I'm convinced - now what?
We're not asking you to plan your entire life up to retirement. Just think about the next few years - while you're in school, and what you want to do afterwards.
Most people have some sort of overall plan, whether it's to become captain of your intramural team, maintaining a high GPA to receive scholarships, or passing all your courses in pursuit of a fulfilling career.
What's your goal?
Try to think of the big picture.
Where do you want to be? What do you want to be doing in 5-10 years? Some areas to consider might be:
- Education
- Family
- Career
- Finances
- Vocation
What type of career do you want? Do you want a flexible job where you can work for a few months then travel? Do you want to be a CEO? Self-employed? A web designer? An accountant? A stock trader?
Do you have a target income? Do you want to have sufficient income for your needs, but not worry too much about excess? Is your aim to be more Bill Gates or Mother Theresa?
Do you have a passion for a vocation? Do you want to make the world a better place? Do you want to work for a volunteer organization? Do you want to take essential skills to the Third World?
Do you need any specific skills to achieve your goal? (Academic or non-academic.)
Do you need an advanced degree? Do you need certain classes or life experience?
| Find two or three things that you would like to concentrate on, those which are most important to you. Make sure they're realistic - don't expect to become a double Nobel prize-winner, for example! |