Working in the Industry

[Whip]

Hit or Miss makes a great point which applies to everyone, whether your choosen field is in the outdoors or not.  Get started on saving for retirement NOW!  Save as much as you possibly can, and every year bump it up a little higher until you are putting away as much as you legally can.  

At your age retirement seems like such a distant concept it is hard to even think about.  But I had a very wise boss early in my career that gave me very good advice.  We lived below our means and saved our entire married lives.  We were able to retire 5 years ago ( I am 58 now) and are having the time of our lives. I hunt more than I ever thought possible.

I understand the desire to do fun stuff now, but I personally wouldn't trade these years for anything.  There are lots of ways to have a meaningful and financially rewarding career that offers plenty of time off to pursue your passions.  Working in the outdoor industry in many cases is still work, and might temper your enjoyment of what you love to do.

[Mark Baker]

Jobs are jobs.   I've been a hunting guide, a fishing guide, a whitewater guide, done some logging, built a bunch of custom homes and a bunch of other stuff that has all had it's rewards in experiences.  Bottom line, they all were jobs.   My best advice....LIVE somewhere you can escape your job and circumstances and DO (for fun) what you love.   That's why I live in MT.  I may not be rich $$$$-wise, but in experiences I've had a life many envy.  

As far as career choices, if I had to do it all again and was as young as you...I'd become a fireman.   Lot's of time off...great benefits and pay....rewarding and adventurous work.  

Good luck!

[Jhawk]

I followed Littlebigman's thread last year and this year as well.  His quote as the bottom stuck with me, "make a life, not a living."

[S. Brant Osborn]

Do it.  And do it now.
I agree with Littlebigman's tag as well