What Investment Will You Make to Get your Dream Job?

The road to a great career would start with your college education. It takes time, lots of energy, and sleepless nights. And then you must worry about your tuition. You're a lucky student or you'll fall into the abyss of (student) debt. Is it worth to get your dream job? It depends on where you're coming from.

A scholarship (or sponsorship) will let you off the hook, if not lessen the burden on your shoulders. It doesn't mean that you would live like there's no tomorrow. The same logic applies to the coursework. (Talent will take you to a certain point. There's no substitute to hard work.) These doesn't deter you from your dream job, as it's rather your willingness to invest on it. You reap what you sow. The law of supply and demand is another factor that you must look ahead. (It seems to apply to veterinary medicine, but arts can be a complicated matter. Luck will play a part in it.) It might prompt you to be cautious in your approach, even lose your resolve (to finish a school requirement immediately). Don't.

How to make it right

Money changes everything. Not a few graduates will get their dream job, but moan about the debt incurred during those few years at college. The interest would make them wonder if they could prepare for their retirement at an early age. It can be avoided if you embrace the frugal lifestyle. It will be a challenging task, as you must pass up those late nights with your coursemates. You don't want to be looked at as a Scrooge, but you might have to plan your birthday treat. Saving seems impossible, but you can do it if you really want it. If you're serious about getting a part-time job, then think of the long run. Can you juggle your studies and work? Will you be able to beat the deadlines? Won't you be tempted to drop out (and pursue a full-time job)? If you answer is in the affirmative, then you don't have to worry too much about your future.

You must have many options. It's all about planning your first few years as a professional, as you don't want to be the new graduate desperate to find a job as soon as possible. Look for internship opportunities. Attend a training course (or seminar), which is related to your chosen field. Be serious about your gap year. All of these will make your resume stand out from the other applicants. You may have little time left for yourself, but it's not really the case. Indulge on your interest, which will give you an impression of a well-rounded teenager. Start now.

Live healthy. Most teenagers will take it for granted, and for good reason. They seem to have boundless energy until they settle down and raise a family. They will notice the fatigue, wishing for those carefree days. (Let's not get too far ahead.) You must stretch your limbs every day, if not every other day. And you must make it a daily ritual. You should engage in a physical activity thrice (or four times) a week. A time duration of 30-60 minutes will be good enough. (If you're lazy to do it, then walking will do.) And your meal must include fruits and vegetables. It will be harder to keep it up, as it requires lots of motivation and a great degree of commitment. You should adopt a flexible attitude. You must strive to enjoy it. These enable you to keep up with the demands of any job. And that's all any of us should do.

You'll have (lifelong) friends. You're a special person if your parents are your closest friends. It also applies to your sibling. You must have a support system, whom you can rely on those moments of setback. You're truly lucky if you can make friends along the journey. The unwritten rules (of friendship) seem simple, but a trivial matter can blow out of proportion (and end it). You must not expect much. Time must not lose your respect and affection. And always find a way to keep in touch. If you don't follow it, then it will haunt you when you're older (and probably bitter from solitude). These people will keep you from getting burned out from work.

You must strive to be a better person. You must have figured it out during your first year in college. You shouldn't be hard on yourself whenever you fail on something (or someone), as you're a work in progress. It can help you deal with the repetitiveness of your routine at the office. Think about the coursework, of how you can manage better. If you succeed on this one, then the transition to the professional world won't cause a lot of discomfort.

You must not miss the following

You must be inspired, which should help you move mountains. You should know the struggles of completing a homework if you're not into it. You'll apply this lesson in the workplace, where there will be many instances when you wish that you rather stay home.

You must not lose the moment, which helps you appreciate the trivial things. It will change your outlook, which enables you to look kindly at others. You'll also learn about patience, a virtue hardly missing among teenagers.

You must be able to listen to others especially if it concerns you. Don't ever think that you're the best (in the workplace), as it will discourage you from learning new skills. You won't be open to new ideas as well. You'll be aware of it during your first month in college.