Reply to Do you regret not going into a more lucrative field?

Forum Index » Money and Finances

Reply to "Do you regret not going into a more lucrative field? "

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We are immigrants of South Asian origin and most of my friends don't give kid option to go into lower paying fields and I feel like they came out ahead in long term even if there was friction for some years. We let our kids decide what they wanted and just supported that. [/quote]
Struggling with this now with one DC.

They want to major in something that isn't going to pay well.  That would be fine except for the fact they like their comfortable lifestyle and to shop, a lot.  I keep telling them that this job doesn't pay well, but they keep saying that they know. But, I don't think they really know.

I tried to explain to them the cost of rent, food, insurance, etc.. and then they would tell me that I'm discouraging.  I tell them I'm trying to get them to be realistic, but they keep fighting me.

I don't want them to be in a situation where it become much more difficult to pivot and to struggle.

I grew up lower income, to immigrant parents who don't speak English.  I struggled a lot. I have shared with them how difficult it was to be poor and not have any guidance. So, I'm trying to give them as much information as possible because I don't want them to end up struggling like I did.

It all falls on deaf ears.[/quote]

So yes, the choice to major in something that typically means "lower pay" needs to go along with "you must choose a lifestyle that you can support yourself".  So if you want to be a social worker, then you probably shouldn't plan to drive a $75K luxury SUV or take 2-3 week long luxury vacations yearly [b](unless you marry someone who can help provide that)[/b].  You can do whatever you want in life as a major and career, but you have to be realistic about what it can support because we are not supporting you
[/quote]

Please be careful with that narrative. Low-earning women who marry high-earning men often have family money.

That's the secret that so many LC/LMC women don't understand when they look at their female friends from wealthy families who go into the somewhat prestigious but low-paying fields. The LC/LMC women follow suit, thinking now they're fitting into the wealthy circles. Then they hit their 30's and their colleagues from wealthy families have high-earning spouses, nice houses, and nannies private schools for the kids - all with help from the wife's family.[/quote]

What's to "be careful about"?  Just pointing out that you must live a lifestyle your income can support.  But that income can include a spouse/partner.  It's simply about if you only make $50K/year, you have to live within your means.  So choose your career to support your lifestyle and a job you can be happy at.  But if you want to be a social worker, you likely won't be driving a $75K car or taking $20K vacations yearly on that salary.[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics