I don't know what to do with my life - too many options

LegacyUser · 07-05-2009 08:01PM #1

Hi There,

Decided it would be best to go anonymous for this one.

Okay, so in a few weeks I'll be finished my computer science course. I have gotten on very well over the past 4 years, never failing and consistently getting 90 percent average across the board. (Sorry if that sounds like bragging but I think its relevant here).

I've done work placement in a big well known multinational company and they were impressed so they almost promised me a job but due to recession, pulled back on that offer. However lately, I've been contacted inside by someone suggesting that I might get hired.
I've had an interview for another company and that went well and it is likely I might get an offer.

So that is the work options.

Next there are lecturers insisting I do a post grad research masters/phd. I would love to do this, but I have no confidence. I'm extremely committed to my area and I really have a genuine interest. This is something I'd really like to do some time in my life, just to achieve it - just as a personal thing.

Next I'm an entrepreneur at heart. Another lecturer is telling me that there is funding available to start up a business in a innovation centre purposely built. This is my biggest goal - I don't want to be working for anyone in 10 years. I am seriously ambitious and innovative. I am always looking at the market trying to see what might be a good product or service and I always look ahead.
I've got a friend in another country that is an entrepreneur and he is successfully running a IT business providing a service. I want to run the same thing in Ireland as there are hardly no competitors and who ever is there are fairly expensive.

I've also being approached by a person in America that wants to join forces and help build my FYP into a sellable product as he thinks there is potential. I would really be interested in this too but I would need a lot of help.

Then another guy in Ireland has a new business idea and he wants someone like me to help him in return for a stake.

I also do web development as freelance work and apparently I have rare skills as I am artistic and a programmer so that's another thing!

So there you have it. I am hoping that the company that I had the interview with won't come back for another few weeks because I'm not ready to make a decision.
The way I see it is, I've the rest of my life to be working. Lecturers are saying that if I go working, the likely hood of me coming back and doing a post grad is unlikely.

It has cross my mind to start a general company and specialise in different things and at the same time do a post grad but this will take up a lot of my time.

A personal thing then of me, is I really want to find a girl and go out and enjoy myself off and on unlike what I've been doing over the past few years.

So has anyone any advice - anyone been in a similar situation?

I know obviously I am lucky to have such options in this climate but that's not the problem. It's what to do - I'm not a very decisive person.

I hope I haven't given away my identity also!

Thanks!

Otis Driftwood · 07-05-2009 08:49PM

regularposter22 wrote: »

Hi There,

Decided it would be best to go anonymous for this one.

Okay, so in a few weeks I'll be finished my computer science course. I have gotten on very well over the past 4 years, never failing and consistently getting 90 percent average across the board. (Sorry if that sounds like bragging but I think its relevant here).

I've done work placement in a big well known multinational company and they were impressed so they almost promised me a job but due to recession, pulled back on that offer. However lately, I've been contacted inside by someone suggesting that I might get hired.
I've had an interview for another company and that went well and it is likely I might get an offer.

So that is the work options.

Next there are lecturers insisting I do a post grad research masters/phd. I would love to do this, but I have no confidence. I'm extremely committed to my area and I really have a genuine interest. This is something I'd really like to do some time in my life, just to achieve it - just as a personal thing.

Next I'm an entrepreneur at heart. Another lecturer is telling me that there is funding available to start up a business in a innovation centre purposely built. This is my biggest goal - I don't want to be working for anyone in 10 years. I am seriously ambitious and innovative. I am always looking at the market trying to see what might be a good product or service and I always look ahead.
I've got a friend in another country that is an entrepreneur and he is successfully running a IT business providing a service. I want to run the same thing in Ireland as there are hardly no competitors and who ever is there are fairly expensive.

I've also being approached by a person in America that wants to join forces and help build my FYP into a sellable product as he thinks there is potential. I would really be interested in this too but I would need a lot of help.

Then another guy in Ireland has a new business idea and he wants someone like me to help him in return for a stake.

I also do web development as freelance work and apparently I have rare skills as I am artistic and a programmer so that's another thing!

So there you have it. I am hoping that the company that I had the interview with won't come back for another few weeks because I'm not ready to make a decision.
The way I see it is, I've the rest of my life to be working. Lecturers are saying that if I go working, the likely hood of me coming back and doing a post grad is unlikely.

It has cross my mind to start a general company and specialise in different things and at the same time do a post grad but this will take up a lot of my time.

A personal thing then of me, is I really want to find a girl and go out and enjoy myself off and on unlike what I've been doing over the past few years.

So has anyone any advice - anyone been in a similar situation?

I know obviously I am lucky to have such options in this climate but that's not the problem. It's what to do - I'm not a very decisive person.

I hope I haven't given away my identity also!

Thanks!

95% of this is a personal issue how?
You say you have no confidence but are seriously ambitious and innovative.
Doesnt really match up IMO.
If you want advice on your career maybe try the jobs forum.

nyarlothothep · 07-05-2009 08:59PM

Write out all the factors for taking x y and z decisions. Then write out likely consequences and rationalize them. The lecturers thing about not coming back to do a phd doesn't strike me as a sound argument given that if you really want to do a phd at some point, you will do it. In order to successfully complete one you need that willpower. You can then assign pro and con values to each factor, count them up and a picture will emerge. This won't necessarily give you an answer, you may need second opinions but it should help.

Kernel32 · 08-05-2009 04:17AM

This is just my opinion as a technology professional who has been involved in management and ownership of several companies.

If you do a Phd in computer science you will become an academic and it will hurt you in the business world this early on it in your working life.

If you start a company now you will most likely fail. You may be very smart with great ideas but you have no idea what it takes to bring a startup from nothing to turning the corner on profitability. If you have any type of confidence issues at all this failure could crush you.

My advice is get a job. Use your skills to progress yourself and build confidence. Build contacts, real contacts. Beyond skills, beyond good product, contacts are what will turn any business you start into a success. You need to buildup that network around you, don't burn bridges, you don't have to like everyone but you do need to remain professional at all times. Look at opportunities outside you primary income generator. Always have something on the side going on. You do this and the right opportunity to start or particpate in the ownership of a business will emerge naturally.

AARRRGH · 08-05-2009 11:54AM

To me, this is a no brainer.

You have the rest of your life to work for a multi-national, so scrap the job idea. Also, as soon as you start working it is very easy to get used to the income. This makes going back to college full-time very difficult.

If I were you, I'd do the Ph.D while running a business. You can do it. Last year I worked full-time, ran a business part-time, and did a masters in computer science part-time. I did well in all three, i.e. promotion in work, expanded my business, and got an academic award and straight As in my masters.

Don't play it safe and take a job. You will regret it!

PS Don't listen to people telling you to take the safe option! Mediocrity is not for you. Don't listen to them!
PPS I can relate to your post because you sound like me. Seriously, don't be afraid of risk. Just go for it.

LegacyUser · 08-05-2009 12:28PM

AARRRGH wrote: »

To me, this is a no brainer.

You have the rest of your life to work for a multi-national, so scrap the job idea. Also, as soon as you start working it is very easy to get used to the income. This makes going back to college full-time very difficult.

If I were you, I'd do the Ph.D while running a business. You can do it. Last year I worked full-time, ran a business part-time, and did a masters in computer science part-time. I did well in all three, i.e. promotion in work, expanded my business, and got an academic award and straight As in my masters.

Don't play it safe and take a job. You will regret it!

PS Don't listen to people telling you to take the safe option! Mediocrity is not for you. Don't listen to them!
PPS I can relate to your post because you sound like me. Seriously, don't be afraid of risk. Just go for it.

Thanks this is helpful. It seems to be what most say.

I do understand Kernel32 is getting at, in that experience is worth more but I don't want to be working for a company anyways in the long run.

I will take all your advice on board. Thanks very much.

I don't know what to do with my life - too many options

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