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How do I become a responsible adult when I get older??
Hello my name is Lela, I wish to become a therapist to help others get better. I wanna live comfortably without having to worry about money. How do I start that path? How do I live on my own?
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
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Paul’s Answer
You will have to have a firm financial philosophy and follow it for the long term.
Something like the 90/10 formula.
This means saving 10 percent of what you make (every 10 cents out of each dollar), and invest this money in an IRA, mutual fund, stocks, bonds, CD, and other investments to be used in the future.
Then take the other 90 cents on each dollar (90 percent), and use it to live on, pay bills, utilities, and other expenses.
This can help maintain your standard of living and save for the future.
Something like the 90/10 formula.
This means saving 10 percent of what you make (every 10 cents out of each dollar), and invest this money in an IRA, mutual fund, stocks, bonds, CD, and other investments to be used in the future.
Then take the other 90 cents on each dollar (90 percent), and use it to live on, pay bills, utilities, and other expenses.
This can help maintain your standard of living and save for the future.
Updated
William’s Answer
I love your question! The answers given are all helpful and good advice. Starting out can feel quite overwhelming. Hopefully, you have a good support structure of people in your life that can help you in your journey. If not, you can find people willing to help. I would encourage you to seek out people that you can look up to who have achieved what you want to achieve. Ask lots of questions. Be open to new ideas. Learn new skills and perfect them. Then get to work. Being consistent in learning and working will help you obtain your goals. You will more than likely fail many times before you achieve your goals. That's okay, everyone does. Be patient and stick with it.
Updated
Douglas’s Answer
Hello Lela,
Being young, you're in a fantastic position to dream about the kind of lifestyle you'd love to have, and to figure out the income you'll need to make it happen. Do you think the salary of a therapist will meet those needs? Now's the perfect time to start building the skills and qualities you'll need to shine in your career. Remember, we work to live, not the other way around, and living within your financial means can keep stress at bay. Wishing you nothing but the best!
Being young, you're in a fantastic position to dream about the kind of lifestyle you'd love to have, and to figure out the income you'll need to make it happen. Do you think the salary of a therapist will meet those needs? Now's the perfect time to start building the skills and qualities you'll need to shine in your career. Remember, we work to live, not the other way around, and living within your financial means can keep stress at bay. Wishing you nothing but the best!
Updated
Olayinka’s Answer
Hello Lela,
Thank you for your question!
1. You will need to have life/career goals set for yourself and also strategically plan on how to achieve them early enough. ( Please don't be bothered if it takes you sometime to come up with them.)
2. You need to find ways to work smart and keep learning about new developments in your field of study so you can be at pace with others in your field.
3. Have a mentor who has achieved what you want to achieve and follow their good steps.
4. Don't work only to make money but work to help people and more money would come.
Thank you for your question!
1. You will need to have life/career goals set for yourself and also strategically plan on how to achieve them early enough. ( Please don't be bothered if it takes you sometime to come up with them.)
2. You need to find ways to work smart and keep learning about new developments in your field of study so you can be at pace with others in your field.
3. Have a mentor who has achieved what you want to achieve and follow their good steps.
4. Don't work only to make money but work to help people and more money would come.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
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Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Some great people who are ahead of you in the kind of path you're hoping to go would be John Townsend, Henry Cloud, Gary Chapman, and John Delony. Read any books by them you can find, and I think each of them has various videos available on YouTube etc. also, so you can look into what they know, and enter the conversation yourself. Then you can figure out more which direction you'd like to go in the more time you've spent thinking about what they say and whether you agree.
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hello, Lela! Becoming a responsible adult and pursuing a career as a therapist is an admirable goal. Here's a roadmap to help you start on that path and learn how to live on your own:
1. **Education:** To become a therapist, you typically need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. Start by researching universities or colleges that offer these programs and their admission requirements.
2. **Financial Planning:** Education can be expensive, so it's essential to plan your finances. Look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition. Create a budget to manage your expenses during your studies.
3. **Gain Experience:** While pursuing your degree, seek internships or volunteer opportunities in the mental health field. Real-world experience is invaluable for building your skills and resume.
4. **Licensing and Certification:** After completing your education, you'll likely need to obtain a state license to practice as a therapist. Research the licensing requirements in your state and make a plan to meet them.
5. **Networking:** Connect with professors, mentors, and professionals in the field. Networking can provide job leads, advice, and support as you embark on your career.
6. **Build Your Practice:** If your goal is to have your own therapy practice, start planning for it early. Consider the business aspects, such as location, setting up your office, and marketing your services.
7. **Financial Independence:** Living comfortably without worrying about money requires financial literacy. Learn about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. Create a financial plan that includes both short-term and long-term goals.
8. **Emergency Fund:** Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Having three to six months' worth of living expenses saved can provide peace of mind.
9. **Live Within Your Means:** Avoid excessive spending and prioritize needs over wants. Consider creating a spending plan to track your expenses and ensure you're not overspending.
10. **Housing:** When you're ready to live on your own, research affordable housing options in your area. Renting may be a practical choice while you establish your career.
11. **Health Insurance:** Ensure you have health insurance coverage. This is crucial for your well-being and can protect you from unexpected medical expenses.
12. **Professional Development:** Continue to invest in your professional growth by attending workshops, conferences, and staying updated with the latest developments in therapy and counseling.
13. **Self-Care:** As a therapist, it's essential to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout. Develop healthy habits and coping mechanisms to maintain your mental and emotional well-being.
14. **Seek Guidance:** Don't hesitate to seek guidance and advice from experienced therapists and career mentors. They can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate your career.
Remember that the journey to becoming a responsible adult and a successful therapist takes time and effort. Stay focused on your goals, persevere through challenges, and remain open to learning and growth. With dedication and the right resources, you can achieve your dream of helping others and living comfortably. Good luck, Lela!
1. **Education:** To become a therapist, you typically need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. Start by researching universities or colleges that offer these programs and their admission requirements.
2. **Financial Planning:** Education can be expensive, so it's essential to plan your finances. Look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition. Create a budget to manage your expenses during your studies.
3. **Gain Experience:** While pursuing your degree, seek internships or volunteer opportunities in the mental health field. Real-world experience is invaluable for building your skills and resume.
4. **Licensing and Certification:** After completing your education, you'll likely need to obtain a state license to practice as a therapist. Research the licensing requirements in your state and make a plan to meet them.
5. **Networking:** Connect with professors, mentors, and professionals in the field. Networking can provide job leads, advice, and support as you embark on your career.
6. **Build Your Practice:** If your goal is to have your own therapy practice, start planning for it early. Consider the business aspects, such as location, setting up your office, and marketing your services.
7. **Financial Independence:** Living comfortably without worrying about money requires financial literacy. Learn about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. Create a financial plan that includes both short-term and long-term goals.
8. **Emergency Fund:** Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Having three to six months' worth of living expenses saved can provide peace of mind.
9. **Live Within Your Means:** Avoid excessive spending and prioritize needs over wants. Consider creating a spending plan to track your expenses and ensure you're not overspending.
10. **Housing:** When you're ready to live on your own, research affordable housing options in your area. Renting may be a practical choice while you establish your career.
11. **Health Insurance:** Ensure you have health insurance coverage. This is crucial for your well-being and can protect you from unexpected medical expenses.
12. **Professional Development:** Continue to invest in your professional growth by attending workshops, conferences, and staying updated with the latest developments in therapy and counseling.
13. **Self-Care:** As a therapist, it's essential to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout. Develop healthy habits and coping mechanisms to maintain your mental and emotional well-being.
14. **Seek Guidance:** Don't hesitate to seek guidance and advice from experienced therapists and career mentors. They can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate your career.
Remember that the journey to becoming a responsible adult and a successful therapist takes time and effort. Stay focused on your goals, persevere through challenges, and remain open to learning and growth. With dedication and the right resources, you can achieve your dream of helping others and living comfortably. Good luck, Lela!