A High School Student That doesn't want a Job

[OnlyOneLife]

I am a senior in high school and I don't want a job. But of course, I want to have an abundance of money. I've been reading Steve's site since I was 16, I'm 18 years old right now.

After I read some of Steve Pavlina articles on how ridiculous it is to get a job... I agree. I don't want a mindless Job that pays $5 an hour after taxes. Thats 7 hours of work for a microscopic $35... Completely not worth the time or the effort at all.

After reading about passive income and stuff, I really don't want to do a job.
What would you recommend I do?

[Natasha]

Instead of focusing on what you DON'T want (a job), figure out:

"What DO I want?"

And then work towards it... Maybe that low-paying job you seemingly don't want is the first step towards your goal. Maybe you need to go to college to earn a degree, or experiment in different fields. Maybe you need to join the Peace Corps or another volunteer organization..... It all depends on where you are headed. Ask yourself:

What are your passions?

If you could do anything (career-wise) what would it be?

What is your purpose in life?

What would you do all day for free?



None of us here on the forums can tell you what you should do. Or rather, we COULD, but it would not likely be right for you. Only YOU can make that decision, and if you are not passionate about what you decide, then it either won't work, or (even worse) it works just well enough that you stay with the decision, but aren't happy.

[Radio]

I agree with Natasha. Give college a try. If during college you figure out what you want to really do, and that passive income starts coming in, you can always drop out.

College is not just about credits. That's where a lot of people do their real growing up.

[Akashic_Librarian]

Ok heres a tip. Your 18. You have no qualifications and you are about to spend a lot of money on higher education...GET A CRAPPY JOB. It will only be temporary, until you have qualifications, the means and the time to explore your other ventures. Be realistic.

[OnlyOneLife]

Yes, I am going to College. I am mostly interested in real estate. I wonder how much money I can intend to get from that college.

[The David]

I think Steve is talking about getting a job for a long period of time. If you have the means to start your own business, then do. If you're like most people in your age bracket, then start small and work your way up. Try college. Heck, work at a restaurant if you need money right now.

Don't forget, Steve is not always right.

[Natasha]

Why are you interested in real estate?

If real estate is really what you want to do, then a low-paying job to pay for your education should not deter you. It is just a step on the path.



It seems to me like you are overly focused on money.

Money is not happiness. Or contentment.

[SeriousKidding.com]

Hey OOL, I understand where you're coming from. BUT, if you want to make it on your own, and by your own rules, you must figure out what you really, really love: it's all about passion. Be willing to work your tail off (I work far more hours now on my computer writing for a living than I ever did as a teacher. My computer is open for business 24/7, obviously, so that means I'm spending a huge amount of time on it, seven days a week. But, I love what I do. I do believe it will bring me continued and growing success. Just remember, it's all about passion. If you follow your passion into a correlating business, you'll also be following your bliss. Good luck.

[Scott H Young]

Hey OnlyOneLife,

I'm also 18, and if there is one thing I've learned it is that you need to decide for yourself. Others advice won't really help you until you've actually experienced it, so make a decision and go after it. The worst that will happen is you'll end up having to get a job (which many people are recommending from the outset).

I'm going to University and running a medium sized personal development website ( Scott H Young ). I'm currently just using AdSense, but I'm releasing my first book for sale in the fall. I'm not getting a job as a career, but I will be working until I can live off my business.

My reasons for going to University isn't because it is a great educational opportunity (real life is better if you don't just want a piece of paper) or even really for "life experience" (pretty vague benefits for a lot of money). I'm going to University because it will be a great opportunity to learn and meet other people, and my first year has been just that.

Getting a job is a lot easier than earning income on your own through a business, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Eventually a business might pay more, but you'll have to spend a lot of time scrapping to learn how to be successful before you can get rich. Steve spent a few years of incredibly hard work before he made his computer games business work, the rapid success of his personal development business is built off of more than a decade of business, writing and web experience so don't pretend you can duplicate it nearly as fast.

If you think your age is a limitation, check out Ben Casnocha ( Ben Casnocha: The Blog ). He started his first company at 14 and now has someone else run it for him at the age of 18. Use what you have, be prepared to work and decide for yourself.

-Scott

[skinnyninja]

My advice to you:

First read "Atlas Shrugged," by Ayn Rand.

Then get a job.

You can worry about making tons of money later on. A job is more than just a means of income.