Occupation and income - in the real world

N

neogenix

Goby
#41
#41
I run a cloud engineering division at an f500, and the other executives around me and above me are mostly all non-degree holding fellows. I'm the youngest by a long shot! When I started my career in around 2000 degrees were really important, but times have changed.

Seriously through, you can make snot loads of money doing anything you're passionate about :) I love my job, and I strongly feel my bank account shows that.

A few of the folks on here have mentioned it, and they're right. Degrees are maps, but they too require passion to get you to your destination. My wife's got student loans up the wazoo and hated every job she got from them...

If he wants to go into IT happy to hop on the phone with him!


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Munch

Munch

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#43
#43
It's funny, I went to college, paid for it myself, and managed to do pretty well in the end. That was some 20 some years ago. Now, I look at the cost, and think it's right for some people, and maybe not for others. It's a huge cost, sure, it can be done cheaper, smaller lesser known schools, or community college, etc. I shudder to think about walking out of school with 40-100k in student loans, if I had to do it today.

I'm trying to guide him, and provide him options, not a path that he has to follow. I see it a few ways, in no particular order

1. College
2. Community college
3. Trade school
4. Technical training - Microsoft certification, Java certification, Cisco, Flight School, etc...
5. Military
6. Anything else he wants to do

I think kids are pressured enough. Last thing I want is for him to think he "has" to goto college. The only reason I want him to go, is if it's his choice. I don't have the answers for him. He's a smart kid, when he chooses to be. He scored a perfect 36 on the English ACT with 32 in math. But honestly, school isn't his thing. He attends, but doesn't enjoy it. He has some growing up to do, and I'm not sure you can expect an 18 year old to know what they want in life. Their minds certainly aren't fully developed. I know lots of kids his age who are excited about college, the application process, the school visits, etc. This is not him. He's been accepted to numerous schools, but shows zero interest. When I was his age, I knew college was for me, I actively pursued it. I'm not sure about him.

The bottom line, I want the best for my kid, like all parents do. Knowing what the best is isn't always black n white, I guess time will tell...
 
SynDen

SynDen

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#45
#45
Munch;302762 said:
It's funny, I went to college, paid for it myself, and managed to do pretty well in the end. That was some 20 some years ago. Now, I look at the cost, and think it's right for some people, and maybe not for others. It's a huge cost, sure, it can be done cheaper, smaller lesser known schools, or community college, etc. I shudder to think about walking out of school with 40-100k in student loans, if I had to do it today.

I'm trying to guide him, and provide him options, not a path that he has to follow. I see it a few ways, in no particular order

1. College
2. Community college
3. Trade school
4. Technical training - Microsoft certification, Java certification, Cisco, Flight School, etc...
5. Military
6. Anything else he wants to do

I think kids are pressured enough. Last thing I want is for him to think he "has" to goto college. The only reason I want him to go, is if it's his choice. I don't have the answers for him. He's a smart kid, when he chooses to be. He scored a perfect 36 on the English ACT with 32 in math. But honestly, school isn't his thing. He attends, but doesn't enjoy it. He has some growing up to do, and I'm not sure you can expect an 18 year old to know what they want in life. Their minds certainly aren't fully developed. I know lots of kids his age who are excited about college, the application process, the school visits, etc. This is not him. He's been accepted to numerous schools, but shows zero interest. When I was his age, I knew college was for me, I actively pursued it. I'm not sure about him.

The bottom line, I want the best for my kid, like all parents do. Knowing what the best is isn't always black n white, I guess time will tell...
Click to expand...
Well with scores like that, its prolly not so much that school isnt his thing but rather that it is a complete bore to him. That's the way it was for me as well. In the end I had to go take a few years, have some fun, try different jobs and try to figure out where my interests lay. I spent many years exploring different school options through community colleges as well as working random jobs that seemed to interest me. Took me many years and I ended up somewhere I totally didnt expect but I got there eventually and wouldn't take back my years of exploring that lead me here.
I would present him with his options and give him all the info you can, which appears you are trying to do, and then step back and let him figure it for himself. He will ask for guidance and assistance when he needs it but at this point in his life he has to make the choice.
 
zombie

zombie

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#46
#46
If your kid has the aptitude that you mentioned, college is almost definately the way to go. Make him feel truly accomplished for the test scores he got. It also wouldnt hurt to send him on a solo trip to a college just so he can meet people rather than just do the tour thing. I know I hated the tours of colleges, but I loved the culture of the people I met.

You might be an engineer if...You have no life, and you can PROVE it mathematically.
 
Balz3352

Balz3352

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#47
#47
What is he interested in? I really feel that knowing that is important for school. I agree with most stated above. School probably was/is a bore to him but that changes when you get into classes you like and are interested in. But guide him to find out what he likes shadow people in their jobs to see what it's like... Thats how I figured out I wanted to be a nurse.
 
Munch

Munch

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#48
#48
It super tough, he's a teenager, he likes nothing!

Honestly, he's a quiet kid, probably more mad at me from a divorce years ago than anything. I know he's hearing what I say, but he doesn't like to listen, if that makes any sense.

If you ask what he wants to do, he's really doesn't know. I personally think he needs school to open his views on things, and get challenged, explore new ideas, etc... I also think he's too smart to not go and take advantage of furthering his education. I'm not a doting parent in this case who things their kid iscute or smart just because they are their kids, his SAT scores speak for themselves. But he's got things made up in his mind, yet doesn't tell me, so it's a real challenge. My fear is "forcing" him into school, saddling him with loans, and then the potential mediocre effort on his part, which will result in a challenge in finding a job post graduation, along with the stress of the loans. I'm willing to help with college, but he has to want it, and understand what he's signing up for. I think a lot of kids go, without any real plan, or thought of what it means. You have to goto college, and actually bust ***. Professors aren't there to coddle you, as I feel they do in high school. If you miss an assignment, you don't get credit, and that costs you $$. In HS, there's ump-teen chances to redo work, and salvage your grade.

My attitude right now is, throw the options on the table, and let him figure it out. He's 18, it's his life. I'm here to help make it as easy as possible, but sometimes kids need to figure it out themselves. You can tell them the stove is hot, but until they touch it themselves, they don't believe you. Same with lots of things in life...
 
zombie

zombie

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#49
#49
Balz3352;302773 said:
What is he interested in? I really feel that knowing that is important for school. I agree with most stated above. School probably was/is a bore to him but that changes when you get into classes you like and are interested in. But guide him to find out what he likes shadow people in their jobs to see what it's like... Thats how I figured out I wanted to be a nurse.
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+1 If you look closely enough both him and you will find the answer. You can find out pretty easily what kind of job your kid may be interested in by what kind of shows he watches and what he does in his free time. Granted at that age, especially after a divorce, he wont tell you what he wants or likes. You gotta gage it yourself and help steer him in the right direction. Whether or not he takes the bait is a whole nother story.

You might be an engineer if...You have no life, and you can PROVE it mathematically.
 
Munch

Munch

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#50
#50
His interest? Sleeping, and xbox.

Yup, that's about it. Can you major in sleeping?

He's an amazing artist, but doesn't want to hear it, either from me or his teacher (she's actually entering artwork from him into a contest on his behalf). I casually asked where it's being displayed, he said he didn't know. I asked him when it comes back, he said he didn't know. Again, examples of his lack-luster attitude, even with stuff he's great at. I suggested art school, or even architecture. No reply. He's got unique math/science skills along with a creative side - drawing. Which is a unique combo, either you're right brained or left brained typically...

I tell ya kids and the pc/phones/internet, what a major pain in the ***. Complete social distraction, and roadblock to dealing with reality.

I think kids would rather sit next to each other and text one another, than have a car and go out on Friday night and cause trouble like I did when I was 18.

Not that I want him to get into trouble, but seriously, go out and experience life from someplace other than your electronic crutches!

He wants to do nothing: no boarding, skiing, hiking, sports whether playing or watching. I race motorcycles for fun, he wants nothing to do with it. I offered to go car shopping with him, he had no interest. I say lets hit Hawaii or the Caribbean for Spring break, nope, go by yourself... Hey, here's two tix for you and a bud for the Broncos divisional game, naw, not interested...

It's like pulling teeth sometimes.
 
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Munch

Munch

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#51
#51
His doodling... and it just framed...

[attachment=66620:name]

[attachment=66621:name]
 
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F

FinsUp

According to my watch, the time is now.
M.A.S.C Club Member
#52
#52
Hey, I'll take those tix!

It may just come down to 'splaining to him that he's gonna have to pay bills soon, and it's up to him to decide how he plans to make the money to do that. Then stand back and watch him fall splat on his face, let him pick up the pieces and realize that you were right, and get it sorted out. The good news is that he's a wicked smart kid who'll figure it out faster than most of them.
 
SynDen

SynDen

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#53
#53
FinsUp!;302796 said:
Hey, I'll take those tix!

It may just come down to 'splaining to him that he's gonna have to pay bills soon, and it's up to him to decide how he plans to make the money to do that. Then stand back and watch him fall splat on his face, let him pick up the pieces and realize that you were right, and get it sorted out. The good news is that he's a wicked smart kid who'll figure it out faster than most of them.
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+1
 
SynDen

SynDen

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#54
#54
Munch;302794 said:
His interest? Sleeping, and xbox.

Yup, that's about it. Can you major in sleeping?

He's an amazing artist, but doesn't want to hear it, either from me or his teacher (she's actually entering artwork from him into a contest on his behalf). I casually asked where it's being displayed, he said he didn't know. I asked him when it comes back, he said he didn't know. Again, examples of his lack-luster attitude, even with stuff he's great at. I suggested art school, or even architecture. No reply. He's got unique math/science skills along with a creative side - drawing. Which is a unique combo, either you're right brained or left brained typically...

I tell ya kids and the pc/phones/internet, what a major pain in the ***. Complete social distraction, and roadblock to dealing with reality.

I think kids would rather sit next to each other and text one another, than have a car and go out on Friday night and cause trouble like I did when I was 18.

Not that I want him to get into trouble, but seriously, go out and experience life from someplace other than your electronic crutches!

He wants to do nothing: no boarding, skiing, hiking, sports whether playing or watching. I race motorcycles for fun, he wants nothing to do with it. I offered to go car shopping with him, he had no interest. I say lets hit Hawaii or the Caribbean for Spring break, nope, go by yourself... Hey, here's two tix for you and a bud for the Broncos divisional game, naw, not interested...

It's like pulling teeth sometimes.
Click to expand...
He sounds a lot like me at that age. No amount of suggestion or even force would have made me do something I didn't want to do then. I had to go out and find what my passions to find my drive to succeed. I'd let him do the same and just let him know that if he decides to go to school you will help him when he is ready. Until then though he should start out in the world, paying rent food and his own bills.
 
rplank

rplank

Anthias
M.A.S.C Club Member
#55
#55
SynDen;302803 said:
He sounds a lot like me at that age. No amount of suggestion or even force would have made me do something I didn't want to do then. I had to go out and find what my passions to find my drive to succeed. I'd let him do the same and just let him know that if he decides to go to school you will help him when he is ready. Until then though he should start out in the world, paying rent food and his own bills.
Click to expand...
+1.

I was expected to do college without knowing what I wanted to do with it. It was a huge waste of money because I didnt care and didnt apply myself. It took me a few years of being on my own in the real world to "find myself". Once a young adult finds their passion/motivation, you will know! Support it as best you can when it happens!

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A

andyrm66

Butterfly Fish
#56
#56
What the last two posters said. Don't have to kick him out on his ***, but I think the whole push to college right after HS is ridiculous in a lot of cases. Perhaps he needs to live a little for a couple years, develop some interests, hobbies, passions. Not saying join peace corps, but discover himself ad the world.
 
Munch

Munch

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#57
#57
Yeah, I'm going to let him sort things out. When he's ready, he can go. I'd rather it be on his terms and when he's ready mentally. Right now, he'd go because I wanted him to, but I really don't think he'd get as much out of it.

I think a little bit of the realities of life outta change that. He'll hopefully realize he has 50 years of work coming up, might wanna pick something he enjoys...
 
Munch

Munch

Reef Shark
M.A.S.C Club Member
#58
#58
Yeah, I'm going to let him sort things out. When he's ready, he can go. I'd rather it be on his terms and when he's ready mentally. Right now, he'd go because I wanted him to, but I really don't think he'd get as much out of it.

I think a little bit of the realities of life outta change that. He'll hopefully realize he has 50 years of work coming up, might wanna pick something he enjoys...
 
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