kwillia
n/a
Another thing worth mentioning... college is NOT the end all and most certainly not worth the paper the degree is printed on if the person isn't willing to work and most certainly now that folks are coming out of college with a degree just because... equity. A graduate has to be able to back up what that paper represents.
My other kid went the trade skills route. He started each year in high school calculating the grades he needed to get on tests and how many homework assignments he could take a zero for and still pass the class. He never did the summer assignments, so he started each year in the red so to speak. He knew if he worked to his aptitude on his schoolwork, they would force him into advanced classes where he would have to work for the passing grades instead of maintaining without studying.
Nope, he wasn't lazy. He had dreams and ambition and knew he needed money to do the things he wanted in life. At the age of 14 he convinced me to let him start working all summer each summer and evenings and weekends when the time allowed. I obtained a workers permit, and he found employment in the construction industry. He sweated his arse off daily. He made a name for himself, made money and banked it, and the most important part of all of it was his exposure and experiences. He watched and learned: Don't want to be the ditch digger? Learn skills. Don't like how the supervisor can be a jerk? Keep in mind how NOT to treat employees when you are a boss one day. Don't like how some things work or are done? Speak up, point out the problem and offer a solution you think might work. Not making enough money to fund your wants? Increase skill sets, make a name as a hard worker, and most of all treat people with respect and you earn respect. It gets noticed. You will get bumped from the 'starter jobs' once you've proved value added.
Today he owns his own business and has employees of his own. He is also working full-time at a business that values him tremendously. He makes more a year then most college grads and has been since the age most are when they finally do graduate from college.
No matter how brilliant of a college career you envision for your kid, don't force them into a life you want them to live. Make sure you are letting them work to make the life THEY want to live.
My other kid went the trade skills route. He started each year in high school calculating the grades he needed to get on tests and how many homework assignments he could take a zero for and still pass the class. He never did the summer assignments, so he started each year in the red so to speak. He knew if he worked to his aptitude on his schoolwork, they would force him into advanced classes where he would have to work for the passing grades instead of maintaining without studying.
Nope, he wasn't lazy. He had dreams and ambition and knew he needed money to do the things he wanted in life. At the age of 14 he convinced me to let him start working all summer each summer and evenings and weekends when the time allowed. I obtained a workers permit, and he found employment in the construction industry. He sweated his arse off daily. He made a name for himself, made money and banked it, and the most important part of all of it was his exposure and experiences. He watched and learned: Don't want to be the ditch digger? Learn skills. Don't like how the supervisor can be a jerk? Keep in mind how NOT to treat employees when you are a boss one day. Don't like how some things work or are done? Speak up, point out the problem and offer a solution you think might work. Not making enough money to fund your wants? Increase skill sets, make a name as a hard worker, and most of all treat people with respect and you earn respect. It gets noticed. You will get bumped from the 'starter jobs' once you've proved value added.
Today he owns his own business and has employees of his own. He is also working full-time at a business that values him tremendously. He makes more a year then most college grads and has been since the age most are when they finally do graduate from college.
No matter how brilliant of a college career you envision for your kid, don't force them into a life you want them to live. Make sure you are letting them work to make the life THEY want to live.
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