Dear Jonna:

It's not that you are not asking for too much, it's that you are looking at too many options. Each of the professions you are considering may give you what you are looking for, so I understand your confusion. But think about how each profession is different: the kinds of problems they solve, the kinds of people they work with, the work place settings are all very different. Working with injured or sick people is not like working with laws or economic numbers. "Advancing the human knowledge" of law, medicine, psychology, economics requires far different thought, study, pains and pleasures. No one would like them all equally or feel they are equally comfortable or rewarding.

Think about working in a university, an office or a hospital -- again, these are such different surroundings. Use your imagination and see yourself in each setting to see how each feels. You might even consider working for a temp agency that could place you in these various settings. Try to talk to people in each field and ask them to tell you about their typical day and the typical joys and frustrations of their field.

While you are doing all these mental exercises, ask yourself which seems the most fun and interesting. I've found that if work is not both fun and interesting, it will not sustain you through a long career, much less graduate school.

Finally, if you are still confused after all this mental homework, go to your college counseling center, or a private career counselor and at least take a Strong Interest Inventory. That is my favorite vocational test, and I am sure it will help you select between the professions.

The Career Doctor