I Don't Know What Job I Want (And No Motivation To Get One)

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I can't figure out what I want to do. I love at the job adverts in the papers and think 'Yeah, I'll apply for that' and I never do. I see posters in windows advertising for jobs (ones I might like), and I never apply. How can I motivate myself to get a job? I also have no idea what I want to work at for the rest of my life. I don't (can't) see myself working at the same job (or same type of job) for years on end.

put yourself in a situation where you need the money

that's a pie in the sky viewpoint. the truth is you will eventually enter the workforce, otherwise you will end up on some sort of government assistance or charity from others... or homelessness. i suggest finding something you like to do. as corny as that sounds that really helps you figure out what you want to do for a living.

I would apply with temporary employment agencies and simply try different things.

Well, I'm young and inexperienced in these things, but I would say: Don't be afraid to try simple things.

I'm studying mechanical engineering, and I used to be afraid of the mere th*t of working in the food industry, but last year, I got a job fixing stirfry and tri-tip sandwiches in a food court on campus, and it was more satisfying work than I expected. I had to drop the job when my grades started falling, but it was fun while it lasted. My parents didn't support it. They think I should get a respectable job that I can put on my resume when I graduate, and I guess I see their point.

Anyway, if I didn't have high expectations to live up to, I think I would just lead a simple life as a cook, or perhaps a baker. My point is, don't be afraid to try simple jobs. It might be more fun than you think. And if it doesn't work out, quit and try something else. (Alto that's easy for me to say because I've never known financial hardship, and my parents still help me with the bills.)

I would not worry about being stuck in a job for years on end. Today's workforce is one of the most mobile in history. Both in career changes and in job changes within a field.

I myself have had two totally separate careers at age 41. I started out cooking and running kitchens at local restaurants. Then at 29, I left and took a job with a temp agency and wound up finding my second calling, Computer Science.

Try a few different things. It will not hurt you and will give you a better understanding of what it is like in the various work environments.

You might also want to take the Campbell Interest and Skill Survey. It is a skill set test that measures both your interest in a job type and your current abilities in that area. My nephew took it recently and it was about $20.00 online. Much better than when I took it. I had to go to the local community college and sit in one of those testing rooms.

Keep in mind with this test, that you might not have the necessary education or training for the fields that you show interest in, but it can be a great starting point for research on these subjects and to give you a sense of direction in career choices.

As kxmode said, finding something like to do is very important. I personally believe that is more important for people with AS than it is for others. When I was miserable in a job, it was real hell for me both emotionally and physically. My AS becomes much more pronounced, my happiness suffers, I go into hermit mode and my friends start to withdraw from me.

Jobs can be good because;

*They give you self esteem
*They give you sense of purpose, reason to keep going sometimes
*You meet some people who you would never consider being friends with in real life who you actually quite like
*They give you money
*Sometimes they send you on courses which have free sandwiches, cakes and snacking foods.

Of course, if you get a horrible job, it can remove your self esteem and send you into despair, you can be surrounded by people you hate, you can be underpaid even though you work twenty five hour days etc etc etc.

I would think about what you want from a job and make a list. For instance:

Do you prefer to work with lots of people or be quite solitary? Do you want something quite casual that will leave you with free time or are you prepared to work long hours in exchange for money and fast progression? Do you like things fast paced or more sedate? What are your strengths - are you uber organised or creative or talented at a particular thing? Are you happy working antisocial hours? Do you like to sit at a desk all day or would you rather be out and about? etc etc etc

Be really honest with yourself, because otherwise no you won't be happy working in the job you get for years. If you get one you like, time flashes by, trust me.

may be u should see a careers counselor type person that can help u get an idea of what type of job u will be good at.
as for being stuck, no need to worry bout that. the standard model seems to be take a job learn from it and take another better job with the skills u got from your first job.