Why do we like linear trajectories? Aren't the best careers NON-LINEAR?

Whatever you chose, if you do something do it well -at least to be proud of yourself. Studies should help you to thinking ahead and open your mind to other domains or way of thinking. Unless the topics are definitely not what you wanted to learn, or open to a domain where you don't want to go, it's always a waste of time (and a future frustration) to give up before the end. You always can step off the track afterwards, but at least you'll have a certificate or something which will allow to come back on the track, if needed.

Liana,

Sad to say, over the past 8 years (since the economy crashed) I've seen an increase in college attendance. What is happening is that the college degree is becoming the equivalent of the high school diploma: if you don't have one, many employers won't give you a chance. It does not matter what your major is, you just need to have one. As much as college costs, that puts our young people in a bad financial situation. So please stay in school!

But, once you have it, where you go from there is totally up to you! I have met many people who have charted their own course, both in career and family decisions. You CAN be your own person! It means having the strength to resist all the pressures to conform. First it comes from family. Then before you know it, your ten-year HS reunion rolls around, and it's all about comparisons - who is married, has kids, AND a "successful" career, who is still "floundering" trying to find their way. YOU have to define "success" for yourself. I define success as being content/happy in my chosen career, with enough money to live the lifestyle I want, pay the bills, and set some aside for retirement. You do not have to move up the career ladder. Especially nowadays, people do not stay with one employer for life. So each career move can be in a different direction. Besides, many of those people who "have it all" also have stress, physical and emotional medical issues, etc. "Success" is sometimes over-rated!

The scary part is caused by the fear of failure. Once you have financial responsibilities, it is scary to take a leap in a totally different direction. This is where financial planning comes in. You should immediately start saving money - the goal is to have an "emergency fund" that will cover your living expenses for 3-6 months. Having such a fund gives you a bit of a cushion to fall back on, thereby giving you the freedom to take a chance on yourself! (Yes, I know the whole concept of financial planning is part of the linear way of thinking, but ironically, it is what will allow you to deviate from the linear path!)

The article was well-written, and I can definitely relate to it. Thanks for sharing!

Best of luck to you!
Kim

Hi Liana! The truth is life is not linear.We never know how things will turn out but we still need to have a navigation device to give us some direction.