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Is it possible to balance many different careers and how does one do so? What have been the best financial decisions that you have made since high school for a steady adulthood? (You can answer both, one, or neither.)

I just recently graduated high school and I've thinking about taking a multidisciplinary career with a combination of different STEM paths (computer science, teaching, health e.g. therapy and psychiatry, environmental science, etc.)

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Thank you comment icon Congratulations Joseph, on your recent graduation; lots of bright future ahead for you. Prioritize putting your resources towards your education first. Keep in mind that attending graduate school might be a good option a year or two after obtaining your bachelor's degree. Bereket E
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Joseph’s Answer

Hey Joseph, great name! Congratulations on your recent graduation; lots of excitement ahead for you.

Really love your thought process in considering various paths. As you continue to explore career options, you'll see that most are actually multidisciplinary, and a lot of skills are transferable. That being said, you may find more passion towards a specific industry where you'll be able to utilize skills you've picked up across different disciplines. I think you would benefit from trying to gain experience in those different paths you mentioned: ask for informational interviews from people who work in those occupations, take on volunteer opportunities, see if you can shadow a day in the life. Over time, it'll come to you!

Regarding your second question, my best financial decision was learning how to create and maintain a budget. Having a grasp of how much money is coming in (income) and how much money is going out (expenses) helps you really manage your finances. From there you'll be in a great spot to allocate money towards savings, bills, and don't forget your fun/hobbies!
Thank you comment icon Great advice Joseph. I will just add one more piece in the finanncial planning and that's start investment early. Try to save some money out of your income every month and do the smart investmenet. Tapan Dalal
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Laura’s Answer

The most valuable suggestion I can offer you regarding this matter, which has greatly benefited me, is to consistently save, save, and save some more. Always question yourself: do I truly need this, or do I simply want it? Begin saving during high school, even if it's just 5 dollars a week. Over time, it accumulates and becomes a significant advantage in your future life.
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Arjita’s Answer

The most excellent financial choice I made was, firstly, to invest in education. I earned an engineering degree and a master's degree. Putting money into your education is likely the top investment you can make, as the rewards are multiplied many times over. Secondly, maintaining financial discipline has been crucial. I save 20% of my earnings and invest an additional 15%.
Thank you comment icon In my opinion, combining more than one specialty is excellent, and they do not necessarily have to be closely related. Excelling in a profession, and then teaching it is rewarding, and a great way to give back to your community. Best financial decision I have made is to continue investing into my education and development. After two masters degrees I continue taking classes at the professional organizations I am a member of, look for classes on EdEx, Udemy, and other similar platforms. I think, today only those who continue developing and learning are able to stay current and relevant in all professions. Dariya Kazumov
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Amy’s Answer

The best financial decision I made was to choose an affordable school that allowed me to graduate with very little debt - I worked full time since I was in high school (along with school) and worked through school in order to do this. I appreciate that it's hard now with the cost of college but if you can manage this, it allows you to have more flexibility with jobs out of college
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Tony’s Answer

I completely agree with Arjita about the importance of financial discipline. To expand on this idea, when you invest 15% of your income into your company's retirement plan (which typically consists of investments like stocks and bonds that you select), some companies will match a certain percentage of the earnings you invest. I've heard of companies contributing anywhere from 0% to as much as 6% of your earnings, as long as you're investing at least 6% of your earnings into their savings plan. So, it's essential to learn about a company's retirement plan before joining.

I highly recommend aiming to invest a total of 20% or more of your earnings into your retirement fund, whether that's through a combination of your individual contributions and company contributions, or just your individual contributions.

At first, your retirement fund may grow slowly and might even seem uninteresting, like watching a bricklayer build a wall. However, once your fund reaches around $100,000, you'll start to see more significant changes, both gains and losses. Just keep in mind that as you begin your career, time is on your side. In fact, there has never been a decade-long period in the history of the US stock market where the market has actually lost money.
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Ethan’s Answer

The best advice I received before I entered the workforce, and something I still carry with me to this day, is "there is no such thing as a work-life balance. There is life... and how work fits into it." At the end of the day, as long as you are able to find joy in what you do and can achieve some sense of harmony in your life, you don't have to feel restricted to doing just one thing. Millions of people have achieved success by having a main job (main income stream) and some side hustles to make extra money. Recognize that there are only so many hours in the day, days in a week, and weeks in a year. Nobody can tell you how to divide and devote your time. Finding the right balance may take a couple years. But at the end of the day, as long as you're filling that time with the things that make you happiest, you can't lose.
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Ruben’s Answer

Hi Joseph!

You've already made a fantastic financial choice by coming here to ask for advice. My suggestion is to follow your heart and do what brings you joy. In time, the money will follow.

When I finished college, I studied business administration because it was what I could afford at the time :). But deep down, I always wanted to study computer science.

As the years went by, I got the chance to study Information Technology, which really helped me find my true career path. In today's tech-driven world, having a career related to computers or science is essential and will definitely set you up for a bright future.
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Krishma’s Answer

Is it possible to balance many careers? Yes, but it's very difficult. You would have to be very skilled in discipline and knowing the amount of time it takes for you to complete the work you need to. The degree I got into (accounting) allows me to work in different types of jobs, but knowing what career opportunity is best for you requires you to ask people and do more research.

What have been the best financial decisions that you have made since high school for a steady adulthood? The best financial decision I made is applying for scholarships. I applied to 1 scholarship, than allowed me to have a full ride to UT Austin. It was the best thing I did. Next, is making sure I save money. I never spend more money than I earn. That means sometimes I cannot do everything that my friends did, but that has positioned me in a better position. I also have been learning more about investing and finding out what I can do with some of the money I have saved.
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Yuliya’s Answer

Managing multiple careers can be quite challenging, but it's definitely feasible to balance a single career with one or two enjoyable hobbies. Doing so can greatly benefit your mental well-being! There are part-time job opportunities for those who wish to dedicate their time to two distinct careers, but this is quite rare, as most people prefer to focus on one specific path.

One of the wisest financial choices I made was to minimize spending on material possessions. Instead, our family allocates resources toward services and educational experiences. Whenever I consider purchasing a tangible item, I ponder whether it's truly necessary, if I can survive without it, and if it can be postponed until the following week. Of course, food is always an exception!
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Ashish’s Answer

Hello Joseph! Combining multiple disciplines into one can be an enjoyable way to work in all areas of your interest. However, focusing on one or two main areas for your career and treating the others as hobbies might lead to more satisfying results. Pursuing multiple careers may require a significant time commitment and could affect your work-life balance.

Regarding your second question, my best financial decision was to invest in myself by taking a risk and starting an entrepreneurial journey. Other important financial decisions include living within your means, paying off debts before indulging in luxuries, and being mindful of your spending in both personal and business aspects.

You've already made a great start by considering these matters. Wishing you all the best for your future!
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Deborah’s Answer

Balancing multiple careers is possible with careful planning, time management, and prioritization, while the best financial decisions for a steady adulthood often involve saving early, budgeting wisely, and investing in education and skill development relevant to your chosen paths.
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Stephen’s Answer

I'll answer your first question, and maybe a little differently than others have.

I don't think it's possible to "balance multiple careers" simultaneously (and do a good job at any of them)... but I don't think that's what you're really asking. You haven't found your career yet, and that's 100% fine. You're still learning... both what you like to do, and what you're good at doing. Following a multi-disciplinary path as you are is fine... in fact, I think it's a great idea early in life! It exposes you to a range of things that you have at least some interest in. You'll get broader exposure to more things, and with that I'm guessing you "land" on what you most enjoy faster that way. At some point, I do think you have to pick something you want to pursue and make that your "career." You will need your full focus to be as successful as you can possibly be... which, for me anyway, has always been an important goal. I want to be successful, and my best chance at that will be to throw myself into it and give it my full focus.

Changing careers is different. Let's call that a "pivot". We all need to pivot at some point or another in our lives. We try to be smart about it. We try not to do it too often, or on a whim. But if what we're doing isn't working... for whatever reason... then a pivot may be needed - and if it is, it's always best to do it as soon as possible. Some people choose to pivot into something COMPLETELY different from what they've been doing. If you're doing that to achieve a change in lifestyle, or because you've discovered your true purpose in life, then that's awesome! Go for it! Otherwise, I think the best pivots are ones that still build on the learning you've already done through the work you've been doing to date. That way you're building on top of your knowledge base... even if you're using it a different way. That's far easier, and will advance you faster, than starting completely over from scratch.

Best of luck to you!
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Lauren’s Answer

It is possible to balance many careers, if you have a schedule. Having a schedule of when you're going to allocate time to each job/project/activity is very important. Many people have full-time jobs and then other outside activities/ hobbies that they have to manage. If you stay organized and consistent it is very doable!
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Thomas’s Answer

I find it very admirable that you have a lot of interests, however I would NOT recommend trying to make a career out of all of it. Make some if your interests hobbies, some a side hustle, and choose ONE thing to take up most of your time. Remember you need to make a sustainable living off your work and you need rest. Rest and sleep are not the same thing and both are equally important.
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Jake’s Answer

I think it is very much so possible to do so. It will not be easy sometimes, but if that is something that you are looking to pursue, it can prove very advantageous. Find areas that truly interest you and there can be several opportunities for you to pursue both. it is important through all of it to maintain a good balance between life and work. Make sure to take care of your mental health because at times it may seem like a lot. At times it may not be easy, but the delated gratification may be well worth it!
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Elliott’s Answer

In multidisciplinary studies, it's important to identify the academic intersection. Once you find it, determine your interests and focus on developing essential skills. This approach greatly assisted me in transitioning from my undergraduate studies to my professional career!
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Rose’s Answer

You can accomplish anything you truly dedicate your heart and mind to! I'm impressed by your eagerness to succeed early in your career journey. Start by identifying the careers that will bring you the most happiness and success, and concentrate on those first. Once you've become skilled at managing these, you'll be able to cleverly integrate other careers into your objectives. You'll encounter some hurdles and difficulties along the way, but you can overcome them! The smartest financial choice I've made since high school is to invest, invest, invest, and save! Putting money into stocks and some cryptocurrencies ensured future financial stability, while saving through a 401k and multiple personal savings accounts secured my current financial well-being!
Thank you comment icon If you look at myself as an example, I started out as an accountant before switching to auditor, college professor, and finally SAP consultant. You can achieve any job ambitions you have. But I've been studying along the way (I have my BA degree, MBA, ACCA certifications, and many more), obtaining new credentials, and keeping up with each career I've had. Lake G. Kebie (FCCA,MBA,BA)
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Lakshmi’s Answer

Hey Joseph! Congratulations on your graduation. It is great that you have started thinking of career right away.
The best financial choice I made was to invest in higher education. I earned an engineering degree, worked on my first job for a couple of years to save-up and then pursued my Master's degree. Education pays you back in many folds and strong arms you for future. As you grow in your career, consider investing in self-development.

Good Luck!
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Ann’s Answer

Hi Joseph! Great questions!

Having multiple careers simultaneously can be difficult. My recommendation would be to work with a company (STEM) where you could secure your initial role and then branch into other roles within that company.

Personally, I think the best thing you can do financially is invest in a 401k. If you put in 15-20% now, you will be in a very good financial position with the potential for early retirement, if you choose that route. And if your company matches some of your contributions, it can be even more advantageous. Also, as you grow your income, investing in things like real estate or stocks, while sometimes risky, can really help with residual income (property rentals, etc.).

Wishing you the best of luck with ALL your endeavors. Keep up the good work and ambition.
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Rina’s Answer

While it's very possible to pursue multiple careers or lines of work at once, another thing to consider would be trying these out at different times in your overall working life - you have many, many years (decades!) to work, so you have a long time to try out multiple careers. It's tempting to want to do it all right out of the gate, but this approach may also help prevent burnout and give you the time you need to take care of yourself both mentally and physically.

Echoing a similar sentiment to others in this thread - it wasn't right out of high school, but very early on in my working years I started putting money away for retirement. It doesn't have to be a lot (if you can't hit 15% to 20% immediately that's okay, just do what you can!), but it really does add up the longer you let it "sit" in investments.
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Christina’s Answer

Hi Joseph,

I'm going to answer your question in reverse. I was financially illiterate most of my adulthood. I would suggest get your hands on the book:
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley. It's all about the stats of millionaires in the US. Bottomline: Save and invest. Don't buy stuff to showoff when you start making money. If you are a video person, check out the Minority Mindset on YouTube.

As far as careers, I was very much like you. But remember this, life doesn't stop at college. You have 10 different careers in 10 years. I'm personally learning Concept Art for the next 5 years so that I can spend the 10 years after that designing scenes for movies and video games.

Also, I'm bias. As a Data Scientist, I've taught people computer science, worked on technologies that diagnosed diseases in patients, measured the growth of sea cucumber farms, and studied consumer behavior to get them to take more actions on the product I'm working on. My degree is in interdisciplinary studies (which I don't recommend) but I did take some computer science and math courses.

You don't have to choose one. Be open to opportunities. Also, I'm bias to computer science because of the variety of my work experience. So, choose a place to start and write your story. Oh, and manage your money well.
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Ashwin’s Answer

In response to your initial inquiry, I recommend concentrating most of your energy on one job or career direction. By doing so, you won't overextend yourself and can boost your odds of achieving success in your chosen profession.

Ashwin recommends the following next steps:

Fully commit to one career path
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Neda’s Answer

Taking on several careers at once can be tough, as you might need to master various skills, which can require a lot of time. However, there are plenty of multidisciplinary careers out there, particularly in STEM fields. As a data scientist, I use programming and machine learning to create products and solutions for clients in numerous disciplines. Computer scientists and engineers do the same. To discover your interests, it's a good idea to experiment with different activities related to the career you are considering and to chat with people already in the field you're thinking about. Wishing you the best of luck and congratulations on finishing high school!
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Craig’s Answer

There are always opportunities to combine interests/careers. I would suggest you start with one area of interest as a focal point, and continue to develop other areas of interest in parallel. As you develop more skills and experience, you can look for "intersection points" in your career. For example look for a Computer Science job in the health industry. Taking on a role like this will open new doors, and new intersection points that you can pursue.

Here are a few examples of ways you can combine interests, using your inputs as a guide:
1. Teaching computer science
2. Using computers to solve problems in other areas of interest, like health, environmental science, etc.
3. Using AI to improve diagnosis and outcomes for Psychiatrists
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Carly’s Answer

Hi Joseph!

Great question. You can definitely balance different career paths, but life is long so you don't need to feel the pressure to do them all at once. Your time during college and in your 20's is a perfect time to try new things and explore interests without feeling the pressure to decide a career path and stick with it. I totally understand the pressure you feel to "know what you want to do when you grow up" but you can be many different things!

Keep your curious spirit and passion to pursue different careers alive! It's a wonderful thing to be excited by many different subjects.
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Prashant’s Answer

Careers are built on multiple skills sets -- technical, leadership & interpersonal, management, personal brand & marketing skills among others. Careers are also built on constant learning, resiliency, virtuousness, empathy, compassion, drive, determination and focus among other areas. As such, if you are thinking of multiple careers - remember a single career takes multiple skills. A career can start with one focus area, but broaden to involve expansive areas. Some folks do manage multiple careers (lets say being an author/sportperson, while doing a day job), but there is a benefit to finding a career one is most passionate about and giving it your all.

Some of my best financial decisions have been - a) not having bad habits such as drinking, smoking etc, b) saving 30% percent or more of my earnings every month, c) not chasing easy money or profits and d) being ethically & morally strong.
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Adrianna’s Answer

Best financial advice: BUDGET and stay with your parents as long as possible (if feasible) to save up a ton of money and invest in real-estate and other assets that have the ability to increase in value.
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Pulak’s Answer

Hello! When it comes to financial choices, it's important to select a career that offers a stable income, and begin setting aside and investing a specific sum as soon as your earnings exceed your essential expenses. To determine this amount, create a budget by following these steps:

1. Calculate your monthly paycheck.
2. Deduct necessary expenses for the month, such as rent, groceries, and utility bills (items you must pay for during the month).
3. Deduct the amount you'd like to allocate for non-essential monthly expenses, like dining out. Be honest and practical with this figure – it may not be $0, but to make wise financial choices, you should limit this amount so that you can still save afterward.
4. Evaluate the remaining balance. Depending on the amount, deposit a portion into a savings account with a favorable interest rate and minimal or no fees (or fees that can be waived based on specific activities). When you're ready, consider investing (but research thoroughly beforehand).
5. The amount you determine in step #4 should be your monthly savings goal. Manage your expenses, particularly those in step #3, to ensure you save (and possibly invest) each month.
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Bianca’s Answer

Hello!
1. Create a budget that includes your income and expenses. This will allow you to see how much extra money you have available for investing or spending on things you desire.
2. It's a great idea to start saving for your retirement as soon as you can. Look into any 401K plans offered by potential employers.
3. Obtaining a credit card can be beneficial for building credit. Consider using the card solely for gas purchases at first. Avoid charging anything to the card if you're uncertain about your ability to repay it.
4. If you haven't already, open a savings account. Take the time to compare interest rates at various banks and select the one that's best suited for you.
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Denise’s Answer

I really like your thought process! I agree that expanding your range of skills is crucial, and it can often give you an edge over other candidates in various situations. While pursuing a STEM college degree, I suggest becoming a member of a professional organization, like Toastmasters, to improve your presentation skills confidently. Additionally, you can participate in college interest groups and take on volunteer roles to gain leadership experience.

Prioritize putting your resources towards your education first. Keep in mind that attending graduate school might be a good option a year or two after obtaining your bachelor's degree. For instance, combining an MBA with computer science could make you an ideal candidate for future leadership positions in that industry.

Once you start working, make sure to maintain discipline in saving and investing 15-20% of your income.
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Hadley’s Answer

Balancing multiple careers may be challenging, but it's definitely doable and can lead to great rewards. I managed to juggle three jobs after college (two professional and one service industry) for three years, working at least 80 hours a week. This helped me achieve financial stability and reach my salary goal, allowing me to focus on just one job. Plus, I got to explore various career paths, which led me to discover my true passion. Now, I've been in this field for over five years and plan to stay until retirement.

If you're considering taking on multiple jobs, here are some helpful tips that got me through those demanding years:
- Set a clear goal and timeframe for what you want to achieve, like paying off debt or building up savings.
- Give yourself breaks: plan at least two break periods or vacations a year to prevent burnout.
- Choose jobs you enjoy and work for companies that value and support your growth.

As for financial decisions, sometimes the best advice comes from learning from our mistakes. One thing I wish I hadn't done in my early adult life is accumulate credit card debt. My top tip is to avoid spending beyond your means, unless it's for investing in yourself or your education.
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Veneta’s Answer

You can pursue different careers in adulthood. You can start in consulting after college. If you pursue further education after working for several years, you can switch to a related career such as banking or unrelated one such as marketing or law.

A good financial step is to spend less than what you earn and save a portion of your income for retirement. Also, banks offer high interest rate CDs now, so you can consider investing a part of your income in such financial instruments for the future.
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Luis’s Answer

Hello there Joseph! Congratulations on your high school graduation, and it's fantastic to see your enthusiasm for exploring different career paths.
balancing many different careers simultaneously can be quite challenging. However, there are a few approaches you can consider:

Look for careers that can complement each other, allowing you to leverage your skills and knowledge across multiple fields. For example, a background in computer science can be valuable in various STEM fields like environmental science or health informatics.

you career can also start by establishing a strong foundation in one area, gain experience, and then gradually transition or explore another field.

Seek opportunities where you can integrate multiple interests into a single role or pursue cross-disciplinary projects. For instance, you could work in educational technology that combines elements of computer science, teaching, and educational innovation.

Some general financial tips to help you on your path to a steady adulthood that have helped me after graduation have been to create a budget to track income and expenses. This will help you prioritize spending, save money, and avoid unnecessary debt.
Start saving early, even if it's a small amount. Consider opening a savings account and explore investment options that align with your long-term goals.

Build an emergency fund that covers at least three to six months of living expenses. This fund can provide a safety net during unexpected situations and consider seeking guidance from financial advisors or mentors who can provide personalized advice based on your circumstances and goals.

Remember, everyone's financial journey is unique, and it's important to adapt these tips to your own situation. Making sound financial decisions and planning for the future can contribute to a more secure and stable adulthood.

Wishing you all the best in your multidisciplinary career exploration and your financial endeavors! Embrace your passions, stay curious, and keep learning along the way.
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