I am hoping to get some advice in regards to my life path.

I graduated college in 2004 - I am now on my 4th job. 2 of the job changes were due to a change in geographic location, but each time I get a new job the same thing always seems to happen: After about 6 months to a year, I am bored and looking to do something new.

Things atart out good - each time I have switched jobs I have increased my salary much more than I would have by staying at the previous job. The problem I find with each job I have is that it gets old very fast for me and I end up being bored and more than anything simply "not challenged" by the role.

After about a year in the position my mind always comes back to the same place - The business world and this 8am to 5pm every single day thing (groundhog day almost) is not for me. Sure the money is good - the resume looks good - the experience is good - but at the end of the day it does not feel like I am doing what I am supposed to be doing with my life. I know there has to be more out there for me.

I have read books and talked to friends and family about this and a lot of what you hear is that you need to get involved in doing something that you love - that you need to have passion about what you are doing. I do have interests and I certainly do have passions, but I find it hard for me to determine what type of job would be best for me based on my passions - this is where I need the help of the tiptopadvice community.

I love to travel - I have been all over the world, literally.

I love to take photographs - something about capturing a moment just inspires me.

I love to write - I am working on a book right now.

I love to coach - I am on my third year of coaching baseball for my town little league.

I love to think about new ideas - espcially new business ideas.

The bottom line is that I want to be in some type of business for myself eventually - I do not want to work for a company, I do not want be held back by the limitations of an organization and the short sitedness many companies tend to have.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Right now I am in the thick of the business world - would it seem to you guys that based on my interests and my passions that this is the wrong field for me?

Any advice or words of wisdom would be GREATLY appreciated!

Creek, I think you hit this post right on point! I feel exactly the same way and I also need advice on this.

I have a passion for almost the same things - Travel, photography, thinking of business ideas and I also have a strong passion for music and helping people.

Sometimes I think that I will not be able to do all of these things until after I retire. Something doesn't feel right about that. I don't want to feel as if I wasted away my time.

Help!

Creek - I hear what you're saying. My project list at work is a mile long but sometimes when I get to work in the morning I just feel bored and not challenged. I mean some of the work I have is challenging but I'm kind of burned out. But... have you ever considered working in marketing or advertising? You mention you like to take pictures, you like coming up with new ideas, and you like writing. My co-workers and I in Marketing get to do that stuff a lot. Anything can happen in marketing. You will not relive the same day twice. It can be fast paced and the projects/deadlines are always changing. Some of the projects can be fun and creative. You wear so many different hats in marketing and I've gained a lot of experience. It has definitely helped my writing skills. Other marketing departments may differ somewhat but it's always a fun field to be in. Anyway, just a thought. I don't know how much traveling you would do in marketing. We don't travel much, exept to the vending machine. lol

Batman - I hear what you're saying too. I have other passions that I wish I could make a living off of and I think the same thing - that I won't be able to enjoy this until after retirement. I know people always say this but you just have to go for it and make it happen. Last September, I went back to school. I just did it. I had been thinking about it and I just went a did it and now I've just finished Semester 1 with straight A's! Find whatever it is you love and just go for it. Easier said than done, I know.

Yeah I agree with you - why not just go for it? It is easier said than done, but life is too short. Since these things are important to me, I should really think about how to make them reality now, not just when I retire. There must be a way.

That's awesome that you went back to school and did so well. You're right, if you want it, just do it. haha sounds like a Nike commercial

This is a very good thread. Many people go through these thoughts every day. I once saw a study that said less than half of people enjoy their job - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17348695/

I believe that you truly have to enjoy what you do. Then it won't matter how much money you make or anything. Find what you enjoy and make it a business. Just like someone mentioned earlier, figure out something that encompasses what you enjoy, whether that is marketing or a travel guide or anything. Enjoying what you do is essential.

If anything is correct, it is that you are not alone. Please let us know how this goes for you. Good luck.