"Find out what you like doing best, and get someone to pay you for it." - Katharine Whitehorn

This is what I think we should base a career on instead of just what "pays the big bucks". (Although, if they happen to coincide, you won't find me arguing.) A career is something you'll do almost every day for the rest of your life, so why would you make it something you don't enjoy at least a little bit?

This was something I had to convince myself of when I realized I no longer wanted to do what I'm currently going to school for. Lucky for me, the degree is still relevant, so I didn't have to head back to square one. (Do not pass "Go", and lose way more than $200) However, I found myself spending long hours working my butt off and being stressed out. There were parts of it I enjoyed, but it didn't fit into my puzzle quite right. I was in the right pond, just not on the right lily pad.

However, I knew I needed to make that decision, and since then, I am way more content with where I'm headed.

Convincing yourself you need a change is one thing, but then come the questions from friends and family. I still have people asking if I'll be the next Frank Lloyd Wright when I tell them I'm majoring in architecture, but that aspiration isn't anywhere near my list anymore, and I think it confuses people when I try to explain that to them. After all, most people think the "normal" career path from my area of study would provide a higher salary, and that's what you should want, right?

But that brings me back to the comfort and happiness of a career choice. I couldn't see myself doing that job for the rest of my life. It wouldn't give me any sense of fulfillment, and I wouldn't have as much pride in what I do. Although some of my family members still try to push me back towards the other road, I know, in the end, I'd rather be content with a major part of my life than doing something just for the money.

So that's my advice to you, my friends.

Find what makes you happy, and what you love to do, and let it be the influence and drive for the major parts of your life. Money isn't everything. Do what's best for you, and it'll all work out.