Careers

Job versus Career. Is there a difference? Yes! Although the terms are used interchangeably there is a distinct difference between the two. Simply, a job may be short term whereas a career is long term. Jobs have the ability to teach you lessons that you can apply to additional jobs or to your career.

You are at a great point in your life to make decisions about your future, especially when it comes to your future career. There are so many opportunities, various different types of jobs and careers in a multitude of industries. Great career planning leads to great careers and a successful future! To start thinking about the type of career you’d like to have, consider the following questions:

• What activities energize you?
• Can you share a few things that you are good at doing?
• What kind of things do you care about?

These activities that energize you are called Sparks. The Search Institute defines Sparks as the interests and passions young people have that light a fire in their lives expressing the essence of who they are and what they offer to the world. Helping young people identify and pursue sparks is critical to their development and can help them “spark” interest in a career field.

Question, if you could have any job right now, what would it be -- and why? Don't let any barriers hold you back from finding the perfect career. It's never too early nor too late to get organized and begin making plans.

Talk Back: IRL

Identify a couple of interests you would like to have in your future career. Would you want to keep any of these interests as hobbies?

Investments

Investing is a way to set aside money while you are busy with life and have that money work for you so that you can fully reap the rewards of your labor in the future. The money you invest is money you do not need for everyday expenses or emergencies. Investing can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s look at it as growing your wealth. What is wealth? Wealth is the abundance of money, influence and time. The abundance of money = financial security. When we accumulate money we want to spend it, save it, donate it and invest it! When you invest your money grows over time.

One common investment strategy is to buy stocks. Explore investing with your family or a trusted adult. Work together to pick stocks of companies whose products and services you understand and use.

Investing is for the long term, and in the short term, you can lose money. If you need the money in the near future, you likely shouldn't invest but you should save!

Talk Back: In Real Life

Savings

Financial habits start early in life so it’s never too soon to start learning about the importance of saving money. Whether you are babysitting, braiding hair, working at a grocery store or mowing lawns, saving is a lesson in financial management that can't be learned too early.

Saving money can help you avoid debt, pay for large purchases, protect you in a financial emergency and reduce any financial stress. Simply put – saving money provides you with financial security. But the reality is, sometimes it’s not as easy as it sounds but saving is doable and necessary.

To start developing a saving habit:

• Pay yourself first by putting a small percentage (7-10%) of your earnings into a separate savings account.
• Understand the difference between Needs and Wants.
• Create financial goals and a budget
• Keep a record of spending and saving

Bonus thought… Do you have a dream career? Well, by diligently saving your money, it could lead to a financial freedom that may allow you to quit your job to pursue your dream career!!

Talk Back: In Real Life

Name the most expensive thing you have ever purchased and where the money came from (e.g., earnings from a job, birthday savings, parents, etc.).

Ask an adult in your life:

• What does it cost per month to live?
• Has money ever caused you stress? What do you do to lessen stress?
• Do you have any purchases that you have regretted? Why?
• If you could give your younger self money-related advice, what would it be?

What are some barriers to saving? Identify ways an individual can break these blocks and reach their financial potential?

Circling back to Careers, knowing what positions pay can help you to make better decisions about your education and career paths. Take time to research the incomes of various occupations that interest you.

Leaving a Legacy

At the end of each round in the game, players will have an opportunity to leave a legacy. The idea of leaving a legacy is the need or the desire to be remembered for what you have contributed to the world. Oftentimes, people may not start to think about the concept of legacy until later in life. However, it’s never too early to consider what you can do in life and in your career to have influence well into the future.

You can start making your mark on the world today by pushing yourself to greatness.

Talk Back: In Real Life