I've started an internship with a large company for the summer, which has ended up feeling more like a career than an internship. There is a good chance of full time employment with this same company next spring. While this is attractive, I have also been thinking of a vocation to the priesthood (just diocesan, not the religious life).

I enjoy the job, primarily because its something new, I like learning more and more about the product, and I really like working with people (think like solving problems). On the other hand, I don't really 'like' the people outside say of a business setting. They're not the type of people I fit in with mainly because of my religious feelings and background. On top of all that I don't feel that I'm becoming that better of a person spiritually through work. In fact just the opposite; I'm on the road 100% for the job and I feel like my prayer life is lacking.

I really like it when I'm in and around my Church groups (which normally is about 4-5 nights a week), and could really see myself as a priest. Maybe it means my faith is weak, but just being around the Church and in that environment keeps me focused on Christ in my life; and I like that.

I'm hesitant to go for either way any time soon, for fear that I will regret the other. If I joined the company I'm not sure that I wouldn't spend my life wondering\regretting the priesthood. I don't think I'd regret giving up a job and that life, but again I do somewhat enjoy it.

There was one other option I was considering, going to grad school for business stuff, and using it also as a discernment period.

I know this all starts with prayer so I'll jump on that, but pham I need some thoughts and your prayers always!

You are quite fortunate to have found such a good internship, congrats on that. May I ask about how old you are? If you are in your young 20's, then by all means look into this as a job opportunity you are lining up for next spring. There is no harm in preparing for all options.
You know what, work is WORK. It is not always going to be an expression of your religion, it is a job. Most jobs are just that. A few, like mine as a nurse, I am able to bring my faith into it. But when you are in the business world, with other business people, you can't expect it to be a faithfilled envionment. It is not.
If you are enjoying this work, then go for it. You can still continue your search into the priesthood. There is no reason you could not accept a position there, earn some money, pay off some bills, develop adult relationships(and I am not just speaking about girls). You mention that you don't want work friends as friends because of your religious differences, well you are always going to work with people who do not share your faith. It is vital that you have a diverse group of friends. If you choose the priesthood, you will be living with others. Working with all faiths. Dealing with those who have no faith. You must be well rounded.
As to spending 4-5 evenings a week with your church friends, wow, that is alot. You must be young to have that much free time! Or you might be in school still. Whatever, enjoy that time.
Do you have a spiritual advisor? Are you friendly with some priests? Have you spoken to your parish priests and asked their opinions?
Above all, enjoy your searching time. The Lord will continue to inspire you if you are truly called. As to grad school, go if you feel it will help. But do not use it as a crutch to hide from the reality of the business world or from further discerning the priesthood.
Prayers join yours

First off, "just diocesan" sounds bad, we need diocesan priest badly, and it makes it sound like they are some lesser form of priest of something.

Secondly, I can't know where you are at in your discernment but I can tell you one thing, you are never going to be 100% sure about a vocation to the priesthood, before you enter the seminary, and likely not for a while after you enter. Many priest I know said they were only sure when they recieved their Canonical Call to Priesthood from the Church. My point is that at some point, you have to take the next step and just see how it turns out. That point may not be now, or maybe it is and you are afraid to take it, I don't know, only you can. The fear of regretting not entering the priesthood may always be there. On the other hand most men I know who enter the seminary either leave as priest or leave knowing they weren't called to the Priesthood. I am not saying you should enter the seminary right now, because only you can now when it time to take the next step. The important point is do not wait to be 100% or even 90% sure for that matter before you take the next step or you be left standing still. The seminary is a place of discernment, that why it ok to enter when you still are not sure what you are called to. Taking the next steps can be hard and can involve sacrifices, so you will in my prayers

God Bless

Thanks for the comments so far! I few more quick things...

I do enjoy the industry and the business, and actually I got the oppertunity to work around some people that I did really enjoy. I do enjoy the people on a business level, and mostly on a personal level, just when for fun everyone wants to go hit up the bars I'm in somewhat of a difficult situation. I'm old enough to drink, but again its just not my scene.

I've still got one year left of undergrad, and I do think grad school would be a great help with this job if I go for it.

I dunno its a hard choice to make, and I've still got some time to do it, but time is running out also.

Also I didn't mean to belittle the diocesan route in any way; most of the discussions in this board seem to center around an order. They're both as much of a life choice to me.
Thanks again

Something i've always heard that you might want to think about is that when you are trying the vocation to the religious life, if you find out that it is not what you are called to you always have some leeway at first....you know time to step-down gracefully. Like in the seminary, the aspirancy, novitiate. However, once you are married that is forever.

Just something to think about. It is always good to give God the first chance.......becuase once you are married the chance will be forever gone and the vocation with it. (if it was your vocation.....i mean i don't know.....this is just some food for thought. )

-Yours in Christ
Lauren