacy School. Lots of schooling but extremely rewarding. Have a solid salary and get 3-4 days off a week, what more can you ask for?
