Sponge
August 25, 2014
My mother and my cousin were having a conversation about the future, specifically her future. She has a plan and a goal and that is great for someone her age (she's 17). Her father (my uncle), has her future paved for her already and my cousin is okay with that. We sat down in a McDonalds in Toronto and brought up the idea of the future and possibilities that can arise. My cousin already knows her next few years - she'll be at univerity for 4 years and then graduate. After that, she'lll have a placement at Hydro or somewhere her dad works since she'll be guaranteed a job. She also mentioned she may further her studies and get into a better company and whatnot. My mother then chimed in and said, "what happens if you were offered a job in a different country and had a lower income than the job you have now? Would you take it?". She then replied by saying "it depends." The one thing on her mind was money. She holds money of high importance and there's nothing wrong with that because money allows you to be a proper functioning human - at least that's what our world has come to. My mom then asked her if she'd want to explore the world and my cousin said of course. But she still mentioned money. Her goal is to finish university, get a job and work her way up the ladder to get a better job that pays a lot. She also anticipates to go back to school to get a law degree. The only thing I can think of was, wow.. She really loves school. She doesn't mind putting in all that work, that's some dedication. I can never just stay in school for that long, nor do I want to stick to a specific plan. My mom and I were on the same page - why limit yourself to a set plan? It's good to have a plan because that means you have something to work for/at. But there are so many possibilities out there, you never know where life is going to take you. Explore the world, explore yourself. Always put knowledge & experience before money. Enrich your life! A career is vital in today's society, and it moulds you into a successful individual with a name, but don't wait for a career to enjoy life. Of course money allows you to do all of these things, which is possible with a steady and consistent job and by being responsible (saving up money). People get caught up in wanting to be the best they can be and forget to live in between. Be a sponge and soak up as much life as you can! My mother asked a clever question and it goes like this: "If you were given an offer to work in Japan but you're making less than you are with the company you'll be with, would you take it?" Obviously my answer was, of course! Why would I not take the offer? I'll take any chance to explore and expose myself to a different lifestyle and culture, and make money at the same time. If I stayed in the current company, yes I'll be making more money, but what am I gaining in life? It's important to venture off and take new opportunities. My cousins answer was, once again "I can't answer right now." I understand her position though, she's a young student, going off to university and has a plan that will guarantee her a job. She has years to learn and grow and truly understand what and where she wants to be in life. I just hope she puts experience and knowledge before money. I hope most people value that mindset.
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