Personal fulfillment or Money?
By FyreFox
@FyreFox (51)
United States
September 26, 2010 10:46am CST
All my life I have had it drilled into my head that I need to go to college and to become successful and make big money. My family has always pressured me because I have always done very well in school. But does should my intelligence mean that I have to make a lot of money? I am currently enrolling in a school that is not college accredited but I feel will help me make a huge difference in the lives of other people. I will be doing something that I have always wanted too, but some of my family doesn't understand and keeps demanding that I go to 'real' college too. My problem is that I won't ever use the college classes and they would cost way too much money.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@LaurenInLA (2270)
• United States
26 Sep 10
First let me say that being intelligent doesn't necessarily mean that a person will make a lot of money. Drive and ambition have much more to do with it. I listened to my family and spent ove 30 years in a profession that made me miserable. I have a friend who wanted to produce and direct movies. He didn't make as much money as I did when he started but today he owns his own production company and is a multi-millionaire. I firmly believe that if you are doing something that you love, you will have a meaningful fulfilling life and you will lose yourself so much in your work (like my friend who routinely works 15-16 hour days and loves it) that money will come. Do what makes you happy.
@FyreFox (51)
• United States
26 Sep 10
yes I agree with the first part also. I appreciate the thoughts. My main problem is that the career I have chosen is religious and not geared towards making money. It can be done- but I will likely need to hold down a mundane job in order to pay my bills. However, if I work hard enough I may be able to support myself, I'm sure going to try hard to do so, but not if it means corrupting my practice.
@toniganzon (72533)
• Philippines
30 Sep 10
Getting a good education is just a step to getting a job but doesn't guarantee success. The definition of success is very subjective. If you think your family matters to you and their opinion might bring you could and can contribute to your happiness, then you can follow their advice. However, if their suggestion makes you feel pressured and unhappy, then there's no use following it. Follow your heart and use your head, that will surely lead to success.
