Find your passion... help a millenial.

Hi Kim - Well, it all depends on what your definition of affordable is, and how much work you're wiling to take on, but you should probably count on being north of $225K.

Having had 3 daughters pass this milestone I can say it isn't easy.  Each of them is different and unique in their own way. At this age, none of them listened to my pearls of wisdom. They each had to discover their own passions.  The only advice I can give is that a series of thought provoking questions might help, ie "What brings you the most joy that could surpass as a job with an income?"  

In reading your post Kim I doubt seriously you will have problems in helping answer questions when asked.  You are already proud and loving.  Someone to lean on, and I am betting she respects you.  Someone could not write as you do and not have their children feel that love.  Something tells me you keep doing what you have done to get her to this point, and you both will thrive together.  Mark

Hi, I have found a new love of reading the archived blogs like this one. Thanks for sharing.

If you are open to new opportunities and not afraid to try new things, you'll find what you really like to do.

Thanks for sharing your journey.

My son is 18 y.o. too and he is leaving this year to college. We are going to miss him, but we are very excited for all new opportunities he is stepping up in.

None of our children pursued what Don and I did.. My major was Education, taught math & science.  Don's degree is in Chemistry.  We operated a farm and now a real estate office.  My oldest daughter majored in theatre and works with disadvantaged adults.  One of my sons degree is in metal fabrication and went to school on a rodeo scholarship, PRCA to the finals.  The youngest was an art student and does all kinds of construction, beautiful masonry and carpentry work..  I don't know if I instilled in them to seek their passion but I always encouraged them to go after life and be happy.  Kim Gaston 

Taking the courses that will provide advantages when they are on their career path is very important. 

Kim, I know exactly where you're at right now. My daughter graduated from high school last fall. It's such a huge milestone. She is our 2nd and last child. We have a son in college as well. I've noticed most (not all) college students don't know what they want to do with their lives or be when they grow up. They had to put something on their college applications and this was probably the most difficult thing to answer. What we've told both children is to not stress over their decisions at this point. We've encouraged them to take classes they think they might enjoy as well as those in the field they think they might want to work in. It is very common for kids to find their true passion in college and it is often not what they thought it would be. We've also encouraged them to check out clubs and internships early on. My son thought he wanted to go into marketing. He did a marketing internship in high school. He loved the operations of the company but, not marketing. Our son changed his major pretty quickly in college and is already thinking about what he wants to do for his masters. So, I would tell them not to be afraid to try something new. It's ok if they don't like it and you never know when you're going to love it. Best of luck to you and your daughter!!