6 answers
Amber
Student
Lebanon, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
493 views
Why do I have to do a lot of school?
Why does this take so much school? Like I want to go ahead and make money so I can be rich and not have to live my life with stress over money. I want to be able to prove for my family.
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6 answers
Fenton Groff, BS, RT (R) (ARRT)
Radiographer
2
Answers
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Updated
Fenton’s Answer
Hi Amber,
You have a wonderful question about education and obtaining a lucrative career. It seems like you have some core motivations, like making a lot of money to live comfortably and make your family proud of you. These are commendable goals and normal motivators. However, to be successful in these things, it is important to find out what you are good at doing naturally. Do you like working with money and numbers? Maybe a career in banking, accounting, or consumer marketing. Maybe a career in business, to start a company of your choosing. Do you like building things with your hands or taking things apart? You could be a home builder, mechanic, plumbing, electrician. Do you like helping people, feeding people, protecting people? You could choose a career in healthcare, culinary, nutrition counseling, or law enforcement, lawyer, or firefighter.
There are many careers where you can make a lot of money, and make your family proud. But, whatever you choose, you need to learn what fits you best and then learn how to master your field of work. How you may ask? Education will be key to that success. Even if you decide a trade instead of college, you must read, comprehend, and perform the tasks for each job. Why would I pay an electrician or plumber $100 per hour to fix my utility issues? Because, they were taught by master electricians and plumbers how to fix these issues safely and effectively. Why do lawyers and doctors make huge salaries? Because, they need to study law, and how it works... And pre med students need to study the human body and how that works. Education in any field is required and necessary. Everything we do is a learning process. You must decide how much you want to learn, because it a proven fact, that the more you learn, the more you will earn. Best of success to you and never give up, and always look up.
Try Community College or Trade School first and then go from there.
You have a wonderful question about education and obtaining a lucrative career. It seems like you have some core motivations, like making a lot of money to live comfortably and make your family proud of you. These are commendable goals and normal motivators. However, to be successful in these things, it is important to find out what you are good at doing naturally. Do you like working with money and numbers? Maybe a career in banking, accounting, or consumer marketing. Maybe a career in business, to start a company of your choosing. Do you like building things with your hands or taking things apart? You could be a home builder, mechanic, plumbing, electrician. Do you like helping people, feeding people, protecting people? You could choose a career in healthcare, culinary, nutrition counseling, or law enforcement, lawyer, or firefighter.
There are many careers where you can make a lot of money, and make your family proud. But, whatever you choose, you need to learn what fits you best and then learn how to master your field of work. How you may ask? Education will be key to that success. Even if you decide a trade instead of college, you must read, comprehend, and perform the tasks for each job. Why would I pay an electrician or plumber $100 per hour to fix my utility issues? Because, they were taught by master electricians and plumbers how to fix these issues safely and effectively. Why do lawyers and doctors make huge salaries? Because, they need to study law, and how it works... And pre med students need to study the human body and how that works. Education in any field is required and necessary. Everything we do is a learning process. You must decide how much you want to learn, because it a proven fact, that the more you learn, the more you will earn. Best of success to you and never give up, and always look up.
Fenton recommends the following next steps:
Peter Glickman. M.D.
Radiologist
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Hi Amber,
The bottom line is any realistic path to riches requires years of hard work. Unless you win the lottery or inherit a large sum, you simply have to "pay your dues." Some people prefer to do their hard work in school, which can give you a clear path to most technical jobs (requiring specialized knowledge and skills that just take years of study and practice to learn, like medicine, engineering, law, etc). Other people prefer to pay their dues learning on the job, like as an apprentice to an electrician or a plumber. Still others have their own ideas for starting a business (the only way to be able to earn Elon Musk type wealth, but most don't make it anywhere near that level), and they pay their dues by working a ton of hours (usually quite a bit more than the others) working to make their dream a reality.
There's no way around hard work if you want success, but there are many ways to pay your dues. You first have to figure out which type of path you want to take, and then follow your interests.
From my own experience, I can tell you medicine is not the easiest path, but it can be very rewarding in many ways. Good luck to you!
The bottom line is any realistic path to riches requires years of hard work. Unless you win the lottery or inherit a large sum, you simply have to "pay your dues." Some people prefer to do their hard work in school, which can give you a clear path to most technical jobs (requiring specialized knowledge and skills that just take years of study and practice to learn, like medicine, engineering, law, etc). Other people prefer to pay their dues learning on the job, like as an apprentice to an electrician or a plumber. Still others have their own ideas for starting a business (the only way to be able to earn Elon Musk type wealth, but most don't make it anywhere near that level), and they pay their dues by working a ton of hours (usually quite a bit more than the others) working to make their dream a reality.
There's no way around hard work if you want success, but there are many ways to pay your dues. You first have to figure out which type of path you want to take, and then follow your interests.
From my own experience, I can tell you medicine is not the easiest path, but it can be very rewarding in many ways. Good luck to you!
Myrlande Maingrette
Pathology
6
Answers
Port Clinton, Ohio
Updated
Myrlande’s Answer
If you love medicine and are passionate about helping others, you might as well accept that you will be devoting your whole life to learning. Even after completing your degree, you will be expected to keep studying and keep recertifying your skills to continue practicing. I don’t know any other way around it.
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
229
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Amber,
It seems like you may be interested in medicine. Career pathways vary quite a bit depending on the career you choose, and many careers often don't require higher degrees. In the case of medicine though, earning a higher degree is inevitable and this requires many years of training and education. But learning to practice medicine doesn't follow only one path, and that's one of the reasons I chose to become a PA. Entry-level PAs are currently educated at master's degree level, but PA education may be the most rigorous master's program there is, because I completed more than 100 credit hours of coursework over seven consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer) spanning 27 months to become eligible to take my board exam. The hard work was worth it though, and the rigor of PA training prepared me well for clinical practice.
You may find the steps to become a PA helpful, published on the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) website:
https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2018/08/6-steps-become-pa/
Then again, I would encourage you to choose a career that you think you'll enjoy both training for and practicing, and the length and cost of training definitely is an important consideration.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
It seems like you may be interested in medicine. Career pathways vary quite a bit depending on the career you choose, and many careers often don't require higher degrees. In the case of medicine though, earning a higher degree is inevitable and this requires many years of training and education. But learning to practice medicine doesn't follow only one path, and that's one of the reasons I chose to become a PA. Entry-level PAs are currently educated at master's degree level, but PA education may be the most rigorous master's program there is, because I completed more than 100 credit hours of coursework over seven consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer) spanning 27 months to become eligible to take my board exam. The hard work was worth it though, and the rigor of PA training prepared me well for clinical practice.
You may find the steps to become a PA helpful, published on the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) website:
https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2018/08/6-steps-become-pa/
Then again, I would encourage you to choose a career that you think you'll enjoy both training for and practicing, and the length and cost of training definitely is an important consideration.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
Brooke Jones
Product Management
10
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Brooke’s Answer
There's a whole world of opportunities to earn a great income, even if college isn't your cup of tea. You could consider roles such as an electrician, plumber, or truck driver, which offer good pay and require only brief training. If you're the entrepreneurial type, why not kick-start your own business? Sales roles or tech-related skills like coding or computer repair could also be your pathway to success. The secret is to discover what you excel at, put your heart into it, and never stop learning and growing.
Megan Morrison
RN
17
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hello Amber,
For most people, there isn't a get-rich-quick scheme or magic wand that can make us instantly wealthy. It also depends on how you define "rich." Remember, money doesn't always bring happiness. Sometimes, being rich in friendships, joy, and happiness can be more fulfilling for your family than having lots of money.
No matter your socioeconomic status, hard work is always necessary, whether you're living at the poverty line or are a millionaire. Education is also crucial. Most jobs require at least a high school diploma, which provides a foundation for life. You might choose a job right out of high school that doesn't require further formal education, but you'll still receive on-the-job training.
Everyone is a lifelong learner, and you'll need to stay updated in whatever career path you choose. Some jobs offer internships where you can learn and earn money simultaneously. These might be trade jobs like electrician or plumber. Trade schools, which cost less and help you start working sooner, are another option. Fields like cosmetology, welding, and mechanics fall into this category.
For some careers, a college degree is necessary because they require advanced knowledge, such as nursing, teaching, social work, or medicine. In these roles, people's lives depend on your expertise, so additional education is important. College degrees vary: associate's (2 years), bachelor's (4 years), master's (5-6 years), and doctorate (8+ years).
When deciding on a career, remember that money isn't everything. Happiness, work-life balance, and having a supportive team often matter more than a high salary.
For most people, there isn't a get-rich-quick scheme or magic wand that can make us instantly wealthy. It also depends on how you define "rich." Remember, money doesn't always bring happiness. Sometimes, being rich in friendships, joy, and happiness can be more fulfilling for your family than having lots of money.
No matter your socioeconomic status, hard work is always necessary, whether you're living at the poverty line or are a millionaire. Education is also crucial. Most jobs require at least a high school diploma, which provides a foundation for life. You might choose a job right out of high school that doesn't require further formal education, but you'll still receive on-the-job training.
Everyone is a lifelong learner, and you'll need to stay updated in whatever career path you choose. Some jobs offer internships where you can learn and earn money simultaneously. These might be trade jobs like electrician or plumber. Trade schools, which cost less and help you start working sooner, are another option. Fields like cosmetology, welding, and mechanics fall into this category.
For some careers, a college degree is necessary because they require advanced knowledge, such as nursing, teaching, social work, or medicine. In these roles, people's lives depend on your expertise, so additional education is important. College degrees vary: associate's (2 years), bachelor's (4 years), master's (5-6 years), and doctorate (8+ years).
When deciding on a career, remember that money isn't everything. Happiness, work-life balance, and having a supportive team often matter more than a high salary.