What career direction would you steer your children towards?

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:46:25 -0400

I'm about to reach that point in my life where I'll be doing just that, my oldest is a year away from high school. Given the economy, the state of the country, the cost of post-secondary education and other factors, What direction would you steer your kids towards - degree, trade, military, medical, technology...

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Aug 15 at 2014 1:02 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 13:02:29 -0400

As of now, we decided that college will be for them. My daughter won't join the service but, my son may when it comes that time. Of course, I will see how the economy and current situation is when they become of age. Tough decision and I want to ensure my children have the best to support themselves once they become adults. I think my son will enjoy the military once I explain the reasons why Americans serve their country. We shall see and decide then.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2014 2:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 14:23:45 -0400

I started steering my oldest towards entrepreneurial endeavors by my example outside of the military. He has already sold cookies to raise funds for Haiti, recently washed cars and did door to door sales all before 11 years old. Entrepreneurs are what built this nation's economy, ever since the farming/craftsman days. More people that steer their kids towards this mindset will only empower them, even if they decide to earn a living in the traditional manner.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2014 9:19 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:19:28 -0400

I would say if the degree is useful college. My son graduated college in May. He got his degree in Operations Management Information Systems (OMIS) He does Operations and Logistics for Sears Corporate in Chicago. The nice thing about his degree is that Logistics is everything these days, and he'll be able to go elsewhere.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 19 at 2014 11:03 PM

PO3 Shaun Taylor — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 23:03:02 -0400

I taught mine to live their own lives. I let them know as long as they took a positive path that I would support them in whatever they decided to do.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 30 at 2014 7:57 AM

SPC James Mcneil — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 07:57:48 -0400

My children's career is not mine to choose. What do they enjoy doing? What are they good at doing? I do not see the advantage of pushing them toward a career they would hate and subsequently not spend much time actually doing, when their talents and desires lead them elsewhere.

Response by SrA Joshua Faust made Oct 30 at 2014 9:50 AM

SrA Joshua Faust — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 09:50:27 -0400

Full disclosure: my answer is highly dictated by my collegiate experiences and career searching over the past 4-5 years.

Anything highly technical is pretty much in demand however, information technology will be growing exponentially in years to come. The security sector being an extremely lucrative field as well. I would suggest anything in Computer Science or Information technology. Starting salaries are high, demand will continually be high, and there are thousands of specialized fields to hone in on.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 30 at 2014 1:43 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 13:43:33 -0400

I did not steer anything, but try to impart values of hard work equal reward. It seems to have worked on number one out the door, awaiting the results on numbers two, three and four. I do not push what kind of school or education, but to just get some. I do not push military service, but community service of some kind. I frankly do not push any of them, but lead doing them myself and having them join me at my request. Usually they accept due to they always have fun doing things with dad and his other voluntary friends and acquaintances.

I am challenged with regard as to how to motivate a child who has not much interest in anything other than video games!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 30 at 2014 3:35 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 15:35:39 -0400

I'm trying togstill guage each of my children's strengths and weaknesses so they can build and improve on them but ultimately the decision is their's. I would love it if at least one of my twins went into the military but I wouldn't push them to do it. My oldest is autistic,high functioning and college bound but inelligable for military service. Whatever they choose, as long as they can make a living and be happy I'll support them.