Need to choose a career I can be obsessed with

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Earlier this year I stopped attending college classes again, because I honestly didn't know what I was taking them for.

"What do you want to do when you finish college, AJ?"

"I don't even know anymore."

It's important, though. Within the past few weeks I've realized the only way I really end up pleased with my life is if I'm in a job I can commit to 100% and which consumes my time and my thoughts. I'm not going to go into too much detail about how I came to this conclusion; I had to think a lot about what I've learned of myself over the years. I would like to thank zkydz for inspiring me to really kick this thinking into high gear, though.

Kind of at a loss as to how I figure out what this possible career would be. There are of course tests for these things; they usually come up with stuff that sounds uninteresting at best. A lot of them suggest engineering fields, which sounds about as uninteresting as something could possibly be. I don't think these vocational tests are well-designed for someone autistic. Most also seem to give little to no weight to a person's values; it's heavily biased towards skill and personality.

You want an example of what I mean by "values"? I'd love to get into journalism (which has never been suggested to me). Nearly all media in the US is controlled by only five companies. I find them all morally repugnant and wouldn't work for any of them. Pretty much kills that option!

So... anyone know some good resources to figure this stuff out? Counseling services, books, websites, etc.? Anything that specializes in people with autism (not a requirement, those people can be full of crap too)? Or maybe just make it more personal and tell me what you've figured out yourself. I just need some direction here.

Did anything you researched give you a feeling of you really want to do that?
If so, you should just go in that direction and not plan or think too much in the beginning, so your mind can have a chance to get into it, and once you are into it, then you can plan and think about what you will do with it long-term, while doing it.

Sometimes, the best way to get rid of repugnant practices is to work with companies with repugnant practices so you could use their methods against them.

How would you feel about legal research--about being a paralegal?

If you like systems and solving problems, consider logistics. I'm a logistician and purchaser. I used to work for a skin care product manufacturer but now work for a wireless device manufacturer.

It pleases me because all kinds of industries need people like me so my job is pretty secure if the economy shifts.

Also, I don't have a degree. I like that part. I dropped out of music school (what was I THINKING). But I think if you wanted a formal education to help in that field you would do a business degree.

My favourite part is that it's all logic, problem solving, things fit into categories and rules are rules (i.e. importing and exporting). There's no B.S.

If you like BS get into sales :p

So my role means that I carry quite a bit of responsibility and all departments at work depend on me. So I work closely with all of my coworkers, I am definitely not my own island! Most of my interactions with people outside of my company are in writing but every once in a while I have to get on the phone to talk to brokers/customs/vendors etc. There's a bit of schmoozing but essentially purchasing is the antithesis to sales.

I got into it because I was working admin and I started adopting more responsibility until I had enough experience to throw on a resume and seriously apply in that field. It's a goofy field that very few consider because no one knows what logistics actually are!

What about human resources then? If you are a people person and want a job that applies to non-profits/academic institutions/public sector, where your job really had nothing to do with commerce, that might be right up your alley!

Therapy, counseling, social work might also appeal to you if you are into problem solving.

I'm just thinking about office jobs here. I'm not even delving into trades or other more hands-on careers.

I may or may not be able to offer you some advice, because honestly I am in the same situation as you; trying to decide what I want to do as a career.

I will say that the suggestions others have listed aren't bad, maybe investigate them a bit further and see if it's work you can get stoked about.

What exactly are you going to college for at the moment, and why'd you stop?