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my goal is to go to college and hopefully get a job before going to college.

i´m 16 and I just want to be successful in life and work hard and grind for what I want and need in life and I will do anything in my power to try and succeed in life cause I want to reach my goals and dreams and be happy and not have to worry about getting more money to pay for rent or bills. even tho I don´t have to yet but I want to be prepared.

#life #career #jobs

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Subject: Career question for you

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Doc’s Answer

Jameer unless you've been offered a full scholarship, going to college will cost you or your family money. And even if your schooling is paid for, you'll still need money for food, lodging, books, trips home, entertainment and more. Taking a year or two off to work and save money, especially if you're able to remain living for free with your parents, can be a very wise idea. A part-time job — even one paying higher than minimum wage is a good plan — it's unlikely it will cover the total cost of attendance at any four-year college or university, but... it can help offset some of the expense. And any preemptive dent made in student loan debt is worth the effort.

College is a fairly sheltered environment. Often, you end up hanging around with the same types of people you knew in high school. Even if personalities vary, you will most likely find yourself in a group of people who are the same age as you, doing the same things you do every day. Work, on the other hand, can expose you to a wider range of people. The ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and hopes and dreams of your coworkers will be quite different than your own, and this is a good thing. It won't hurt to bring a bit more life knowledge to college, when you do decide to attend. If you’ve never worked a job before, managing your own money may be new. And while there are plenty of financial guides available — both in print and online — learning to manage money is a skill. That means it requires not just study, but also practice. It’s best to practice how to avoid money mistakes while in college rather than when you’re completely on your own after graduation. And if you take responsibility for personal expenses like your cellphone, transportation, clothes, and entertainment, you will learn how to manage your money — including how to make a budget and stretch your tight dollars. Budgeting is the practice of creating a spending plan for your income – tracking how much you bring in versus how much you pay out — and striving to keep your expenses less than your income. When you budget, you’re deciding how to spend each dollar you earn, which helps you to avoid accidentally overspending and to grow your savings. Budgets can easily be set up using one of the many online apps like Tiller or MoneyPatrol. This will pay off hugely once you graduate and become fully responsible for covering all your expenses, including those student loan bills. Because you’ll already be a pro, managing your bills will come more naturally, even if your first post-college job doesn’t come with as high an income as you hoped for Jameer.

Happy job hunting Jameer
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your continued support Kim. If we do not change what we are doing today, all of our tomorrows will look like yesterday. Doc Frick
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your continued support Simeon. A sincere compliment is one of the most effective tools to teach and motivate others. Doc Frick
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Carmen’s Answer

Hi Jameer!

I started working when I was a teenager, grocery stores, clothing stores, etc. What is great now, it that organziations are using tuition reimbursement or some form of college program as a benefit. While the environment is a bit unstable in the job market, look for companies that have such programs, Starbucks at one point had a college program and the minimum age to work there was 16. I would do my reasearch now however, as things change, but think of these types of companies when you are looking to work and continue your education.
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Mauro’s Answer

Hey Jameer,

I remember when I was 16 during High School I have the same thought process as yours due to my inspirations from my grandfather's success.

I just want you to prepared. As you go through college you will face financial challenges like who, what, where can i get this money to pay of college.

You will do tons of research of how will you get that money to pay of college. Like do you decide to go into a straight 4 year university or go first community college to save money by getting your basic courses done in a cheaper program which I would recommend.

Utterly keep the positivity but also your going to need to put your realistic hat based on your circumstances.

Hope this helps.
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Quinton’s Answer

Hey Jameer!

Those are some great goals to aspire to! Many of us are looking for what you hope to achieve in life. I know there have been moments in my own college career where I hoped I would find a job while in attending school. I mean, it's the perfect scenario. You go to school, you get a job that helps you earn well while in school, you start to become successful, and don't have to worry about the things to come in adulthood. Believe me when I say, I most certainly hope we could all end up that way. That is why it's important to pursue what you want to learn in college, and finish strong and earn your degree/certificate. Chasing a job that will make you serious money, all while attending school, whether full-time or part-time, can easily distract you from a bigger picture you have yet to paint for yourself.

Imagine what could happen if you focused on that bigger picture? There will be undoubtedly moments in your college career where you will consider finding yourself a high paying job and calling it good from there. Taking on the grind may seem like it's the best way out to achieve what you want in life, but that only continues to make you work harder and harder, when you have the opportunity to work smarter. College can prepare you for how to manage money, how to become financially stable, and can even lead to a fulfilling career. Even community college (which is among the most affordable means of getting your education), can take you down a path of success, where at the end of the day, you are prepared for what is to come later in life.

I fortunately was supported by my parents, who taught me that it isn't the school that you go to that makes your education valuable, it's how you make it valuable and what you do with your education that matters. One thing to remember Jameer is that in order to succeed, you got to stay focused on your ultimate goal. If your ultimate goal is to find a fulfilling career that helps create financial stability, that's amazing, and your already thinking ahead much bigger than most young men your age. But if there is one piece of advise I can pass to you, is don't loose focus on your goals. If the first thing you want to do is go to college, then find a job to become financially stable, it's important to stay focused on your education, which will lead you to financial success. All good things come to those that stay true, and are patient. In time young man, you will find what you are looking for. It just comes down to if your willing to earn your goals, and stay focused on your ultimate goal.
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Sheila’s Answer

Hi Jameer:

I started working at a very young age; around 14 years old. Here's a list of companies that hire young age people. I recommend that you research the companies requirements as it may be different in each state. I provided a link to an article that have other jobs included such as: park attendant, babysitter, landscaper, etc. etc. Before you go off to college these jobs may be able to provide you with income so you could have a nice savings starting out. Remember to budget what you spend wisely and save-save-save. I know that's hard to do but, it can be done. 👍

• AMC Theaters
• Baskin-Robbins
• Bruster's
• Chick-Fil-A
• Culver's
• Dairy Queen
• McDonald's
• Publix
• Six Flags
• Taco Bell
• Winn-Dixie

I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!

Sheila recommends the following next steps:

https://hip2save.com/tips/jobs-hire-14-15-year-old-teens/
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Joe’s Answer

Hello Jameer,

For tuition assistance, I recommend looking at your state's benefits to help you offset some of the costs. California has BOGW (Board of Governors Fee Waiver) that waives tuition fees for low-income individuals, which you can qualify with a low-paying job. There is also federal aid grant called FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) that gives you free monies to pay for anything school related. American Opportunity Credit allows you to claim up to $2,500 per year for the first four years. The Lifetime Learning Credit allows you to claim up to $2,000 for school related expenses as well. So there are several options, which can take the burden of school if you stick to local colleges and universities.

As for work, I started working at McDonalds at age 14. I've since then worked my entire life. You can start working at a your age but I suggest picking at least a company that has some upward mobility, good benefits, and pays you at least a penny above minimum wage. Usually these are regional or local grocery stores or restaurants. Working at McDonalds bled into my High School studies and I was always exhausted. Just don't lose focus on your education and be willing to choose your education over the small-time job. I even left McDonalds as they were promoting me to manager, because to me it was just a stepping stone. Don't lose focus!

Best of luck~
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Simeon’s Answer

I'd echo John's concerns and make sure you have a plan for going to college. College doesn't necessarily pay off, so you have to be certain about some ways you could use the degree. If you want to make money for money's sake, you could consider a degree in business, but you could also look at non-degree options such as welder, electrician, plumber, or HVAC tech.
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