Abigael
Is it better to go college , work or travel first?
I hear so many different things on social media about "brick and mortar" college being a thing of the past. 4 year degrees becoming obsolete as jobs are not there to support your college loans. I don't want to waste $75-100,000 to work in fast food or a box department store. I want a successful career but I also want to travel about and see the world before I start a family, get older and it becomes more difficult to get around. What advice is there from people who have done it all or gone the less traditional route?
#noregrets #bungeejumpbeforegray
2 answers
LaRae Lodes
LaRae’s Answer
Hi Abigael! That is a great question! I commend your efforts for getting feedback and determining which direction you should go. I would highly disagree that traditional colleges are a thing of the past. I do agree that they are not for everyone though; and if one follows the path just because "it's what you are supposed to do" then you'll not get the most out of the experience.
I did a mixture of both and really liked it. I am an adventurer at heart, so no matter what I find adventures wherever I go. I did 2 years of college right after high school (got my AA). I then did a year of Bible college. I took a few years off and just worked until I was ready to go back and get my BA. By the time I went back, I was passionate about going back and it made a huge difference! I also did things later (marriage at 35, first baby at 36) so I had my time to do my own things. I do want to get my Master's but it's got to be the right time. I recently achieved my Project Management Certification. I love to learn and have found I will always focus on it; but it's on my time table so it has the best benefits for me. Every international trip I took for work I also adventured in also, so those can definitely blend!
Now, I am a Business Mom and absolutely love it. I still continue to make adventures; but I navigate around my family's schedule. Everything does change when you get married and have kids; the complexities increase. My recommendation to you is to really ask yourself some good deep questions to see what's important to you both right now and for later. The best scenario is if you can blend your passions, ambitions and adventures and weave your own story right now.
I would ask the following questions to yourself:
What is it that I see myself doing in the next 5-10 years? What do I need to do to get there (classes, on the job training, etc.) What do I want to do before I get married and have kids? What resources do I need to accomplish those things? I have found that everything in life is very progressive. It's best to not "silo" parts of you. You are you, through and through! If you can live with the motto of personal integrity in each area of your life, moving forward in what is important to you with priorities and making the most of your life each day, you will be successful. There is a statistic that says the average amount of time people change careers is 7x! I wouldn't get hung up on determining your end game, but look at what resonates with who you are and what you are drawn to. I think that with your love for travel, passion for adventure and your logical mindset, you can build your life the way you want...life the life you love and love the life you live. All the best to you, hope my input helps!
Setia Budiman
Setia’s Answer
Hello Abigael, this is a real difficult question. And at the end of the day it is a question you have to find the right answer for yourself. There is no right nor wrong. I did a combination of all of it and at least for me it was the right thing to do. I did go to university and I did go travelling whilst I was at university and I did work alongside my studies to support my living but also my travels . For me it was always important the my career is also giving me the opportunity to support my desire to travel and I achieved this. So bottom line, I did pursue the traditional way but I also find ways to be creative and exploring life. Thanks Setia