Don't know about proven methodologies; I'm curious about that, too. Where you live/want to live, what your interests are, what your living situation is or can

Don't know about proven methodologies; I'm curious about that, too. Where you live/want to live, what your interests are, what your living situation is or can be are important factors. (Depending on where you live,) If you're young and comfortable with manual labor, you can make a decent chunk of change in traffic management, construction, etc. until you figure out what you want to do. If you can save money, you'll have more options. If you work part time and earn enough to still save, you might be able to make time for your hobbies or gaining skills for other career options you'd like to pursue long term.