ICE.COLD.COFFEE

I seriously don't know what I want to be in the future.

I feel that every step I take now is making me more specialised in a certain field and narrowing my career options. Tha't why I'm afraid that I'll make the wrong choice.

I don't want to waste my life doing something I hate...

Somehow, I subconciously decided that I want to be an accountant. I've semi-decided that I want to study Accountancy at SMU and I don't even know how I came up with this decision.

My Dad says an accountant earns quite a lot. Starting pay already maybe about $2,000.

But the thing is, I've told myself, since I was young, that I want an interesting and dynamic job.

A 9 to 5 office job is a definite no! And that's why I'm freaking out now, because if I continue going into accountancy, that's what I see myself doing in the future - a job I hate!

I'm really, really confused.

And after working at Conrad, I feel that being a pastry chef is such a fun job. It's just what I really want! But the problem comes in. I've asked some of the other chefs and they earn only $1,000+ after working for like 3 years. That's a far cry from what an accountant earns.

And if I want to go into the pastry line, I'll have to do a course at Shatec. So if I decide that I want to do this, I'll have to give up going to university. Because if I go to university, I'll end up studying something I don't need, waste money and also waste 3 years of my life!

I'm really confused.

This may be just some passing phase in my life. You know, like when I was young, I wanted to be a teacher and others wanted to be firemen, policemen etc. But I have never felt so strongly for a job before. Like I can see myself being happy doing this for the rest of my life!

Besides, when I was there on attachment, the stuff I had to do was much easier than what the other full-time trainees had to do. And I know that there's also stress and stuff to handle.

So, I have to make a choice. Choose the high paying job that I hate, or choose something that I love, but with less pay. And I can only choose one. Either way, I'll have to give up something.

I know that some people may say I should do what I like. But the thing is, we also have to be practical. Money may not be everything, but it IS important. Seriously, without it, ife would be much harder.

And my parents see me as going to university, and ending up with a high paying job. I'm not sure how they'll react if I really decide to do something else. Maybe they'll be disappointed, but after a while, I know they'll support my decision.

Hmm... confused...

Is there a fun and high paying job out there? If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to comment. I need help!

hello! you must start your own business after your baking course.....its great if you really love baking....except that maybe you will get very fat and drink beer like all of the other chefs and bakers that i know.....oooooooooo but soooooo yummy!
pls write me so we can talk.....thanks
david/usa/singapore
cheers and merry christmas

An accountancy degree could be a stepping stone to better GREATER things.. not just accountancy.

Sometimes, it is the passion for what you believe in that gets you hired, not just the qualification. Of course, the degree would help if the minimum requirement was to possess one. Perhaps a business admin degree would be more helpful?

Well, the sad fact is that very few of us can actually have a job that we are passionate about. I'm pretty sure that most pastry chefs out there are sick and tired of looking at a bloody cake day in and day out! And on top of that, you're earning peanuts!! After a while, it's all about earning a living.. paying off a loan, saving for the offspring's education, etc..

To summarise what i'm trying to say - go for the degree that can get you the highest possible pay, this is important if you intend to settle down in S'pore. But keep your passion alive through sports and interesting hobbies..