Conflicts with mother over career

[The Wabash Cannonball]

As the title says, I've been in a lot of conflict with my mom and a few of her friends about my career choice. I'm a senior in high school and I've recently decided that I want to become an electrician. Previously I wanted to become a geologist, but I decided that it was too risky as the university I wanted to go was quite expensive. If I didn't want to live on campus I'd have to make a three hour drive as well. I told her about it and so far I've gotten a lot of "You're not cut out for that kind of work," "It's too dangerous," and a lot of Ephesians 6:1.

I've already gotten most of my AA degree done through a Dual Enrollment program. However, she at least wants me to get a bachelors as a back-up plan so that I can become an X-Ray Technician. Personally I think it's a waste of time when I could be working, and I'm not totally confident that I can get a scholarship. Electrical work (specifically line work) is something I have a legitimate interest in and I've been seriously considering disobeying my mom on this. I just have no interest or motivation in college anymore!

Advice? The more I pray on this the worse it seems to get.

 

[Cimorene]

You could show her that you are cut out for that kind of work by doing it & doing it well! You could always go to college in your 20s. If you're in the US then the way it works for financial aid is that when you're under the age of 24 they look at your parent's finances. After 24 they just look at your own income. You'd probably qualify for more aid just looking at your own salary. It's also easier to prove you're independent if you have a full time job before the age of 24, so it would still be possible to get financial aid only based on your income b4 then.

I think it's cool you decided to become an electrician. It doesn't mean it has to be your career for life. I think it's a pretty solid stepping stone. I mean the entire world needs electricians. It's one of the most useful jobs there is.

 

[Albion]

If you work as an electrician for awhile and find that it is not satisfying, THEN you can enroll in studies leading to becoming an Xray technician.

From what you wrote, the credits needed at that point would not make this switch unrealistic.

 

[thecolorsblend]

As the title says, I've been in a lot of conflict with my mom and a few of her friends about my career choice. I'm a senior in high school and I've recently decided that I want to become an electrician. Previously I wanted to become a geologist, but I decided that it was too risky as the university I wanted to go was quite expensive. If I didn't want to live on campus I'd have to make a three hour drive as well. I told her about it and so far I've gotten a lot of "You're not cut out for that kind of work," "It's too dangerous," and a lot of Ephesians 6:1.

I've already gotten most of my AA degree done through a Dual Enrollment program. However, she at least wants me to get a bachelors as a back-up plan so that I can become an X-Ray Technician. Personally I think it's a waste of time when I could be working, and I'm not totally confident that I can get a scholarship. Electrical work (specifically line work) is something I have a legitimate interest in and I've been seriously considering disobeying my mom on this. I just have no interest or motivation in college anymore!

Advice? The more I pray on this the worse it seems to get.

Ultimately, you have to make your own choice. It's great that your mother is concerned with your future. But at the end of the day, you have to live with this. Not her.

Do what you believe is right. If that means disobeying her then do so. If you're 18, you're no longer under her authority. It is not somehow immoral to go against her wishes at your age. It may not be pleasant but it is not wrong.

 

[LoveGodsWord]

As the title says, I've been in a lot of conflict with my mom and a few of her friends about my career choice. I'm a senior in high school and I've recently decided that I want to become an electrician. Previously I wanted to become a geologist, but I decided that it was too risky as the university I wanted to go was quite expensive. If I didn't want to live on campus I'd have to make a three hour drive as well. I told her about it and so far I've gotten a lot of "You're not cut out for that kind of work," "It's too dangerous," and a lot of Ephesians 6:1.

I've already gotten most of my AA degree done through a Dual Enrollment program. However, she at least wants me to get a bachelors as a back-up plan so that I can become an X-Ray Technician. Personally I think it's a waste of time when I could be working, and I'm not totally confident that I can get a scholarship. Electrical work (specifically line work) is something I have a legitimate interest in and I've been seriously considering disobeying my mom on this. I just have no interest or motivation in college anymore!

Advice? The more I pray on this the worse it seems to get.

Someone gave me the best advice ever when I was trying to find out what I wanted to do for a career. They said that the best job for you is the one that matches your natural talents, hobies and interests. Do you want to work inside or outside or a bit of both? Now when you do the above work is no longer work but what you love doing. If you love what you do than you will be naturally good at what you do. You do not have to worry about money as people will see that you are good at what you do and the money will come anyway. So take the above on board when choosing your new career path and most importantly put all your plans into God's hands and ask him what he wants you to do and ask him to open the doors accordingly. This advice was a blessing to me. I hope it can be a blessing to you as well.

God bless

 

[The Wabash Cannonball]

I've been thinking about that, go out and show her that I can do the job well!

Edit: Quote broke on this post for some reason

 

[tturt]

Congratulations especially with the Dual Enrollment program. !

Could you shadow someone in each field? Go to some online forums and just asks for the pros and cons of each area?

 

[The Wabash Cannonball]

Congratulations especially with the Dual Enrollment program. !

Could you shadow someone in each field? Go to some online forums and just asks for the pros and cons of each area?

Thanks, I've contacted my local IBEW chapter today actually, plan on asking them about shadowing someone.

 

[(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)]

As the title says, I've been in a lot of conflict with my mom and a few of her friends about my career choice. I'm a senior in high school and I've recently decided that I want to become an electrician. Previously I wanted to become a geologist, but I decided that it was too risky as the university I wanted to go was quite expensive. If I didn't want to live on campus I'd have to make a three hour drive as well. I told her about it and so far I've gotten a lot of "You're not cut out for that kind of work," "It's too dangerous," and a lot of Ephesians 6:1.

I've already gotten most of my AA degree done through a Dual Enrollment program. However, she at least wants me to get a bachelors as a back-up plan so that I can become an X-Ray Technician. Personally I think it's a waste of time when I could be working, and I'm not totally confident that I can get a scholarship. Electrical work (specifically line work) is something I have a legitimate interest in and I've been seriously considering disobeying my mom on this. I just have no interest or motivation in college anymore!

Advice? The more I pray on this the worse it seems to get.

Well I can tell you from experience that in a workforce super-saturated with millennials with college degrees, employers aren't looking for education anymore. What they are looking for is skills and experience. My recommendation is go to the trade school so you can get a job that will pay you enough that you can pay for college. That's what I did. I went to a 2 year tech school for aircraft mechanics. My certification got me a job making 60K. I paid for my courses up front and saved 200 a week to pay for the next semester. I graduated with a Bachelors in Aeronautical Science debt free. Then I became a pilot making double the salary.

During this same period of time, a friend of mine who graduated with me decided to go strait to college. Because "That's what you are supposed to do if you want to be successful." Spent 6 years at an expensive university and received a Masters in Phycology and accrued a massive debt. Finally found a job as a social worker for a troubled teen ranch in Boston making about 24k. Worked there for 2 years before he quit because it wasn't paying the bills. He eventually found a better paying job as a life guard. What are your thoughts about the military reserves?

 

[Avniel]

I've been thinking about that, go out and show her that I can do the job well!

Edit: Quote broke on this post for some reason

Don’t show anybody anything, you don’t owe anyone anything but God. Take the gifts God has given you and use those to minister to the people you come in contact. Follow Him and not man, be the best you that you can be not for others but for you and your Heavenly Father.

 

[philadelphos]

I've been in a lot of conflict with my mom and a few of her friends about my career choice. I'm a senior in high school and I've recently decided that I want to become an electrician. Previously I wanted to become a geologist, but I decided that it was too risky as the university I wanted to go was quite expensive. If I didn't want to live on campus I'd have to make a three hour drive as well. I told her about it and so far I've gotten a lot of "You're not cut out for that kind of work," "It's too dangerous," and a lot of Ephesians 6:1.

"Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long..." (5th commandment, Exodus 20)

It's the only commandment with a promise, of longevity. And your mum (and her friends) maybe know something that you don't know, i.e. insider knowledge, or 'experience'.

What does your dad say ?

There are an over supply of university graduates in Australia, companies and governments exploit that. Its horrible. But trades are different in that there's less bureaucracy and politics, serving people more directly. The best part is you can be your own boss in future, if you're capable of self-managing. Also, the Lord was a tradesman (cabinet-maker), as was Paul (tent-maker), so it's a safe and biblical route for a believer.

The x-ray advice has pros too, you'd helping lots of old and sick people, being a mercy industry and that's noble. Every radiology office I've visited has had cheerful staff, a good sign they're happy. Most hospitals are comfortable workplaces and bosses are relaxed. But I've met many electricians who are worn out, dreary, and cranky from driving in traffic, climbing attics in Summer, etc. Also there may be irregular hours, 'on call' on evenings and weekends (which impinges on sabbath and Lord's day). They like their job, but they're not necessarily satisfied. Both are OK, but maybe your mum sees something you don't. Maybe something about your personality, or about the industry.

Blessings

 

[ripple the car]

As the title says, I've been in a lot of conflict with my mom and a few of her friends about my career choice. I'm a senior in high school and I've recently decided that I want to become an electrician. Previously I wanted to become a geologist, but I decided that it was too risky as the university I wanted to go was quite expensive. If I didn't want to live on campus I'd have to make a three hour drive as well. I told her about it and so far I've gotten a lot of "You're not cut out for that kind of work," "It's too dangerous," and a lot of Ephesians 6:1.

I've already gotten most of my AA degree done through a Dual Enrollment program. However, she at least wants me to get a bachelors as a back-up plan so that I can become an X-Ray Technician. Personally I think it's a waste of time when I could be working, and I'm not totally confident that I can get a scholarship. Electrical work (specifically line work) is something I have a legitimate interest in and I've been seriously considering disobeying my mom on this. I just have no interest or motivation in college anymore!

Advice? The more I pray on this the worse it seems to get.

Honoring your mother does not have to mean obeying her vision for your life. You can respectfully disagree, have your own career, especially as a young adult, and still love your mom.

 

[Joined2krist]

I think you should obey your mum, I feel she knows why she's insisting on you getting a degree. God bless

 

[tturt]

Maybe you get more details on her concerns ---You're not cut out for that kind of work," "It's too dangerous

Btw, you could check out how many students change their majors while enrolled at the university levels. It was a high number about 15 yrs.ago and I doubt it's changed that much. There's probably been some research regarding this aspect.

 

[ValleyGal]

Honouring your mother does not mean obeying her, as you would when you were a child. You are almost an adult, and choosing a career is one of the first adult choices you need to make, almost like a rite of passage. You might want to do both choices. Go to college while you are young and have a "back-up plan" just in case things don't go well as an electrician. I agree with one of the previous posters who suggested doing a shadow day with each career. Also do informational interviews with each, to find out the benefits and struggles of each one as well as the preferred career path. Ask them about opportunities for advancement in each, professional affiliations of each, etc. Learn all you can about each, so you can make an informed decision.

As for your relationship with your mom, it is going to start changing - if it hasn't already - from the dependent child to independent adult. Honouring her means having respectful relationship with her in an adult relationship rather than obeying her. Can you imagine if you are 30 years old, married with two children and still having to "obey" your mom? Or even a single woman with a flourishing career and still having to "obey" your mom? No... that's not what the verse means, when it says to honour your parents.

Have a chat with her and let her know that you respect her opinion and that you will consider it when you choose your career path. Then follow through with that by doing informational interviews, shadowing, etc. Then you can have a conversation about why you choose the field you choose - even if it is not her choice for you.

 

[Redwingfan9]

As the title says, I've been in a lot of conflict with my mom and a few of her friends about my career choice. I'm a senior in high school and I've recently decided that I want to become an electrician. Previously I wanted to become a geologist, but I decided that it was too risky as the university I wanted to go was quite expensive. If I didn't want to live on campus I'd have to make a three hour drive as well. I told her about it and so far I've gotten a lot of "You're not cut out for that kind of work," "It's too dangerous," and a lot of Ephesians 6:1.

I've already gotten most of my AA degree done through a Dual Enrollment program. However, she at least wants me to get a bachelors as a back-up plan so that I can become an X-Ray Technician. Personally I think it's a waste of time when I could be working, and I'm not totally confident that I can get a scholarship. Electrical work (specifically line work) is something I have a legitimate interest in and I've been seriously considering disobeying my mom on this. I just have no interest or motivation in college anymore!

Advice? The more I pray on this the worse it seems to get.

Having a BA will open more doors for you. You can still learn how to become an electrician. With a BA in business, you can enter the profession knowing how to manage a business.

 

[Newtheran]

I've already gotten most of my AA degree done through a Dual Enrollment program. However, she at least wants me to get a bachelors as a back-up plan so that I can become an X-Ray Technician. Personally I think it's a waste of time when I could be working

Frankly, you'll have a much better career as an electrician than as an x-ray tech. The latter field is well past the saturation point with many graduates unable to find stable full time work and the tide is going out in health care in general. Also as an electrician, if you take some basic business courses at a community college level, you'll be in a position to start your own company and do very well...something you can never do as an x-ray tech.

A previous generation held fast to the idea that the college degree was the best meal ticket to a good career. Increasingly, unless you'e doing something very specific like shooting for a Wharton MBA, Harvard JD, or Vet/Dentistry avoiding college is a smarter choice.

Remember, you are a consumer of education. It costs a lot of money to get degrees. Make sure you're a wise consumer of it just as you would be when spending your money in other sectors of the economy.

 

[(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)]

I think you should obey your mum, I feel she knows why she's insisting on you getting a degree. God bless

I agree in part. He should go to college. But unless his mother is going to pay the bill, he needs to go when he can afford it.

 

[The Wabash Cannonball]

Frankly, you'll have a much better career as an electrician than as an x-ray tech. The latter field is well past the saturation point with many graduates unable to find stable full time work and the tide is going out in health care in general. Also as an electrician, if you take some basic business courses at a community college level, you'll be in a position to start your own company and do very well...something you can never do as an x-ray tech.

A previous generation held fast to the idea that the college degree was the best meal ticket to a good career. Increasingly, unless you'e doing something very specific like shooting for a Wharton MBA, Harvard JD, or Vet/Dentistry avoiding college is a smarter choice.

Remember, you are a consumer of education. It costs a lot of money to get degrees. Make sure you're a wise consumer of it just as you would be when spending your money in other sectors of the economy.

Honestly, the saturation is what I'm most afraid of. I don't want to waste my time at college (even if I can get a scholarship to pay for it) and not be able to find a job after. Not to say that an electrician is a guaranteed job, but I like to think I have a better chance in a less saturated market, especially one with an aging workforce.

You and a few others have mentioned getting into a business degree, I think it's a good idea but we'll have to see how I feel about that once I've gotten into the job.

 

[The Wabash Cannonball]

Honouring your mother does not mean obeying her, as you would when you were a child. You are almost an adult, and choosing a career is one of the first adult choices you need to make, almost like a rite of passage. You might want to do both choices. Go to college while you are young and have a "back-up plan" just in case things don't go well as an electrician. I agree with one of the previous posters who suggested doing a shadow day with each career. Also do informational interviews with each, to find out the benefits and struggles of each one as well as the preferred career path. Ask them about opportunities for advancement in each, professional affiliations of each, etc. Learn all you can about each, so you can make an informed decision.

As for your relationship with your mom, it is going to start changing - if it hasn't already - from the dependent child to independent adult. Honouring her means having respectful relationship with her in an adult relationship rather than obeying her. Can you imagine if you are 30 years old, married with two children and still having to "obey" your mom? Or even a single woman with a flourishing career and still having to "obey" your mom? No... that's not what the verse means, when it says to honour your parents.

Have a chat with her and let her know that you respect her opinion and that you will consider it when you choose your career path. Then follow through with that by doing informational interviews, shadowing, etc. Then you can have a conversation about why you choose the field you choose - even if it is not her choice for you.

I'm still not decided on college but I'm interested in shadowing these jobs. Right now I'm trying to get into contact with my local 728 IBEW. I tried the 628 which is closer to me, but they haven't responded to my calls or emails...Haven't done any contacting about shadowing an X-Ray Technician but I'm looking into how to do it.