3 answers
Myeisha
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
454 views
Where I want to be in 5 years?
I want to be successful, and taking good care of me and my family. I want to be able to provide for my whole family and them not ever having to worry about anything ever again. I really see myself doing good in life, but not perfect cause that would be impossible. #Family-Matters
Login to comment
3 answers
Alison Warren
Academic Administration
57
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hi Myeisha,
Another thing to try is to think about what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. For example, if you really like science classes and are quick to help people, maybe looking at a career in nursing or medicine is a good option for you. If you are a really logical thinker and are always the one who can fix electronics when they break in your house, maybe looking at something in the field of IT (information technology) would be a good fit for you. Being successful means something a little different for everyone. So, think about what it means for you. Maybe make some lists (things I enjoy, things I’m good at, success is...) and then talk with your friends, teachers, guidance counselor, and even your parents (😲!) to figure out which careers match the things on your list. If you’re still stuck after that, there are lots of online resources like mynextmove.org that can help you figure things out, too.
I’m sure that whatever you decide, you’ll be great!
Another thing to try is to think about what you are good at and what you enjoy doing. For example, if you really like science classes and are quick to help people, maybe looking at a career in nursing or medicine is a good option for you. If you are a really logical thinker and are always the one who can fix electronics when they break in your house, maybe looking at something in the field of IT (information technology) would be a good fit for you. Being successful means something a little different for everyone. So, think about what it means for you. Maybe make some lists (things I enjoy, things I’m good at, success is...) and then talk with your friends, teachers, guidance counselor, and even your parents (😲!) to figure out which careers match the things on your list. If you’re still stuck after that, there are lots of online resources like mynextmove.org that can help you figure things out, too.
I’m sure that whatever you decide, you’ll be great!
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Myeisha,
It's obvious that you care and love your family dearly. I wish you the best of luck in reaching your goal of having them never worry, but I'll tell you now that no matter what you do, you won't be able to change another person (even your family's) ability to worry. I imagine that y'all have been through some tough times in terms of money, and living in that type of environment will make you always worry about money, even when you're sitting flush.
Your other stated goal, however, of proving for your whole family, is difficult, but do-able. It really depends on where you live, what the living expenses are, and how frugal you and your family is willing to be. If y'all live within your means, your goal is totally reachable (I'm assuming a family of four or something).
Here's what I suggest (similar to the other posted answers). Try to learn about yourself and what you love to do. This means going around and trying tons of different types of tasks/roles, so that you know what you like. I would also interview your most trusted friends and family and see what they think you like to do. I would then use all of that information to figure out two to three things that could translate into jobs.
For instance, maybe you find out that you really like feeding people, because after you cook, you can immediately see other people being nourished. Great! This means a career in food, and you can narrow down some choices like cook, chef, baker, etc. You can think about going to a culinary school after high school, or you can get a job in the food industry. I must warn you though, I listen to some podcasts run by chefs or ex-chefs and a job in the kitchen is a tough one. You'll have to wake up early, stay up late, and really love to spend time in the kitchen, or you'll hate it and want to do something else.
Another example could be that you really like technology. If so, maybe you can look for a career in IT or coding. Maybe you can volunteer to build up experience working in real-life situations or you can study up and build an app that you think would be useful. Regardless, there are many steps here that you can take now to build experience so that you can find a job after college (for IT, college degrees aren't a requirement, though I'd at least try to get an associates degree).
The goal here is to find a job that really fits you and is something that you love doing. It might be enough for you to be able to support your family in five years doing a job you don't love, but if they love you as much as you seem to love them, they'll so so sad that you're working in a job that you don't like. So use the time now to find yourself and try to find a career for yourself that you'll end up loving.
The dream scenario here is that in five years, you'll be starting your career doing something you love, your family will be well supported, and you'll be setting yourself in a career that have a great career path for the next 30 years for you. I'd love to see that happen for you.
--
Dexter
It's obvious that you care and love your family dearly. I wish you the best of luck in reaching your goal of having them never worry, but I'll tell you now that no matter what you do, you won't be able to change another person (even your family's) ability to worry. I imagine that y'all have been through some tough times in terms of money, and living in that type of environment will make you always worry about money, even when you're sitting flush.
Your other stated goal, however, of proving for your whole family, is difficult, but do-able. It really depends on where you live, what the living expenses are, and how frugal you and your family is willing to be. If y'all live within your means, your goal is totally reachable (I'm assuming a family of four or something).
Here's what I suggest (similar to the other posted answers). Try to learn about yourself and what you love to do. This means going around and trying tons of different types of tasks/roles, so that you know what you like. I would also interview your most trusted friends and family and see what they think you like to do. I would then use all of that information to figure out two to three things that could translate into jobs.
For instance, maybe you find out that you really like feeding people, because after you cook, you can immediately see other people being nourished. Great! This means a career in food, and you can narrow down some choices like cook, chef, baker, etc. You can think about going to a culinary school after high school, or you can get a job in the food industry. I must warn you though, I listen to some podcasts run by chefs or ex-chefs and a job in the kitchen is a tough one. You'll have to wake up early, stay up late, and really love to spend time in the kitchen, or you'll hate it and want to do something else.
Another example could be that you really like technology. If so, maybe you can look for a career in IT or coding. Maybe you can volunteer to build up experience working in real-life situations or you can study up and build an app that you think would be useful. Regardless, there are many steps here that you can take now to build experience so that you can find a job after college (for IT, college degrees aren't a requirement, though I'd at least try to get an associates degree).
The goal here is to find a job that really fits you and is something that you love doing. It might be enough for you to be able to support your family in five years doing a job you don't love, but if they love you as much as you seem to love them, they'll so so sad that you're working in a job that you don't like. So use the time now to find yourself and try to find a career for yourself that you'll end up loving.
The dream scenario here is that in five years, you'll be starting your career doing something you love, your family will be well supported, and you'll be setting yourself in a career that have a great career path for the next 30 years for you. I'd love to see that happen for you.
--
Dexter
Ryan Nichols
Compensation Analyst
8
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Try working backwards. Identify where you want to be in 5 years and then start toward that goal. Try hard in school. Education is really important when looking for a well-paying job. Look for opportunities to get work experience even if it is an unpaid internship. Internships can be a great way into the career you want.