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Everyone says I have so much potential to do serious jobs (e.g lawyer) so I need help from you.

As I am always top of class and like learning new things, my family says I’d be good for serious jobs like being a lawyer that will get me lots of money. I agree with them as top paid jobs are in this field. But at the same time, I want to be a dancer, actress and a model for my passions . whereas law gives a guaranteed rich life, which is what really want.

BTW I had to put I’m in USA because the option of the UK wasn’t there.

#law #career #business #everyone #confused #life #money

Thank you comment icon Hi Samira, Family is always going to want what they think is best for you, and many times the focus is solely on the financial side. Don't get me wrong, money is important, but it is not the end all be all. Follow your passions, and find the path that brings you happiness. When you do this, you no longer are just working a job, you are on your career path. The money will follow when you do what you enjoy, and you can't put a price on happiness. Good luck finding your path! Chris Ochs
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Chris! It’s not that my family don’t support me it’s just they really would be sad to waste my knowledge haha :) Samira

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

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Maria’s Answer

Firstly, good job for always being on top of your class! It also seems that your family tries to consult you in regard to your professional career and this is perfectly normal. There are some professions that are usually considered to be 'safer' than others, however being successful is not determined by the job itself, but from ones attitude, ambition, effort and performance overall. Hence there are great and very successful professionals that thrive on different fields throughout the world. In addition, being passionate about dance, might not necessarily mean that you will be a dancer for a living, but does not also mean that you shall choose something completely opposite. What I would advise you is to explore your options and set your priorities straight. What you could do is create a pros and cons list per profession, while also make an in depth research on each one, in order to have an overview of what being a model or a lawyer actually means.
Thank you comment icon Wow! Your answer really made me see clearly about this situation. Thank you so much, I’ll take everything on board and will really use this :) Samira
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THOMAS’s Answer

Families can influence our decisions a lot. The issue with family is that it's a lot of people who typically share similar life experiences and views (generalisation, not a rule). Treat all of them as one collective opinion rather than lots of individual opinions and make it only part of how you make your decision.

If money is a key factor for you then here is my advice:
there are loads of jobs out there that can make you lots of money. The top sales person at most big companies will earn more than their chief council (lawyer). I'd also bet that the number 1 influencer in the world earns more than the number 1 lawyer. The reality is that the best people in any field can earn a lot of money doing it. A great plumber get's so much work coming to them that they need to hire help, and before they know it they have lots of plumbers working for them.

Pursue what you enjoy and what you think you will be good at. Forget the notion that lawyers make lots of money and other careers don't.

Caveat - there are obvious jobs where the average performer still earns a decent wage (like lawyers). But when you are young and starting your career, don't pick a job based on what an average performer gets paid.

Now, if you want to be a dancer/model/actress then you need to go into that knowing that the lowest paid people in those careers earn $0. The other difference is that becoming a lawyer is about studying - but these are based on some natural talent. Find someone in the industry who can advise you on your natural talent and also think about studying something different alongside pursuing this career.
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! Samira
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Howard’s Answer

Dear Samira,

While your parents or relatives suggest that you study a particular field and gain a lot of money, that is not the true key to what will inspire you. Money of course is a good thing, but if you don't love what you do, then you will be unhappy. I believe that you should choose a profession that you believe you will truly enjoy because if you really like what you are doing, you will be motivated to do well, and if you are motivated you are more apt to succeed. The success should eventually bring you the money you need to survive and flourish as an individual.

Your next step should be to concentrate on your career goal and learn as much as you can about that career. Take a class in the specific area you are interested in or ask someone who is already in that specific career, the advice you need to become a success. I wish you the very best in your search and remember happiness is more important than just money. Best wishes.

Thank you comment icon Thank you! Really helpful :) Samira
Thank you comment icon completely agree, do what makes you happy. Margaret Salemi
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Ksenia’s Answer

Hi Samira,

You're facing a very interesting challenge. Dream job is something that lies onto the conjunction of: assets (skills, knowledge, connections); aspirations (what you like doing) and market realities (what people will actually pay for).

We usually say that our passions do not necessarily need to become work. Sometimes, it's actually even better if we keep passions as hobby or a side hustle. At the same time, you might want to think of how you can align your aspirations and market value: e.g. may be you'd like to become a lawyer in show business or sport?

You might want to create a list of professions that can meet all 3 criteria. And I would recommend reaching out to lawyers and models/actresses/dancers for informational interviews to learn more about their work and see if these professions are going to be truly rewarding for you (not only money-wise).

Wishing you the best of luck in this journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you! I would keep this advice and act on it :) Samira
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Pro’s Answer

Try an Interdisciplinary, Liberal Studies, or General Studies major, that will let you combine multiple interests. Or an Individually Designed major that you can even name yourself.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for this new insight! Really appreciate it :) Samira
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N’s Answer

Hi Samira,

First of all, great job for being best in your class! That proves your commitment to learning.

Family tends to guide us to a less risky path which is totally correct on their part. However, if you are committed to a profession that is also your passion, life becomes easy and enjoyable at the same time. I would suggest to maybe take up your passions as a side hustle with a steady source of income since you also want to make money :). That would give you a some exposure to your passions and how it would be to have them as a full time job and should help you make up your mind!

Hope that helps. Wish you goodluck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! :) Samira
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Simeon’s Answer

Just like with investing, I'd say to diversify your life portfolio. If you are committed to one of the arts, I'd recommend keeping it going even if you wind up pursuing a different career. That way, if an opportunity comes up, you'll be in a place where you can transition easily. Keep resumes for both and develop a professional network for both.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Samira
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