by Jim » Thu Feb 03, 2005 5:16 pm
Hi Logan,
I to think that it is great that you are thinking so far ahead. Since you are, I'll throw in some suggestions on concepts that I have learned along the way.
Why do we work, as you will find out late in life, is mostly governed by our needs and wants for money. After all, this is a captialist economy we live in here in the U.S. What will most likely govern the amount of dollars that you'll want in return is influenced by the standard of living that your parents expose you to as a young person. Most people want to afford the same stardard of living as their parents or even a higher level. So, start by asking your parents how much income they've made in the middle of their careers. Then start reading up on how much positions currrently pay some fields that you are interested in for the different levels of education (Bachelor's, Master's, Ph. D's, M.D., etc.) needed in most cases to be competitive for those positions. This way, you can have some educational goals to shot for in life, i.e. scholastic goals, what grades you'll need, etc.
I think the income portion of the equation is important. Many people invest a good deal of time and energy, (and latter their own money), pursuing fields of work that they later find out will not afford them the standard of living that they would like to afford. Things like houses can be very expensive depending on where you live or will want to live. Let alone family needs.
I hope this line of thinking adds just another piece of the puzzle for you to consider. I know it's helped other young people I know.
Life is what YOU make of it. A long term plan is helpful. Being realistic with yourself and your efforts will matter. And of course, hard work over LONG periods of time will effect your efforts and outcome.
Best of luck to you!!
Jim