L.R.
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2009
- Messages
- 1,944
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I'm sure people do this all the time. Working less hours to spend time with children, moving from one more happening city to one which allows you to have a better family life.
But what about when starting a career?
I grew up in lower class family. Not to go into detail, but I, along with my 3 younger brothers (all university age now), will be supporting my father in his golden years.
My family has gone through what most would deem.... bad luck. Family death, investments (what little there were) gone sour, poor work due to the current financial climate.... etc.
My father has been there throughout it all, supporting my through university and everything else life has thrown my way. I've done well, (3.9 GPA, top-ranked Canuck University, etc). And while the job market for me is slim at this point, I realistically can do what I want. I know I could get into medical school, law school, what-have-you....
Ideally, I'd love to have a few years of me time, earning mediocre wages in favour of a "fun" life-style. However, I feel an obligation to my father, and I really do want to support him. So I could start a career, and have an MBA in 5 years time. I'd be earning some very good money, and it would allow me to help my family. However, it's not perhaps what I'd choose as the ideal career path. I'd love to have a few years having fun, then pursue a government job in Foreign Affairs.... but I'd be limited in what I could do to help my father financially.
How do people choose between helping themselves and helping their family?
Is it all a constant struggle? I mean, I want to enjoy life, but I also want to help. I don't want to say "where do I draw a line", because I wouldn't be happy if my father isn't living a great life, but at the same time, I won't enjoy life if my career path is solely financially driven.
Anyway, this is a whole rant/advice seeking post. So thanks for just reading, or any advice.
Cheers;
LR
But what about when starting a career?
I grew up in lower class family. Not to go into detail, but I, along with my 3 younger brothers (all university age now), will be supporting my father in his golden years.
My family has gone through what most would deem.... bad luck. Family death, investments (what little there were) gone sour, poor work due to the current financial climate.... etc.
My father has been there throughout it all, supporting my through university and everything else life has thrown my way. I've done well, (3.9 GPA, top-ranked Canuck University, etc). And while the job market for me is slim at this point, I realistically can do what I want. I know I could get into medical school, law school, what-have-you....
Ideally, I'd love to have a few years of me time, earning mediocre wages in favour of a "fun" life-style. However, I feel an obligation to my father, and I really do want to support him. So I could start a career, and have an MBA in 5 years time. I'd be earning some very good money, and it would allow me to help my family. However, it's not perhaps what I'd choose as the ideal career path. I'd love to have a few years having fun, then pursue a government job in Foreign Affairs.... but I'd be limited in what I could do to help my father financially.
How do people choose between helping themselves and helping their family?
Is it all a constant struggle? I mean, I want to enjoy life, but I also want to help. I don't want to say "where do I draw a line", because I wouldn't be happy if my father isn't living a great life, but at the same time, I won't enjoy life if my career path is solely financially driven.
Anyway, this is a whole rant/advice seeking post. So thanks for just reading, or any advice.
Cheers;
LR