DEAR ABBY: Nineteen-year-old "Hopeless in Chandler, Ariz." (May 21), said he doesn't know what he wants to do with his life. When I was his age, I didn't know what I wanted to do, either. I didn't want to go to college, the military didn't interest me, and nothing I could think of seemed appealing.

My parents had factory jobs - Dad in quality control and Mom in assembly. They talked me into filling out an application at the plant. I did so grudgingly, and was hired. I figured I'd stay one or two years and then find something I liked better.

This September I'll have worked there 32 years. I have survived layoffs and reorganizations, a move to another town and the sale of the product line I started on. I consider the job I'm doing now to be my dream job, and I enjoy going to work every day.

My advice to "Hopeless" is to try something he may think he won't like, give it a chance, and see how he feels in a couple of years. He may be surprised by what he discovers.

- HAPPY AND SATISFIED IN OHIO

DEAR HAPPY: Great advice! It never hurts to give something a try before deciding you don't like it. Read on for more suggestions:

DEAR ABBY: I would encourage "Hopeless" to take college transfer courses at a community college. This often leads to finding an interest. Volunteer or get a part-time job. If nothing else, those experiences can eliminate some fields of endeavor or spark an interest in something he has not yet considered.

- VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR IN MURPHY, N.C.

DEAR ABBY: "Hopeless" should sign with a temp agency. I worked as a temp during my college breaks and was introduced to various office settings, technologies and career opportunities. One summer's temporary placement - answering phones and doing clerical work - led to a higher-level position the following summer after graduation. I took it and couldn't have been happier.

"Hopeless" shouldn't wait for others to tell him what he should do - he should just get out there and do it! If nothing else, he may discover what he does NOT want to do and can direct his college course accordingly.

- BARBARA IN KATY, TEXAS