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Should students take a career path that will guarantee income or a career path in which they have interest ?
I have two study interests and one of them is less promising than the other. I think this is an important decision to make about one's career.
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13 answers
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Paul’s Answer
The easy answer is both. The more difficult answer is that you need to determine what's most important to you. But the key really is to figure out what you are most interested in for a career path because you are going to spend most of your time working. The money will come (in most career choices) as you progress in your selected career, but choosing a career path that you have no interest in simply for guaranteed income is a recipe for disaster. You have to like what you do or else you will be picking a new career sooner than later.
Thank you, Paul!
aya
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Tyler’s Answer
Follow your passion because dedication always pays. Set your goals and beleive in them. It isn't always a matter of if you believe or not, but in how hard you believe in it. Be mindful that there will be obstacles. Keep a positive attitude, and those obstacles will turn into small challenges that you will overcome. Through it all, always provide yourself with a willingness to learn and to grow. Set your expectations for your career and your family life early. Best of luck to you and your passion!
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Maria’s Answer
This is an insightful question---which is better? The answer: it depends on you. When it comes to making a decision, do what works for you. Some suggested ways to make a decision includes self-reflection and gathering information. Remember studying what one is interested in may be different than making a career out of it. Sometimes what one studies does relate to their career and sometimes it does not. So that's when a lot of research about the job duties, benefits & pay, talking to a support network in and outside of school, and learning about the skills needed for that career helps narrow the decision.
In addition, the thought process of "I want to do this but..." are similar thoughts from a lot of adult clients I work with like "I want to choose this field but my family wants me to do this instead," so there are a lot of conflicting feelings and decisions. Also, one should never "starve for their craft/interest" which means that each person has to make a living wage when they work outside the home. In the event one has many interests to study and many things they want to do, this may be an opportunity for the entrepreneurial spirit to come in and look at ways to create a position that encompasses those many interests. This road takes lots of patience, time, and creativity among other things but in the end, this part may give a lot of joy professionally.
In addition, the thought process of "I want to do this but..." are similar thoughts from a lot of adult clients I work with like "I want to choose this field but my family wants me to do this instead," so there are a lot of conflicting feelings and decisions. Also, one should never "starve for their craft/interest" which means that each person has to make a living wage when they work outside the home. In the event one has many interests to study and many things they want to do, this may be an opportunity for the entrepreneurial spirit to come in and look at ways to create a position that encompasses those many interests. This road takes lots of patience, time, and creativity among other things but in the end, this part may give a lot of joy professionally.
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Patrice’s Answer
Hi Aya,
If you know that one of the career paths is not promising, you should go with the profession with more potential.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
If you know that one of the career paths is not promising, you should go with the profession with more potential.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Hi Patrice, I wanted to clarify your answer. Would you say the guaranteed income is more important?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Hi Gurpreet,
For some people, a guaranteed income is more important. For others, following their passion, regardless of pay, is more important. So, I would say in this instance, yes, guaranteed income is more important if the career path is not promising.
Patrice Lindsey
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Caleb’s Answer
This is part of a topic I am very passionate about. The answer can be complicated at times.
Set yourself up to do what you enjoy and you will not need to worry about pay/cost.
This means that if you have a passion for something, you should plan on this in every aspect of your life. How much does you dream job pay? How can you live with in the means of your salary? What can you do to better your life outside of work? (This is important. You need to be comfortable and happy at home to be the same in your career.)
You will need to evaluate each decision you make to see if it can fit in your life. Everything from getting married and having kids to renting or buying a house. From college loans to streaming service bills.
Set yourself up to do what you enjoy and you will not need to worry about pay/cost.
This means that if you have a passion for something, you should plan on this in every aspect of your life. How much does you dream job pay? How can you live with in the means of your salary? What can you do to better your life outside of work? (This is important. You need to be comfortable and happy at home to be the same in your career.)
You will need to evaluate each decision you make to see if it can fit in your life. Everything from getting married and having kids to renting or buying a house. From college loans to streaming service bills.
This is very helpful, thank you so much!
aya
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Charity’s Answer
That's a question that a lot of people ask themselves. There is a quote out there that says "If you do what you love, you will never work another day in your life." I would advise you to explore your passions and pursue those and learn how to build your income in an area you love. I see that people with the most passion for their work tend to excel and become the most successful in their field.
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Julio’s Answer
Like anything else in life, there are always various things to consider when making decisions. Each person will give different weights to the various options based on their personal preferences, culture, age, emotional state, etc. What is a straight forward choice for me may be the wrong answer for you. The key is to dissect the decision into its factors and really evaluate how important each one of them is for you. Getting a right answer is not the point - it is mastering the process of decision making in order to align it with your objectives. This forces you to truly know yourself, do research on your options, and hopefully expand your outlook beyond yourself to include others and the world you live in.
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Courtney’s Answer
Stick with both for as long as you can. I is difficult to advise an individual to do away and interest, unless it becomes a hindrance. Being more well rounded is never a bad thing (think double major etc).
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Dan’s Answer
Aya, it's different for everyone, but most of us at some point in our lives gravitate toward financial security and upside. I had a short career in sales when I graduated from college but ultimately went to law school in search of more financial security. The benefit was I learned I was probably a better fit in law, I actually liked it, and it also had the benefit of more income. You can pivot, especially earlier in your career -- don't be afraid to make decisions knowing they are likely to change as you move forward! Best of luck!
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Gunjan’s Answer
I would always recommend interest over income. As long as you are happy and enjoy your work, money will follow.
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Ashley’s Answer
I absolutely say to follow your interest! You don't want to be stuck doing something that isn't satisfying just for the money. If you enjoy what you do, you will find a way to make a living.
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Anthony’s Answer
Go for the guaranreed income. No job is perfect. As long as you do not hate it/ dislike it a lot, then take the guaranteed income.
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michelle’s Answer
Ideally it would be a combination of both. In a perfect world you could follow your passion and work in an area that interests you. Unfortunately, the reality of your situation may or may not allow for that. If you need to be able to provide for yourself and/or your family, you may not be able to fully explore your passion and may need something that will provide the necessary income. That said, you never know, the job you take to provide the income may become your passion. Just because you start in one field doesn't mean that you are stuck there forever, you can change and you can grow, in fact most people do.