Okay, I know this really isn't a post of agony. If an average
degree holder goes into his specialised field and earns about 2K
plus a month, how does he break through this mediocre lifestyle and
gets to become rich? Personally, I can't visualise the pathway of
becoming rich. Property? Stocks?
Am I even supposed to be thinking about such stuff when I'm not
even working yet.
So the story goes like this. My dad is relatively wealthy. He owns
his own company, and has properties and stuff. How the heck am I
supposed to out do him in the future? People always say I'm smarter
than my dad, more intelligent and I should be able to be more
successful than him. But how do people get rich?
Education yes. going to university is almost definite for me,
probably a local one. I don't even know what to major in. Have no
interests. Law and medicine are out (I don't want to study much for
Alevels), but a couple of As, and Bs are quite achievavble. I was
thinking going into arts or social science. But where does that
path lead to? No matter how I look at it, the future looks bleak.
My dad runs an engineering business, and since young I have been
hopeless in Physics (or D&T in lower sec), though I still take
Physics at H2 level. I don't think I want to take over his company.
( no interest ) I have to create my own career myself.
And if I'm going to settle for arts/social sciences, am I ever
going to get rich? I can't see the pathway to get rich. I think I
might go for business or something related to finance. But I only
see university education as way to pursue my interest. In other
words, I want to study something I like, something which I've been
passionated about.
I'm still clueless. If you were wondering, I've always wanted to
surpass my dad. I will not want to rely on my dad's money in other
aspects (maybe except education). I have 3 siblings which it will
be better to leave the money to them.
Seriously, I cannot visualise my life (and future family) living in
a condo, let alone HDB.
I want to be rich. I can just take a loan from my dad, open a
business, make it successful and then get rich. But I wouldn't want
to do so (like I said).
Or do I have to study up till masters. (if it's something I
like, I wouldn't mind). My career choices are all cloudy and
undecided.
After graduating from Uni, I was thinking of being a full time
tuition teacher plus piano teacher (by the time I finish NS, uni),
I would probably have a diploma or two. And hopefully be able to
earn a decent 5-6K per month. Save the money and start my own
business after a few years. It certainy beats working very hard for
a science/engineering degree and starting work with a low salary
for 2K+?
Would more experienced folks currently in the working world advice
me?
Back to your topic, first of all, I'd congratulate you if you
choose to venture out on your own. You'd be one of those 20% in the
world who have decided not to follow societal norms to be a
salaried employee and work till your last breath.
That said, life as a self-employed is filled with uncertainty -
uncertain income, uncertain prospects, and definitely an uncertain
future. Ask yourself if you're willing to rough it out. Are you
prepared for all sorts of obstacles along the journey?
Family support is very important. If your gf/wife is
understanding and throws her weight behind you, all the better. But
I can say that not many people will agree on your choice in
life.
Surround yourself with like-minded people - professionals who
have also decided to follow the route less travelled. Find yourself
a mentor, a role-model who can offer sound advice or simply
inspiration for you to make your mark.
A final word of caution - once you've chosen this (lonely) road,
don't turn back or regret at all. You have only one life, and hey,
you chose to live it your way.
Good luck!
