When thinking of a career path should I have how much debt I will be in after college in mind?
I want to work for a volunteer organization or other low profitable jobs, but I also want to get a college degree. I'm just wondering if it would be smarter/worth it to wait a few years after college before going into a low profitable career because of money? #international-affairs #money-management #financial-aid I am a triplet and also have two brothers so money is not in abundance. #college #scholarships #debt #student-debt #loans #student-loans
4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Navigating Debt and Career Choices
When mapping out your career journey, it's vital to consider the potential debt you might accumulate after college. If you're drawn to a modestly paid career, like serving in a volunteer organization or other non-profit roles, it's important to balance this against the possible financial weight of student loans. For some, particularly those with limited financial means, it might be prudent to wait a few years post-college before diving into a lower-income career.
Key Considerations
Several factors should be considered when deciding whether to postpone a lower-income career to lessen debt. These include:
Financial stability: Take a close look at your current financial status and decide if additional debt will significantly affect your ability to pay off loans. This might involve reviewing personal savings, family support, and other income sources.
Career aspirations: Consider your long-term career goals and how they align with lower-income jobs. If serving in a volunteer organization or non-profit resonates with your passion and values, it might be worth embracing some debt to follow this path.
Repayment options: Investigating loan repayment plans and understanding the choices available can give you a clearer picture of how feasible it is to manage debt while working in a lower-income career.
Scholarships and financial aid: Seek out scholarship opportunities and other financial aid, which can help lower the overall debt load and make pursuing a lower-income career more feasible.
Future earning potential: Reflect on the potential for career growth and increased earnings in the future, which can inform your decision to delay a lower-income career.
Recommended Resources
Financial Aid: The Smart Student’s Guide - Authored by Mark Kantrowitz, this book offers a wealth of information on financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans, equipping students to make well-informed decisions about their education and future careers.
The College Investor: How to Save and Pay for College - Kevin McKinney's book provides practical tips on saving for college, applying for financial aid, and managing student loans, laying a solid groundwork for students to make educated decisions about their future careers and debt.
The Debt-Free Degree: Strategies for Paying for College without Student Loans - Zac Bissonnette's book presents various strategies for achieving a college education without accumulating student loan debt, including scholarships, grants, and part-time work.
In conclusion, the decision to delay a lower-income career after college should be based on a thorough analysis of your financial situation, career goals, and future growth potential. Utilizing authoritative resources, like the books mentioned above, can guide students in making informed decisions about their education and future careers.
Don't forget to check out my autobiography in the About James section. It offers insights on how to choose foods rich in nutrients that boost work and academic performance. Thank you and God Bless.
Best regards,
James.
Simeon’s Answer
Rachel’s Answer
Richard’s Answer
Some degrees offer access to high paying jobs and the student can justify a heavy student loan burden.
Other degrees with less lucrative job prospects can be rewarding, but the student needs to be realistic about the amount of debt they can handle after graduation.