I am a Dreamy Idealist.
God. I have no clue what career suits me best. I've been threading through Mass Comm, English, Writing, Psychology, Sociology, Behavorial Studies (about human behaviors), and even Linguistics. So right now, I can't apply to universities yet because I don't know what degree to pursue.
I've reached a point where I'm becoming really desperate to make up my mind. I wish I just knew from the very start what suits me, so I wouldn't have to go through this whole dilemma. It's frustrating. My dad keeps telling me to do Marketing because it's flexible and Marketing graduates can easily land a job in any company. But it never occurred to me to get a degree in Marketing. My mom says I should do English (studying the details of grammar usage, literature, etc) and I think it's going to be really boring, because it doesn't open the Creativity window.
I am going to spend at least 2 - 3 years studying for the degree, so I want it to be something I actually enjoy doing, and at the same time, a reputable degree that is well-required. I like something which makes me think out of the box. I like assignments that require me to move around; interview people (if I have to), try out new things. I was talking to my lecturer on Friday, and I told her I don't know what to study. She asked me this: "What kind of life do you want next time? I don't suppose you would like to sit at your desk all day long, right? You probably want to move around and travel as much as you can. So, pick a job like that."
I told her my mom wanted me to study the English language and be an English major, and then she said I could study Linguistics and be a translator. "Translators earn alot of money. They're in high demand. And they get to travel alot too." My lecturer said. For a moment, I almost wanted to do that. I figured that I could quickly take up Mandarin classes. Then I could be a Chinese-English translator. And if I go to USA, I would pick up Spanish classes too, cuz it's the widest spoken language in Europe, besides English.
And like few minutes ago I was talking to my college mate and he said I could do TOURISM and be a Tour Guide! Do I even need a degree for that? 0.o
So you see, that's why I took that personality test so I could find out more about myself, and which job would suit me better. So far, I haven't arrived at a conclusion yet. This is annoying.
45 comments:
hey, how about public relations? it involves going around and talking to people too. im sort of caught in between like how u are, but i finally decided to take up public relations. if u look carefully at the subjects u need to take for the course, it includes writing skills too. u can put ure writing to use there. :) when u com out u can even continue to a journalism job if u want to, it applies there as well. so u can include your creativity and all.
all the bet deciding. ;)
hello... hapi blogging... have a nice day! just visiting here....
Hi!
I was just wondering.. have you made up your mind yet?
I'm in a comparable situation, also being a dreamy idealist... we have it though don't we :) I was actually googling for that term and thats what has brought me here.
Hope you find what you love
xoxo from Belgium
Yes being a DI is hard! Not because there are no options, but because there are too many to choose from. LOL.
After this wild ride, I think I'm going to pursue English. I might just like it :)
Go with what you feel is best for you. Make sure it sparks your interest. I hope you'll find it out there :) Good luck!
wherever your heart is, there shall your treasure be also...
wherever your heart is, there shall your treasure be also...
Hey there! I find myself struggling with the EXACT same problem and agree that there are just way too many different options to choose from!I love learning new things and understanding the dynamics of a subject. Hence why human behaviour is something that has peaked my curiosity. I guess the problem with most dreamy idealists is that we ALWAYS have to consider ALL the options and find ourselves lost in all the different possibilities..we just tend to think TOO much! Ppl usually tell me that i tend to overanalyse the situation..but how else will i be satisfied with my final decision? :p *sigh* I know that i definately want to pursue a career in either law, psychology or social socience..its just a matter of narrowing it down to just 1 career..Ive considered doing a combined degree in law and psychology..is this something that youve thought about? Oh and im curious about your decision
Hi, I'm the same, a dreamy idealist, and there really are too many options to take. I did a first year course that could lead to at least 5 options, along with just continuing a bachelor of science, and have found it was just what I needed. I found things that I didn't like so much I'd want to do it all the time. I think doing a combined degree is the way to go (it's what I'm doing) but even still, choosing what to do it in is also hard... I went from a list of chemistry, physics, psychology, physiology, mathematics... to doing a double in psychology and chemistry. I'm just planning my degree one year ahead (I'm moving into second year now) and I have a math paper in there too, for interest sake.
I say think of things that you really like and can easily just do for hours and hours on end.
At the universities you're thinking of going to, are you able to do your degree one year at a time, not all 3 years planned out? That way you can do a broad range of first year papers and see what it is that you like, and what about particular things it is that you actually like, then narrow your options from there, so when you go in to your next year of study you only continue a couple of things that you originally started with.
Something I used, a tool from the University of Otago's website, Otago Choice, ended up being useful to me, and gave me the last little push I needed to make up my mind. You go through and click what you prefer, the option on the left or the right, and at the end it comes up with a pyramid of degrees it thinks you should study. You can then click on these and they give you possible career opportunities and where you can go to find out more.
I hope this helps :)
hi ...this an interesting sharing of opinions..I am a DI too. and yes its hard and confusing.
i come across public relations too.
it seems interesting and matches DI from quite a few survey i took.
WOW, reading all these comments is like reading my thoughts. Good Luck on choosing I know I will need it lol.
I was reading through my older posts and stumbled upon this one, with so many new comments that I have not read yet. Wow, thank you so much to those who posted :) Reading what you all said really inspired me. And yes, as Dreamy Idealists we tend to be rather indecisive because we are faced with so many options and we are afraid of making the wrong one. Lol.
But one thing I learned through this process of choosing was how important is it to NOT rush into something you're not particularly sure of. It takes time to figure out what you really want in life. I was anxious to finish my degree, so I was hastily jumping from one boat to another, and I got disappointed when I found myself in the wrong boat.
It's okay to tap on areas that you're interested in. That way, you'll get closer to what you're meant to be doing. I changed my mind so many times because I was interested in SO many things. Journalism, Psychology, Behavioral Studies, Sociology, English, Linguistics, Speech Pathology, Creative Writing. I changed my major so many times that people would ask me, "So what's your major this time?"
I've finally decided on Journalism, because that's where my true passion is. I am still interested in Human Behavior and all the other stuff I mentioned, but Journalism is what stuck with me throughout the whole time and never left my mind. I never lost interest in writing and sharing my thoughts with people. I don't know if I will end up being a Journalist, but I do know that you should not let what others say influence your decisions. Just go with the flow and follow your heart :) Eventually, the right path will appear in front of you. Who knows - you could be walking it right now!
I agree: Wherever your heart is, there your treasure shall be also.
Good luck to all of you! :)
im also a dremy idealistand i love english especially the whole media studies area and art as well but i really dont know what careers i could get out of it . randomly im quite good at maths and science too.
This is an amazing discussion. I stumbled upon it whilst desperately looking around the internet for careers advice and ideas. Apparently I too am a dreamy idealist, and reading some of these comments is like listening to myself talk, it's actually quite spooky. Your advice is sound, here's hoping I find some direction soon! Thanks. Mike UK
Hi There... I seem to be a DI and am still at p/t university in Australia (terminally confused as to what employment am I innately suited)where I started off in SEAsian Studies, but could not pick up an Asian language, so decided on double major. I am no good at maths and Science which had me quit Sustainable development for History double major with Philosophy as a minor. Things really impractical and so I desperately tried to get the full Myers-Briggs test for free to no avail.It is a wonder none of you has tried Western Philosophy.
Cheers, CLG.
I did the psychometric test and came out as a Dreamy Idealist. Surprisingly I am a tax advisor and all the qualities categorised under a dreamy idealist are qualities I have - it is not all about the words!
Wow, its great to know there are people with the same perceptions as me, I have chosen to study marine biology as the ocean is where my heart lies but as a dreamy idealist, I have a strong ability with english. I loved reading everyone's comments :) good luck with ur decisions! lol
i too am stuck as far as selecting a career, but here is the catch i took the ipersonic test and found i am a DI and analytical thinker, i found myself taking half of the "feelers" qualities and half of the "thinkers" qualities exactly half. so now after researching career paths online, i feel even more so, like im lost in a vast array of options. i want to travel and explore every culture and region possible, i like my alone time but also like being with friends, i like math and science, not fond of english, am bilingual, adventorous and a thrill seeker. can somebody please help me out, im positive i will know what i want to do, i just have not heard of or discovered it so i am open to any thoughts, thank you
Carmen said...
Hi. Well, it's good to know I am not alone. I also searched for ideas on the internet. I, myself, am a dreamy idealist. Since middle school, I was already thinking about what career to choose from. This has been one huge rock on my road that I haven't been able to cross over. I first chose to start my career as a pediatrician, than a nurse, than I tried to join the military to become a fire fighter, than a social worker, than an elementary education teacher. I actually finished my associates in elem. ed., but I backed away from my bachelor's because I found myself stuck and I felt afraid that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I love English as well and I feel I can easily put my thoughts and feelings in writing than speaking out loud. I love to listen, but usually I don't have the words to say. Confusing? I dislike speaking in front of a large crowd and I really don't like being the center of attention. Don't get me wrong, I am not antisocial. I love hanging out with my friends, but I am pretty shy around people I do not know. Tell me if there is hope! :) I wish you all the best and appreciate this site for your wonderful ideas. May we all find what we are looking for, a career that makes us happy and gives us something to look forward to. Thank you!
hi, im a DI too. i tried out mass com, but after day 2, i realized it wasnt for me (although i was really into creative writing). i ended up doing my bachelors in psychology and i completed it about 6 months ago. inasmuch as i can get into heaps of different fields of work or further studies, i am still confused as to what i should be doing with the rest of my life.
anyways, just a word of advice for anyone who would take it, dont jump into something just because ur desperate and also, never get into a field of study before making sure that that is what YOU want to do with your life, and not what you think you should do due to external reasons. see, i convinced myself (about a year back) that i wanted to get involved with people and do counselling, and up till a month or so back, i thought that counselling was what i should do. then it struck me that the only reason i wanted to get involved with counselling is because i was not the least bit interested in psychology, but i didnt want my degree to go to waste. and as i thought it over the past month or so, i realize that im just not a people person, and counselling/psychology isnt my thing. bleh.
so yeah, take your time with your decision and dont let anyone force your hand, because inasmuch as you would be pleasing them now, you would probably spend the rest of your life (or a pretty long time) cursing and swearing at yourself for not thinking your decision through properly.
regards to all you DI's out there and all the best finding your true path =)
wow guys, I identify with you all, and i think for the most part what you're saying about our personality type is very true. I'm in the same place all of you are, and i'm looking for my career.. Its very hard when it seems like everything in our world is turning corporate and main stream, and we are very un-mainstream as it were. I believe you all will find your way. Thanks for the owner of this blog!!
Very interesting stuff guys, people with similar thoughts and feelings. I have been drawn to this web site for similar reasons. I analyze everything but I would like to utilize it as a skill. My summary..... thought wanted to be a pro golfer tried my best became u21 county champion and things then lost my best friend car accident had glandular fever and was diagnosed with M.E unable to play for 5 years. Took an interest in music and DJ every weekend still for late bars and nightclubs to earn a living but for some reason feel drawn to personality profiling and have a massive interest in emotional intelligence. Any ideas on where I could take this interest???
Thanks Maxwell
Like just about all of you who commented, I have spent a long time trying to figure out what I want to do, that is how I stumbled upon this blog. :)
I am also a dreamy idealist, so decision making is a major problem for me. It feels like it HAS to be the right decision, but I am in a position where I am 23 years old, I've had 2 jobs so far and I havent really done or achieved much in my life as of yet.
So maybe thats the problem...How am I meant to know what I want to do without having done much?
People say to me "What are your hobbies?" or "What do you enjoy doing?" I always have a blank expression on my face because I dont really do much if im honest! I enjoy sport (watching and playing) watching films, outdoor activities, playing video games, spending time with loved ones. All to me dont seem like a career choice. Maybe this is my indecision which is holding me back again? Irionic eh?! FRUSTRATING AS HELL THOUGH!
I feel very nervous, anxious and generally worried about the future.
I have a job which is very dead end, there are no possibilities and I do not like working there or with the vast majority of people I currently work with.
I feel very different from everyone else, there all typical 'wasters' in my opinion but the thing that really gets to me, is that I am going down the same road they are! If i carry on at this rate I'm going to turn into them!
Thanks to everyone who commented, this is quite a little gathering it seems.
Good luck to everyone in finding what it is you want to do.
Keep coming back to update! :)
I'm "DI" too, and I'm worried this means I'm doomed to forever being dissatisfied, no matter what I'm doing! I'm a secondary ed. teacher right now, and while I love it for the most part, it seems like it's just not the right fit. The emotional demands of the job and having to be more extroverted than what is natural for me is really tiring. I like the creative freedom and flexibility of the job, but other things about the job are going to burn me out sooner or later. I can identify with what many of you have posted here. Anyone have any answers for the discontent?
DI here, have 2 degrees and still looking for something I want to do. Is there such a think a professional student?
Hi Guys!
I too am a DI. However, Iam in my mid thirties and have had two great careers...I spent 10 years in investment banking, I was good at it, but somehow, it just wasn't right...then I spent 5 years teaching. Yup, I was good at that, but somehow that too, just wasn't right. I am looking for a carrer..something that supports my family and feeds my soul! As a DI, there are so many choices, yet none of them clear....Ecopsychology looks good..hmmmm....
Wow, I thought I was the only person in the world that thought this way. Im a dreamy idealist as well, and I too am also very indecisive. Its now the middle of my Senior year, and I have no idea where I'm going to college this fall! I just hope I figure something out soon.
-Carter, Minnesota.
As everyone else has said...great to know I'm not alone ! :)
Well, I'm 40 and 100% a DI. My career has been in the I.T industry...and while I am good at it I must say I hate it/over it.
Had to choose something after high school and I.T was all the rage etc ... it probably the anti-christ for DI's ... quiet sobs :/
I was made redundant a couple months ago and was so happy..so so happy.."I'm free" type thoughts.
The problem is now ...you guessed it ... I have so many ideas of what to do! ie: learn a language, write a book,photogrpahy, art/painting, some kind of psychology etc.
Money starting to run out so I suppose I'll have to go back to what I know....just hope its not for the term of my natural life hey! Good luck DI's .... if we were DIYs hehe
Hi everyone! I totally stumbled on to this page while doing a google search for more information on "Dreamy Idealist". Excited to have found it. Yes, I took the ipersonic test and I AM IT...completely. I love these kinds of test, but am left scratching my head...still as to what to do with the information. :/
I am 38 y/o, worked in financial services for 15+ years, management, training... I've enjoyed most of what I've done. Corporate trainer was one of my favorite roles, as I was able to teach and had time to create engaging materials. I like the enjoy designing things, creating marketing pieces, photography, cooking. I like setting my own schedule.
I am also trying to close in on what do to with my education. I've put off college too long. Didn't want to waste time and money, like so many others I know did...as they ended up getting into professions unrelated to their degree program.
I am strongly considering organizational communications/marketing/public relations. I am also planning to get the Six Sigma completed, as I am a firm believer in process improvement (overly so at times).
I have read all of your posts and felt, as have some others, that I was looking in a mirror. So, thanks for sharing that info about yourselves. I am right there with you. Has anyone actually paid to get the complete report that gives specific careers for our "DI Type". Is it work the investment?
~JD from Ohio
Good to know we are not alone. Sometimes I think something is wrong with me since I am so confused about my career ambitions. I think that it is important to go with your first thought and to finish something, anything. At least then you will have a career and won't drive yourself crazy. And while you are at that career use your personal time to pursue your passions. It seems important to pick something you will enjoy, but don't try to pick the PERFECT thing, it may be hard to know what is PERFECT until you are actually doing it. It will be easier to make the choice if we know it isn't the end all be all. Just thinking aloud...
check out 'refuse to choose' by barbera sher
amazing amazing direction
Wow!...Sort of helps to know there are others like me...but I still don't have answers. I'm 52 yrs old, have had a BS since 1982 with about 200 credits because I wanted to study everything. I've taught H.S. and elementary off and on for 18 of those years, in between trying other stuff (started a business, banquet manager, chemical analyst,...) Love learning, developing/executing lessons, HATE the emotional toll on dissolving disputes and trying to keep up with dozens of troubled lives on a daily basis. Also tremendous paper work/deadlines don't allow time for creative endeavors: painting, kayaking, remodeling... I emphatically disagree with the educ system in USA. Wish i had answers for you younger folks. I still don't know what to do when i grow up, but ready to leave teaching, again. HELP
I, like all of you, took the test and surprise... another dreamy idealist in the world. I loved reading this blog and all the comments. It's nice to know that I am not alone in my constant battle of indecisiveness along with an incredible pressure for perfection. I would love to write a book but it seems so impractical and useless because of how competitive that industry is. My ideal job would be a hiking guide because my favorite place to be is outside! But who actually makes a decent living at that and again...competitive to get into. Life is all about who you know and networking your way to where you want to be. I feel like getting a degree can be so useless, although I have to agree that because of my overtaxed interests, I love learning! Science is my main area of study. I would love to just type about all the little things I think about all day, everyday. If only I could be the next "Dear Abby." That's the problem with us dreamy idealists. We want to live in a perfect fantasy. :)
Hi! I had no idea that this was still generating comments! It's great, kinda like a forum, actually. :) I'm sorry I haven't been on this page for a while, because I wasn't getting any notifications on the new comments. Anyway, thank you all so much for reading and for sharing your thoughts here. I read through ALL of them and I can honestly say I'm relieved to know that I'm not alone. :) Because of that, I decided to write an update to this piece: http://carissawrites.blogspot.com/2012/03/dreamy-idealist-says.html
I've learned a lot since the day I wrote that post in 2009, and I would love if you would read this new one and share your thoughts! I hope it helps :)
hi there!
like most people i stumbled across your page being the dreaded 'dreamy idealist' i have been a graduate for nearly 3 years with no clue as to what i want to do and therefore i have struggled to find work, that as well as the economic market. when i read some of these posts it was nice to hear the same things i think about daily written by so many of you because i thought there was something wrong with me! im so indecisive about what i want to do i did a degree in marketing & advertising at the time i thought that is what i wanted to do i loved learning about the world in terms of media and i was into the theory behind it. but i don;t think i'm cut out for it practically. i have always loved writing and english it was a toss up between becoming an english teacher or doing marketing. and i chose marketing. but now i don't see myself doing it and i feel its too late to do anything else so i keep trying to pursue a marketing career and it isn't working out. (im 23 btw) i want to up and change my career path but like all of you I am completely confused. I have also thought about becoming a counsellor as im a great listener and would love to help people. i have 2 interviews next week for marketing related jobs but i don't even want to go because i feel like im pretending to be someone i'm not. funny that i know who i 'm not and yet i don't know who i am! thanks for your post :) -dreamy idealist.
Hey there, I came across this as I have been looking into personality types tonight as I am fed up of trying to become a manager in a restaurant in a good hotel and never getting there cos I am "not bossy at all" and I apparently "dont have what it takes to be a manager cos ive got a cutsey face and no-one listens to me" :( so i did this test and it said "dreamy idealist" which I do kinda agree with. I keep a diary to myself and I can write for ages in there cos its to offload my frustrations about life etc, but I have never dealved into writing as a profession or anything and now I am stuck in this awful job i hate and basically i did a travel and tourism degree to become a servant??? It feels so depressing (yea I have met famous faces, but they dont care who I am right?) Grrrr, I am so upset this evening and would love a perspective from anybpdy with a good point of view as to how the heck I can escape this industry and possibly start something new which can get me the mortgage in the nice home, the car etc and not sharing all the time in small rooms with different nationalities all the time, I wanna settle down doing a job I enjoy :( dont get me wrong I love culture soo much etc, but I would love some space of my own to afford thats all :s. please help someone and thanks for reading my rant :)Ps I dont know if age makes a difference but I am 26...and clueless :p, thanx x
Hello Anonymous (Sept.23),
Thank you for your comment. I think it's common that most people find themselves starting at the bottom of their desired jobs first, at least for a couple of years until experience kicks in. I'm sure a lot of us wish for jobs that provide easy money, but the career world doesn't work that way. Lots of CEOs started from lower positions and slowly climbed their way up to where they are now.
As for having a cutesy face and not being bossy enough for the managerial position at your job, I don't think you should let that stop you from aiming high. You don't have to be bossy to be a manager. And having a cutesy face is a bonus - it's all about how you carry yourself at work. It is possible to be respectable without being cocky. :)
This job is a test at your approach to people. Each job comes with challenges. No job is ever smooth-sailing. See this as an opportunity to improve your leadership skills. Anyone can lead! :) I believe you can too. This is a good training ground for what lies ahead.
But if you are really focused on quitting your job and channeling your time and effort elsewhere, then ask yourself what you really want to do, and find something that suits your personality. :) The first thing to do would be to search, search, search. Start hunting for potential jobs. Talk to people working in that field, so you'll have an idea of what is expected of you. This world is your oyster! Don't stop seeking for that pearl! ;) Good luck.
I am also a DI and had many jobs. Through all of the positions and looking back at them, I have finally realized the following about this DI.
1. I do not thrive in extremely stressful positions. I shut down and it affects my health. My advice...find a job that is not totally based on deadlines and commitments.
2. I have my own standards and beliefs and they are usually higher than the company I work for. Not bad to have but very difficult when a company wants you to do something that goes against what you believe. No advice here...I'm not sure any way around this one.
3. I don't have to be the center of appreciation and I do not put myself out there to be recognized, I do what I do because its me. Problem...businesses are not humble and they do not appreciate humble employees. If you can't put yourself out there in a way to be recognized and say 'look at me', the company won't either. I have been passed over for promotions because even though I do great things for the company, I don't seek the recognition and the pat on the back. Just my knowing I did something great is good enough for me.
4. I don't sell myself because I let my work speak for me. This is great when you HAVE a job, but not great when you're trying to OBTAIN one!
5. Last, look for a job that does not require you to have too many coals in the fire at one time. DIs like to contemplate and focus on the main task at hand and give it everything we've got. This is impossible when you have a job that forces you to multi-task on many items at once.
When a DI is looking for a job, my suggestion would be to look for one where you focus on one major task with a few minor tasks. Too many tasks...too little time!!!
I would love to hear other DI's thoughts on this. I know now what to look for in a job, but still have not narrowed it down to what career!
God bless the DI...many companies are kept afloat by us but not many realize it!
Hi Guys! It's great to read your comments on here.
I am a DI too and have had a really hard time to choose what career I wanted to do. I have been a musician for 14 years and since loosing my mum I have opted for a career change, so after lots of research and brain frying I have opted to do a foundation year in 'Life Sciences' which takes me onto a three year BSc in Zoology :D.
Good luck fellow DI's I wish you the best of luck in your futures endeavours!
Hannah :)
Wow!!!! I wish I had this sounding board when I was young and undecided! Going with your passion is what is most important! I'm a fantastic PR person and that is what I'm probably the best at but writing/journalism is my TRUE passion and like you I yearn for a deep connection of the souls. I enjoy being connected with psychologist and being engaged in thought provoking conversation. If your heart soul tell you to do something, I would move forward! Thanks for your post!
hi
i am also a dreamy idealist.
despite the fact that i would have loved to work in social service sector / psychology, i chose an accountancy degree which i considered a "practical" decision - lots of jobs available and a professional degree.
but, i struggled through my degree even though i was good at math as accounting was all about principles and laws that i had difficulty understanding and complete lack of interest.
3 years down the road, i am still doing accountancy but my mind still lingers on the social service sector / psychology.
my advice: life is short, don't waste time on things you don't want to do if you have a choice. if money is no object, go for it.
So happy that I found this blog. I thought I was alone. Definitely coming back to this later and see what more things and advise people can give. Its weird being a dreamy idealist. I have never expressed any of my world views to anyone. I hope to do it one day.
2016 and I'm here
At 32, 8 years of successful failures.
Yippie....how the fuck had I knew this 10 years back......can't get off my thinking mode....all these years I thought I'm mentally sick. Any suggestions,do connect..ahmadmukhtar.in@live.com
Wow!! I am really not the only one!
I am an engineer and have the most boring job. I was thinking of career change and searching suitable careers for me and I landed here.
I read all the previous comments and felt as if I am talking to myself. I am 23 yo and have no idea which career to choose as it's too confusing.
Let me know your stories about what you people did and how are you feeling right now! It would be really helpful!
This is exactly how I feel. Thank you for sharing 💞
Wow,just realized how old these posts are lol. Now I'm really curious how thing have worked out for everyone...
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