Navigating Post-High School Decisions: Insights from Life's Journey

When I was just nineteen, I stood at the crossroads of my post-high school journey, unsure if I was truly an adult despite my age. I had recently completed high school, feeling both excited and anxious about my future. My academic pursuits led me to major in psychology at a German university in the fall. This choice wasn't made lightly; it stemmed from my deep fascination with the human mind and behavior.

Why Psychology?

Psychology has always captivated me. The intricacies of the human mind and behavior are endlessly fascinating, especially when I find myself analyzing everything 24/7. My strengths lie in biology and social studies, which align well with the interdisciplinary nature of psychology. During my college studies, I am looking forward to specializing in a specific field, and carrying that specialization into my masters studies. Psychology offers a wide range of career opportunities, making it a solid choice for my future.

Detour in Life: A Personal Journey

While many young people my age are just beginning their post-high school journeys, my path has been anything but straightforward. Growing up, I faced financial challenges that prevented me from pursuing higher education early on. To overcome this, I enlisted in the military and took advantage of the benefits to get an education, first in liberal arts and then in electronics engineering. However, I soon found myself struggling to keep up with the logistics and eventually dropped out. After a period of floundering, I returned to community college to acquire a broader base of knowledge and skills, but the process was more challenging than I anticipated.

As I reflect on my journey, I realized that my failures in choosing the right paths strengthened my resolve. Focusing on a broad base of knowledge allowed me to make more informed decisions about my future. While I may have made some mistakes along the way, it was a valuable experience that helped me to better navigate my career path.

The Possibilities and Insights from the Hundred Resumes Guide

One of the most valuable tools I found was the book What Color Is Your Parachute 2021: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success by Bolles and Brooks. This book provided a wealth of knowledge on identifying skills, preferences, and interests that can help individuals make informed career decisions. Reflecting on my own journey, I can see how having such a guide might have steered me in a different and potentially more fulfilling direction.

Back in the late 1950s, when I was beginning to think about my future, the options for young women were very limited. The roles typically offered included teaching, nursing, or secretarial work, which didn't quite suit my aspirations. Inspired by the example of my father and the television show "Private Secretary," I was drawn to the business world and imagined an impactful career as a professional secretary. This early influence on my career path shaped my ambitions and fueled my drive to make this career a reality.

Ultimately, my decision to pursue psychology and my exploration of various fields throughout my life have taught me valuable lessons about the importance of finding a career that aligns with one's passions and interests. While my path has been winding and full of detours, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and what I truly want from my career.

Whether you are a high school graduate like I was, or someone looking to reassess your career choices later in life, the insights I have shared here can provide you with a roadmap for making informed and meaningful decisions.