Choosing a career? Money matters!

Mankind and money have a long history. It's the matrix of trade through which we acquire all we need and a lot of what we at least think we want. In the end, it's just a tool to facilitate trade and productivity... and it should be a major consideration when you choose your careers.

Courtesy of Flickr - Rosh Sillars

I used to think that it was vain to talk about money when considering a career. Now that I have a lovely family, I recognize that it just simply isn't wise (or even feasible) to exclude the money factor when you're considering a career. I used to think that one should steer the course of his life based solely upon the common good, his inherent talents and his proclivity to the type of work being considered. But thinking about the monetary gain a potential career might give you in the future is a very noble and intelligent use of the investment you (or your parents) are making by going to university; afterall your decisions today will drastically affect your future family - perhaps your yet to be found spouse and children yet to be born. (Yes, some of you, may already have a family, and some may never want to have one, yet this is still important).

The truth is there are plenty who are greedy for money and both those with and without the stuff can easily fall into mindset of never having enough. I've never met a greedy person who was satisfied in life, joyful and healthy. 

So why does money matter? Well, no matter how much you'll like your career, knowing that you are appreciated and rewarded financially will greatly enhance your satisfaction. When cash is low, when it's hard to provide for your needs and those of your loved ones, the discomfort that brings will sap out the joy from all you do.

That being said, I'm not saying pick a career that'll make you a millionaire... (becoming wealthy isn't merely a matter of career choice!). You got to analyze what your long term goals are and then make use of your time spent in university to cater to those goals.

I'd like to leave with one last point... no matter what you end up doing, remember, you are not what you work. Just because you've relegated yourself to one degree, one career or one job doesn't mean things should stay that way or that you can't pursue completely different paths.

Never box yourself in with false identities, be quick to think outside the box and dare to pursue your dreams no matter what 'stage' of life you find yourself in. Afterall, good dreams are meant to come true!

So how exactly do you go about determining whether it's financially worth it? Click here to find out!


By Marc Mikhael, Ph.D.
The Apprentice's Compass - Navigate University!