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Was how much money a career made a factor in deciding what to do?

I have been trying to research different majors in college and different jobs. Its just that I want to be able to provide for my family and I'm scared that I'm gonna choose a job with low pay.

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Subject: Career question for you

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Banny’s Answer

Hello Maya!

Great query! This is indeed a crucial aspect we all ponder upon in our careers. Although money can be a compelling motivator, it may not provide the same level of satisfaction if we don't find joy in our work.

One of my mentors once beautifully put it as, "our careers are like a lotus, not a ladder." Even though a job might seem appealing due to its attractive offer, it's not always the best fit for us. When contemplating a career, I urge you to think about the kind of impact you aspire to make. If you find yourself eagerly looking forward to work and spending the majority of your time there, will you feel content? What kind of difference do you want to make? Are you aiming to inspire others? Or perhaps, create innovative applications? Your career choice should align with these aspirations.

Remember, money will naturally follow when you pursue what you love! And you'll truly love your work when you see the fruits of your passion!

Take your time to figure out what you want from your career. I'm confident that you'll make the right choice!
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Maya
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Tejas’s Answer

Money is indeed a vital component for leading a contented life. While happiness is subjective, it's undeniable that money has the power to bring joy and alleviate many sorrows. Throughout my life, I've encountered individuals who have chosen careers without considering the financial prospects, as well as those who have placed significant emphasis on this aspect. Both approaches have yielded successful, mediocre, and unsuccessful examples.

To directly address the question at hand, money should indeed play a significant role in your career choice, but it shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. If you're passionate about something, chase it and later figure out how to monetize your skills. Money should be a natural result of your profession. If you're skilled and knowledgeable, you're bound to receive equivalent rewards.

Moreover, if you're at the beginning of your career journey, I would suggest not to overly stress about the financial aspect. Take some time to explore different paths and discover what truly resonails with you. You'll have ample time to switch gears and in doing so, you'll gain a clearer understanding of your likes and dislikes. Once you've found your niche, delve deeper into it, accumulate as much knowledge as possible, and you'll see your earnings grow exponentially. The more you learn and evolve, the more you'll be rewarded. Your knowledge will be recognized and valued.

In conclusion, this is the approach I believe in and have personally followed. I wish you the very best in the decisions you make and the journey you embark on.
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Maya
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Murph,’s Answer

I honestly know how you feel. Everything is so expensive and you don't want to be on the struggle bus for 4 years as a college student and become a college graduate who struggles. But I will also say, that if you make the right choices and bring something different to the table (energy, ability, positivity, hard work), the money will be there. So with that said, don't just choose a major based on your potential earnings. There are some fields that are high paying, but may not be personally gratifying to you. Try to choose a balance. Something that you love as a major that can lead to a great job. However, if you want a career and more money, you may need to obtain at least a master's degree. It doesn't guarantee that you will make bigger bucks, but it will open doors and at least put you in the running for a high salary. Now, going back to my original statement, if you are exceptional at what you do, work hard and stand out, you never know who might want to put you on the fast track to a higher salary (which comes with more responsibility). Research now what you want to do, research the career outlook for your field and you can even google the average salary for certain fields in certain states. Because it also varies from city to city and state to state.
Thank you comment icon I will use this advice as I prepare for my career. Maya
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Tamara’s Answer

Good Morning!

It's incredibly smart to delve into various college majors and potential career paths, particularly taking into account the prospective earnings of each. This is an excellent initial move towards selecting a career that steers clear of low-income jobs.

I'm in agreement with several viewpoints expressed in the responses to your question. While income is a significant motivator for supporting a family and establishing a stable lifestyle, it's equally crucial to consider your personal passions and interests. If there's something you truly enjoy, you can probably mould that passion into a rewarding career with some extra qualifications, certifications or training. As many have highlighted in this post, excelling at something you love can make you stand out in your field, potentially opening up even more opportunities. You might discover a career that becomes more apparent as you start working in your chosen field. For instance, many people were passionate about ESG long before it became a
trendier career choice. This could happen with other career paths as we step into a new era with AI and other technologies. Pursuing your passion and exploring career paths that align with it could lead you to the best of both worlds. I often think of this quote: “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” – Aristotle

For your next steps, I'd recommend you keep investigating and researching your areas of interest. Once you've narrowed down your path, you can always examine the data for each career through platforms like LinkedIn or various career websites: What does the talent pool for this career look like? Are there more opportunities than candidates? What's the salary range? Which companies are hiring for these skills? I'd also suggest you check out various discussion boards for these areas, as they could provide insight into compensation and job descriptions. Your commitment to finding the right career and salary for you and your future is the first step towards securing a fulfilling, well-paid, and passionate role.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Tamara! Maya
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Alyssa’s Answer

A high-paying job can boost your social status and enhance your reputation. These positions often demand advanced degrees or specialized knowledge, and typically involve higher levels of responsibility, earning respect from others. The prestige of a well-paid job can also amplify your social influence and self-assurance.

In my view, financial reward is the driving force behind my career decisions. Money contributes to happiness as it brings power along with it. In today's world, power dictates your significance, distinguishing you from being just another replaceable entity in a world ruled by the powerful. Job satisfaction is also a crucial factor, unless the pay is significantly lower, in which case, it becomes less important. For instance, if you have the option between a job that pays $30,000 a year but makes you unhappy, and a job that pays $28,000 a year but brings you joy, the latter would be the clear choice given the minor difference in salary.

In essence, choosing a career requires careful thought and time. A satisfactory result can be achieved by considering all the factors collectively. In conclusion, while job satisfaction is important when choosing a career, it should not eclipse the necessity for a decent income.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Alyssa for the advice. Maya
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Jerry’s Answer

Upon graduating from college and stepping into my first job, I didn't focus on my salary. My primary goal was to earn my own money swiftly. However, as I gained more experience and my family responsibilities grew, I began to seek higher-paying jobs that matched my skills or were within my capacity to learn. In my perspective, financial considerations play a significant role in job selection. Nevertheless, it's crucial for us all to spend our money judiciously.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Maya
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Dino’s Answer

Hello Maya,

Thank you for sharing your story with us. It's truly admirable that you're being so transparent about your current circumstances. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. I've encountered many individuals who have faced the same challenges you're currently experiencing. And you know what? Despite their financial hardships, they persevered. They were unwavering, resilient, and never abandoned their dreams.

Life is a blend of hardships and beauty - this is our reality. It's the reason we chase our dreams. We're striving for a better life, not just for ourselves, but also for our families, whom we hope to elevate in the future. Whatever your heart yearns for, follow it. Pursue what brings you joy. The important thing is to never stop working towards your dreams. Believe that you can achieve them, and you will.

We all possess unique gifts, talents, and abilities. These attributes level the playing field. We don't solely rely on financial capabilities; we also consider intellectual abilities, aptitude and personality traits. We can use these skills to better ourselves and improve our families' circumstances.

Your dedication and support for your family are truly commendable. People I've known in similar situations have sought scholarships and were fortunate enough to receive them. They also worked part-time during their free time. With hard work, determination, and a proactive mindset, anything is possible.

Keep dreaming, Maya! The world is ready for you. Go after your dreams!

Dino recommends the following next steps:

Visit your counseling office and ask for possible scholarship grants.
Visit your community center and inquire for scholarship grants for performing students.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Maya
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