Also look at pay, it may not mean much now, but look at where the salary caps are in the Fields you want to work in. Finally Job availability.
People talk about careers as if they should be the end-all definition of who you are, the fulfillment of every dream. But the reality is, your bills need to get paid. You will always have expenses, so you should plan for how efficiently you can meet them.
I couldn't sort myself out by the time I was 22, so I joined the Army, and boy did that sort me out.
Good idea -- the military helps people with direction and training, because things simply need to get done. They provide the openings, and entrust you with more than you might entrust yourself.
You mentioned there was 3 or 4 different things you'd like to do. Start looking for work in ALL those fields, apply to those you find interesting. Pray for God's will to be done in it and see where it takes ya.
These days the average person has about 7 different career changes .
There's a good book that encourages people to set up their life with that in mind. It talks about putting your goals into the most sensible schedule, then trying them one by one.
I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was, by Barbara Sher
I'm like that too, and praying fervently for several years didn't get me a magical answer. God wanted me to learn other things through the decision -- how to make a decision, lol...how to risk and accept being wrong... how to move forward boldly... how to involve Him as a guide instead of dictator. He answered my prayers, but not in the way I wanted Him to. He used all things for the good of those who love Him. I had misunderstood what He wanted from me.
Ironically, once I placed myself in a large company where I could grow, God dropped great opportunities into my lap. You know that you have a great work ethic, so once you apply yourself to a challenge, you will do fine. Just place yourself somewhere that's not the perfect fit, and start moving forward. It might eventually become more "you" after you put your personal stamp on it.
You want something bad enough and you work your butt off to get it. This is why I can't understand how I love too many different things. Normally I could just pick one... but when it comes to life it's a lot harder.
Use your brain's sensibility to apply your determination. I wasted a lot of time trying things that I knew didn't make money, thinking I could rise above that reality, or that money didn't matter, or that if I worked really hard it would all add up. But instead I ended up with a lot of clutter and discouragement. Plan as if it were someone else's life. Step out of the personal aspects.
I was watching an entrepreneur show, and they pointed out how dangerous it can be to get too caught up in doing what you love. The people whose businesses succeeded were able to distance themselves enough from the product or service.
About training, what you're saying is sensible. To some extent. After a few years of working, you will find a cieling for how high employers will allow you to go without a degree. It would be worth taking one course at time, and some employers will even cover it. (Fewer these days.) Look into apprenticeship programs. Take courses that will build your skill and knowledge base up to the next thing you want to do. If you lose some credits because you change your mind, you will still know that the courses got you to a certain level of expertise.
Most people will suggest that you start education with required courses that will transfer anywhere. But in your situation, you are not sure you will complete the programs that require these courses. Use education for yourself. Find out what it takes to get the places you want to go, then work backwards. Use your brain to set up your life, not just to prove your knowledge. (That sounds insulting, but I just mean be proactive.)
Ask God to close the doors he doesn't want you to go down.
