Some career advice would be appreciated - and a few words of advice for others a well

[fujiyama]

OK, I have a long and crazy academic history and work history. It's tortured. I need to share it because it's driving me insane.

I graduated from HS ten years ago. Possibilities were endless. I was a slacker in HS and I vowed I wouldn't in college. Well, some things don't change. I didn't have any direction and somehow ended up majoring in the areas I was NEVER good at. Even though I didn't like it, I forced myself and got through it. To do so, I flunked out of one college, and had semesters where I would withdraw all my classes after a while because I didn't think I'd pass the classes. It was disastrous and I live with the consequences now.

I was an engineering major. I graduated with a mediocre GPA (it was just under a 3.0 at my final graduating school, but my previous grades are really awful with plenty of failed and withdrawn classes) because I never had my heart set on it. I thought engineers make money. I thought I would make money.

You remember Obama's story during the campaign of a guy constantly hitting his head against a wall hoping the outcome would change but was surprised nothing ever did? Well I was that person. I always had a passion for politics, current events, news, and always though law school might have been a good fit. But I denied it all. I thought law school was something I should consider at a later time. I wanted to be "practical". Well, too late now. Because the way most professional schools calculate GPAs, well let's just saythat semesters of withdrawals and failed classes kill a cumulative GPA. We can shut the door on some dreams.

Hope isn't lost. At least I'd rather hope it isn't. I have a degree in a "marketable" field (which still has left me unemployed). But I have it. What should I do? My jobs were never even closely related to my degree. But for a few years I did have work and while those jobs never felt great, they provided me with some sanity and dignity. I don't even have motivation to look for jobs in my field because I hate it but I try to anyways. Plus, this job market is terrible. I don't know how or why I've done what I did.

I'm considering going back to school. Is a second bachelor's degree a good idea? Or would a masters be better? I'm back at home and have worked a few years and have saved some money I may be able to use for college. Any suggestions for a degree that ties into my interests? Maybe a Poli Sci bachelors is a good idea. It would be a lot of years of studying but I think I'd do well. Any suggestions for something after? Or would it be better to just dive into a masters program (if I get into one)? I just don't want to be locked into doing something I will hate for the rest of my life.

I need a good way to assess my strengths and weaknesses, and I've and never honestly did that.

My only words of advice to recent grads and younger people - never pursue a career in something you are not passionate about. Ultimately, if you don't like something, either your work will suffer, or you'll just get burned out. You'll then have the kind of regrets that one should never have.

This may be cliche, but always be true to yourself.