If had a dollar for every time I have been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I would be the richest person in Nebraska.

On the other hand, if I had a dollar for every time my answer to that loaded question remained the same, I would be penniless.

Countless questionnaires, surveys, and icebreaker questions should have prepared me for answering, but the conflict between my head and heart remains.

What am I supposed to say? Do I listen to my heart or my head? Do I pick my passion or choose to be more practical?

It’s been a recurring thought in my head for years.  Should I pursue my dreams, even if it means financial instability and the slim chance that I’ll be one of the few at the top, or do I pick something more stable to consistently bring money in and pay the bills?

However, a new trend surfaced about which side of the argument new workers are taking. In a Monster study that approaches Gen Z’s work habits, seven out of 10 participants identified salary as their most crucial motivator in the workplace.

I wondered if this applied to the future workforce in NE, so I decided to ask a few similar questions to some of Millard North’s student body.

A three-question survey of 20 students gives an insight into what the job field can expect within the next few years. Those three questions are:

If money didn’t matter, what would be your dream job? What will you do as your actual job? Lastly, does money influence your job decision?

The survey results were sobering. Most people settled for alternate careers instead of pursuing their passions. Musicians became psychiatrists, authors became lawyers, and actors became physical therapists.

When asked if money influenced their job decisions, 18 out of 20 students identified it as an influential factor in their careers.

Honestly? I can’t blame these students as money is a necessity. However, in the end, it’s important to ask if you will feel successful and proud if your only source of happiness is money.

Maybe the money would be nice for a while, but as you sit in a big, lavish house surrounded by material possessions, I’m willing to bet you will begrudgingly realize that maybe money didn’t actually buy happiness.

Alternatively, if you follow your dreams despite low pay but love what you do, will that be enough when you arrive home to a stack of bills and wonder how you will make it by this month?

Perhaps the answer to a more balanced life with financial stability that encourages your passions lies in a more gray area than the finite black and white.

The College for North Carolina, or the CFNC offers some of the most crucial things to consider when choosing a career.

To begin with, your personality, your goals, and your values. It’s key to consider what you could excel at and what you would enjoy doing every day. Additionally, choose a path that brings you happiness and also allows financial stability.

Take a step outside your comfort zone and view yourself from an external perspective. Where do you picture yourself in five years? Should you work in person or at home? Are you a people person or not?

It’s critical to look through the lens of your options and the costs and training that go with them. After narrowing down your strengths, look into what types of jobs are available and the necessary skills and requirements that accompany them.

The training may be as simple as a high school diploma, or you may have to obtain a degree, complete internships, or have a few years of experience. 

Lastly, take advantage of your current resources at Millard North and be an advocate for your success. School counselors can provide you with countless resources and insight into realistic expectations for your career. Be open to classes you may not have thought to take as they can spark new interests or passions. Reach out to people you may know who have a successful job in your field and see if you like what a day in their life has to offer you.

Although, I think the most important part is knowing that selecting a career isn’t an overnight process.  If you don’t have a decision in high school, it’s completely okay even if you may not think it is.  From one high schooler to another, we’ll all figure it out and be alright.