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When going to college, Is it best for me to invest my time on what I would like to do or what is best for me and my family? (hashtag #Spring24)
I'm going to college and would like some advice.
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10 answers
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Aishwarya’s Answer
This is indeed a complex question and it's one that a lot of people wrestle with. The choice between following your passion and choosing a more pragmatic option for the sake of financial stability or family expectations can be challenging. It's important to remember that your career is something you'll be dedicating a significant portion of your life to, so it's crucial that you find it fulfilling and rewarding. Being passionate about your work can lead to a happier and more satisfying life.
On the other hand, financial stability and providing for your family are also important considerations. If a career path that aligns with your interests also offers good job prospects and a decent income, then it can be a win-win situation. Sometimes, you might be able to find a middle ground. For instance, you might choose a major related to your passion while also taking courses or gaining skills in a more 'stable' field. Or, you might pursue your passion on the side while working in a more financially secure job. It's also worth noting that people often evolve over time, and so do their interests and passions. A career that seems exciting now might not be so in a decade, and vice versa.
In the end, the decision is a personal one and depends on your individual circumstances, values, and long-term goals. It's crucial to weigh the pros and cons and consider various factors such as job satisfaction, financial stability, family expectations, and personal fulfillment. You might also want to seek advice from a career counselor or mentor, who can provide you with more personalized guidance based on your interests, skills, and circumstances.
On the other hand, financial stability and providing for your family are also important considerations. If a career path that aligns with your interests also offers good job prospects and a decent income, then it can be a win-win situation. Sometimes, you might be able to find a middle ground. For instance, you might choose a major related to your passion while also taking courses or gaining skills in a more 'stable' field. Or, you might pursue your passion on the side while working in a more financially secure job. It's also worth noting that people often evolve over time, and so do their interests and passions. A career that seems exciting now might not be so in a decade, and vice versa.
In the end, the decision is a personal one and depends on your individual circumstances, values, and long-term goals. It's crucial to weigh the pros and cons and consider various factors such as job satisfaction, financial stability, family expectations, and personal fulfillment. You might also want to seek advice from a career counselor or mentor, who can provide you with more personalized guidance based on your interests, skills, and circumstances.
Updated
Anah’s Answer
It's best to do whatever your heart desires. You can actually do both. Do something you love and it can also be good for your family.
Just analyze the possibilities that your career will give you.
Just analyze the possibilities that your career will give you.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Gideon
Susan Bennett
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Susan’s Answer
This is actually a question I am passionate about.
First, do take curriculum that will help you get to a career you "want" in the "today" of your life. But leave yourself a hole if that career doesn't give you a resounding "yes" to the question of "How can I make money doing this?" You don't "have" to be rich at the end of the day, but you do need to be able to feed yourself and keep a roof over your head, etc.
BUT
I think the most important thing to realize after you have made all the "right decisions" and taken all of the "right classes" to do what you think you are going to do??? Is to remember that everything you do in your life builds on what you have done. If your combined home ec / industrial arts education degree ends up taking you into industry and that industry is changed 180 degrees by technology (this was my path)... keep learning. You are the sum of your parts and you just keep adding parts as you gain in experience. The journey from sewing and cooking to rocket ships and robots is amazing.
Never stop learning! Have fun in whatever you choose to do.
First, do take curriculum that will help you get to a career you "want" in the "today" of your life. But leave yourself a hole if that career doesn't give you a resounding "yes" to the question of "How can I make money doing this?" You don't "have" to be rich at the end of the day, but you do need to be able to feed yourself and keep a roof over your head, etc.
BUT
I think the most important thing to realize after you have made all the "right decisions" and taken all of the "right classes" to do what you think you are going to do??? Is to remember that everything you do in your life builds on what you have done. If your combined home ec / industrial arts education degree ends up taking you into industry and that industry is changed 180 degrees by technology (this was my path)... keep learning. You are the sum of your parts and you just keep adding parts as you gain in experience. The journey from sewing and cooking to rocket ships and robots is amazing.
Never stop learning! Have fun in whatever you choose to do.
Updated
Anah’s Answer
It's best to do whatever your heart desires. You can actually do both. Do something you love and it can also be good for your family.
Just analyze the possibilities that your career will give you.
I struggled with these choices as well while picking my major. I was going to study neuroscience but I struggled finding the right school and in the end it wasn't for me.
I decided on going to an arts school after I received my associates in communications and could not be happier. My family ended up supporting my decision so it all worked out.
Just analyze the possibilities that your career will give you.
I struggled with these choices as well while picking my major. I was going to study neuroscience but I struggled finding the right school and in the end it wasn't for me.
I decided on going to an arts school after I received my associates in communications and could not be happier. My family ended up supporting my decision so it all worked out.
Updated
Fred’s Answer
That is an almost impossible question for anyone to answer. We do not know your situation, and there are too many variables even if we did.
You have to think about what's important to you. Maybe you hate your family. Maybe you are going to be the only one supporting them. Maybe "what you like to do" will not let you live the life you want. Maybe it will.
There are really many things you need to consider, and we can't really tell you the answer. Talk to your family. Talk to your guidance counsellor. Talk to your friends and get everyone's opinion. But in the end, YOU have to decide what is right for YOU.
You have to think about what's important to you. Maybe you hate your family. Maybe you are going to be the only one supporting them. Maybe "what you like to do" will not let you live the life you want. Maybe it will.
There are really many things you need to consider, and we can't really tell you the answer. Talk to your family. Talk to your guidance counsellor. Talk to your friends and get everyone's opinion. But in the end, YOU have to decide what is right for YOU.
Thank you, Fred for the advice.
Gideon
Updated
Job’s Answer
My advice is to figure out what you like that pays well. If you like something you will do well. If you have to work for a year to figure it out.
Engineering, accounting, computer science, law, work on a master's and go to Wall Street, I was the youngest broker on the floor of the New York stock exchange. After 2 years I left New York and went to law school in Portland Oregon. I studied tax, real estate, land use and litigation.
Money is not everything, you can also go to trade school. Be a welder, diesel mechanic, fabricator, electrician to name a few. You can learn your trade and start your own business, just make sure you like what you do.
College is not for everyone, it is expensive and you need to do well to get a good job. I went to Stanford and was #1 in my class, but I am very good at learning.
In order to have a high quality of life you need to enjoy what you do and be able to afford to live. Things are going to become expensive, water will be a major problem for your generation. I invested in private water companies 20 years ago. It has been very profitable.
Good luck and enjoy your life, only go to school when you know what you want to do.
Engineering, accounting, computer science, law, work on a master's and go to Wall Street, I was the youngest broker on the floor of the New York stock exchange. After 2 years I left New York and went to law school in Portland Oregon. I studied tax, real estate, land use and litigation.
Money is not everything, you can also go to trade school. Be a welder, diesel mechanic, fabricator, electrician to name a few. You can learn your trade and start your own business, just make sure you like what you do.
College is not for everyone, it is expensive and you need to do well to get a good job. I went to Stanford and was #1 in my class, but I am very good at learning.
In order to have a high quality of life you need to enjoy what you do and be able to afford to live. Things are going to become expensive, water will be a major problem for your generation. I invested in private water companies 20 years ago. It has been very profitable.
Good luck and enjoy your life, only go to school when you know what you want to do.
Thanks for the advice.
Gideon
Updated
Sherry’s Answer
It is a balancing act -- taking care of your family and their best interests is important but you have to enjoy what you are doing from a career perspective -- if not - you will not be happy and that will have an impact on your family.
Updated
Sonya’s Answer
Hi Gideon! you'd be surprised by how easy it is to actually do both! there are so many majors out there at college that you could find a passion in while still being able to take care and provide for your family! Moreso, there are numerous extracurriculars that both enrich your academic and professional expertise while still giving you fun social outlets to meet friends and enjoy new experiences! Get involved as much as you can and choose a major you are passionate about, and success will come!
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hey Gideon! In my own experience, there are seasons of life where you will need to focus more on your work and career and times you will need to focus more on your family. Also understand that work is a significant part of your life as an adult so ensure that it is something you have some interest in. At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer. But when you do decide on something, do your best to not compare it to the other option(s) and give it your all. If after some time, you decide the job is not aligning with your life goals anymore, then it's ok to find something else as well. People's goals and desires are constantly changing so there is nothing wrong with changing course. Priorities are a difficult thing to figure out at times, but I do believe there is a way to manage these seemingly conflicting things. The more you research into different career paths and talk with people as you are already doing, then the answer will start being a little clearer and all you can do is try to make the best decision at the time. Hope this helps!
Updated
Adina’s Answer
There could be an opportunity to do both depending on what those interests are. Being fulfilled in a career can come in many ways. One of the amazing things about college is that you can be a part of other activities in addition to your studies. There could be a way to take classes in what you are interested while being involved in activities that support your family interests. As you invest more time in your studies, you will explore what you enjoy about both the field you are pursuing and the possibilities that the activities address. This will allow you to keep your options open and take more time to understand what makes the most sense for you moving forward.