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Potential Jobs or Degrees?

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  • 14-04-2013 11:17pm
    #1
    sobster771
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭


    Hello, I'm a 15 year-old sophomore in high school and as the time to look at colleges is coming up, I need to figure out what I really want to do in life. I skipped a grade in math, so I guess that is my strength. I really like chemistry this year and I seem to be good at it..but is there any money involved in a chemistry degree? Next year I will take AP Physics and AP Chem, but my main goal is to find something I can tolerate that makes a large amount of money (eventually in the $150,000-$200,000) range. Right now I feel like I can get into CMU or maybe CalTech. Any ideas for possible degrees or jobs?
    Tagged:


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    #2
    thecatspjs
    Closed Accounts Posts: 519 ✭✭✭thecatspjs


    Wow. I honestly think you are worrying far too much about money. If you like chemistry go check out some courses and try one. There are plenty of jobs in the area AFAIK.

    You're 15. You should not be considering a career that is ''tolerable''. Do you think making $150,000 - $200,000/annum will make up for 40 - 50 years of tolerance?


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    #3
    sobster771
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭sobster771


    I understand money doesn't necessarily buy happiness, but with the way the economy is going and how Obama's regulations are going to impact my generation, I need to think ahead. I would rather do something that I don't hate doing every day that brings in enough money to have a cushion, no matter what the economy is, then have a dream job that forces me to work paycheck to paycheck. I may very well be too young to completely understand the importance of loving your job, but from my 15 year-old perspective, I think not having to worry about supporting my family is the priority.


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    #4
    thecatspjs
    Closed Accounts Posts: 519 ✭✭✭thecatspjs


    You will change your mind about so many things countless times between now and the time you start a family. Like I said, have a look at the chemistry courses that interest you.

    There really is no use in stressing about things like that. It's good if you're taking an interest in economical issues and all but you need to chill out a bit. I think it's bad enough that people are forced to decide on a career path at 17/18.


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    #5
    locum-motion
    Registered Users Posts: 5,143 ✭✭✭locum-motion


    You do realise that this is www.boards.IE, right?


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    #6
    thecatspjs
    Closed Accounts Posts: 519 ✭✭✭thecatspjs


    locum-motion wrote: »
    You do realise that this is www.boards.IE, right?

    Doesn't really matter. It's just someone looking for advice on a career in science.
    If the OP doesn't know that he's posting on an Irish forum then maybe that's not the correct route to go down however!:pac:


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    #7
    yubabill1
    Registered Users Posts: 1,301 ✭✭✭yubabill1


    Go for chemistry, if you are interested in it.
    Don't neglect physics/maths, if you are good at them, they will get you a long way.

    Over time, your path will become more clear to you (as you make decisions which are no-brainers at the time you have to make them).

    Whatever degree you decide to do, if you still want to earn $150k + (you won't start any job on that remuneration, mind) consider enrolling for the most prestigious MBA you can afford/qualify for.


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    #8
    Justin1982
    Closed Accounts Posts: 328 ✭✭Justin1982


    Ok small reality check......I know some really top class maths/physics graduates from Trinity who were willing to sell their souls to the highest bidder after qualification, were willing to do all the studying to get extra qualifications to get into the best paid careers in finance and were as ambitious as anyone I've ever come across. Their aim was to be earning a mere 100k per year by the age of 30 which is probably achievable.

    To earn more than that then you'll either have to become some sort of specialist top notch surgeon or a trader or be smart enough lucky enough to be the right guy in the right place at the right time who comes up with some crazy product like the iphone.

    Reality is in my opinion that absolutely no one is worth more than 100k per year and very few people earn that much.
    The tax you'll pay on large earnings will depress you and your future wife/husband will leave you cos you'll always be in work.

    But I wouldnt worry about it too much. I reckon that your balls will drop when you reach 24, you'll discover Copper Face Jacks, end up in a crisis pregnancy situation, have to get any old job in any old industry just to support the child and you'll actually wise up to the fact that there is more to life than money.

    If you do make it then fair fecks to you. I will admire your determination.


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