Navigating the Journey of Self-Discovery: Finding Your Calling at 18

Warm greetings to all fellow members of the human family! I hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good health and in safe spaces. Today, I would like to share a personal account of my journey, which may offer some insights and encouragement for those navigating similar paths.

My Experience at 18

At the age of 18, many of us are faced with the challenge of deciding on a career path. I was no exception. At 12 or 13, I made a vow to live independently when I graduated from high school. By the time I was 17, I had decided that I would not stay in the coastal town where my father lived. This was an era marked by immense unrest in the United States, with thousands of young people being drafted into the military for two years of service during the Vietnam War. The draft presented a significant challenge, but I chose to take a different path.

Embracing the Coast Guard

Although I was not willing to run away or burn my draft card, I chose to join the United States Coast Guard. My decision was influenced by a desire to serve the nation I and my ancestors belong to. I was eager to see Antarctica and thought, "Oh yes! We can make that happen!"

I spent one-fifth of my military career in the Coast Guard, during which time I was offered several tempting opportunities to stay. Aptitude tests confirmed my suitability for the roles, despite my personal disagreements. I didn’t embrace my service and its opportunities as enthusiastically as I could have, leading to some poor behavior that damaged valuable relationships. However, this experience taught me valuable lessons in discipline and provided benefits such as education, housing, healthcare, and a sense of respect in my later years, both personally and professionally.

The Importance of Self-Discovery

Many young people, like myself, find themselves in similar dilemmas. The best way to identify what you would love to do and what will make you happy is to undertake a psychometric career assessment test. This test helps identify your interests, what you love, and your aptitudes, or what you are good at. Based on these results, an experienced career counselor can guide you in identifying the most suitable career pathway for you.

Love and Satisfaction in Work

It's important to remember that money should not be the primary reason for choosing a career. Love for what you do should always be the main reason. When your work is motivated by love, it is done to the best of your ability, and this often leads to success and financial stability. Embrace the idea that 'do what you love, and love what you do.'

Embrace the journey of self-discovery and the path to finding your true purpose. As these young men demonstrated, even in the face of adversity, choosing a career that aligns with your values and interests can lead to fulfilling experiences and significant personal growth. You got this.