u/CarSorry7076

I’m 19 and from a small rural town, and I’m trying to figure out what career path actually makes sense for me. I feel like I’ve already changed directions several times and don’t want to keep making expensive mistakes.

My work history is pretty limited. I worked at Subway briefly at 16, then started at Kwik Trip, where I’ve been for about 2.6 years. I’ve mostly worked in the kitchen, currently making around $15–$16.80/hr. The job is fine, but I don’t really want to move into management, and I don’t see much long-term growth there.

After high school, I applied to various jobs in hospitals, manufacturing, custodial work, and assembly but got rejected. I eventually enrolled in a welding technology program at a technical college because it seemed like a practical career with decent pay, a scholarship, and an internship.

The problem is that I’ve realized I’m not very good at the math, reasoning, or hands-on work involved. I’m also becoming less interested in welding. I’ve already spent around $1,000 on books/PPE/equipment, with about $600 of tuition left after a $3,500 scholarship. The program starts in a couple days, and I’m seriously considering dropping it.

Meanwhile, I’ve explored some other options. I had a USPS CCA offer fall through because of an I-9/application issue, and I have an RCA position available, but it would probably require putting a lot of money into my aging car. I also interviewed for a forklift job seven minutes from my house, but there may not actually be an opening unless someone retires or goes back to school.

Now I’m considering CDL training and truck driving. There’s a CDL school about 20 minutes away, and possibly companies that sponsor training. I don’t mind being away from home, and I think I’d tolerate driving/delivery better than welding. The main appeal is being able to increase my income relatively quickly.

My biggest concern is that I don’t want to make another impulsive decision. I’m also unsure about the long-term outlook for trucking with automation and whether CDL training is actually a good investment.

Financially, I have about $47k invested and another $5k in other assets, so I’m not desperate for money. I’d just like to increase my income while I’m young and keep building my savings/investments.

For anyone who has actually worked in trucking, welding, manufacturing, or similar fields: what would you do in my position? Is getting a CDL a reasonable move, or am I just jumping into another career because I’m frustrated with my current options?

I’d rather make a rational decision now than spend the next few years bouncing between jobs and programs.

Im 19 and I’m having trouble choosing a career and even getting a different job. I’ve been working at the Kwik trip I live next to for the past 2.6 years making a little above poverty line a year. During that time I’ve applied to very entry level jobs in several places like Mayo and manufacturing plants to no avail, even after interviews and using a temp agency. I don’t want to advance through Kwik trip as I’m not the leadership type and I have plans to start a 4 month welding program next month which is mostly covered by a 3.5k scholarship and financial aid, plus it has a built in internship program. I’ve concluded this to be a safe bet as there are fabrication shops in the Midwest where I’m from and the technical college is not too far. Though I’m second guessing myself as I’ve never welded before and struggle with math and shop culture. I’m considering dropping the program to pursue something more fitting and accessible like a mail carrier, custodian, or logistics. I might even go for a CDL. Or any area that aligns with my slow learning and quiet nature that has good benefits. I’m not in a hurry, Im financially stable, and I have no skills besides art which can’t pay the bills. I’d like some human advice on how to approach this so I have some sort of clarity in the job market fractal. Do you think I should go for the program or is there something better that aligns with my experience and goals?

Im 19 and I’m having trouble choosing a career and even getting a different job. I’ve been working at the Kwik trip I live next to for the past 2.6 years making a little above poverty line a year. During that time I’ve applied to very entry level jobs in several places like Mayo and manufacturing plants to no avail, even after interviews and using a temp agency. I don’t want to advance through Kwik trip as I’m not the leadership type and I have plans to start a 4 month welding program next month which is mostly covered by a 3.5k scholarship and fafsa. I concluded this to be a safe bet as there are many fabrication shops in the Midwest where I’m from and the technical college is not too far. Though I’m second guessing myself as I’ve never welded before and struggle with math and shop culture. I’m considering dropping the program to pursue something more fitting and accessible like a mail carrier, custodian, or logistics. I might even go for a CDL. Or any area that aligns with my slow learning and quiet nature that has good benefits. I’m not in a hurry and Im financially stable. I’d like your questions and feedback or advice on how to approach this so I have some sort of clarity in the job market fractal. Do you think I should go for the program or is there something better that aligns with my experience and goals? I have no passions or skills besides art which can’t pay bills.

Im 19 and I’m having trouble choosing a career. I’ve been working at the Kwik trip I live next to for the past 2.6 years making 16.80 an hour. During that time I’ve applied to very entry level jobs in several places like Mayo and manufacturing plants to no avail, even after interviews and using a temp agency. I don’t want to advance through Kwik trip as I’m not the leadership type and I have plans to start a 4 month welding program next month which is free from a big scholarship and fafsa. I concluded this to be a safe bet as there are many fabrication shops in the Midwest where I’m from and the technical college is not too far. Though I’m second guessing myself as I’ve never welded before and struggle with shop culture. I’m considering dropping the program to purse something more fitting and accessible like a mail carrier, custodian, or logistics. I might even go for a CDL. I’m not in a hurry, have 50k in assets, and a 10 year grace period. I’d like your questions and feedback or advice on how to approach this to have more odds odds of career success. Do you think I should go for the program or is there something better that aligns with my quiet and slow learning personality. I have no passions or skills besides painting which can’t pay bills.