I can't agree with Andy on this one - We let our kids, one boy - one girl, choose what studies they wanted - we even home schooled the two of them from about 3rd grade through high school... Both made poor choices (in my book) for college studies - but they choose what they love to do. As a father, I'm quietly concerned how they are going to make a living (she in theater; he in jazz music) because both require an artistic talent that I don't have and probably will never understand...but THEY do. {I would have loved to have seen them choose career paths that would be better suited to being able to provide for themselves in an "easier" fashion - getting started in either of these fields will be a challenge for them.}

They will make it, I hope. My eldest, the daughter, graduated with honors from Central Washington University two summers ago and, as I predicted, has had a bummer of a time getting her foot in the professional door of the local theater groups in our area. But she took on a part-time job that paid a pittance and TWO theater internships (non-paid) and has slowly been working on what she wants to do. My son will be graduating from college this fall and I wonder what he is going to do to "break into" the local jazz scene. I hope it isn't too rocky of an experience for him.

As for getting up in front of 12 year olds and talking about careers, I agree about networking with your peers, finding something that you love to do, and don't get stuck in a job you don't like. Several other bits in info I would pass along: If you ARE in a job you don't like, find a replacement job before you quit the lousy position. At least a lousy position will allow you to feed yourself! Don't chase the money. Just because you get the idea that some position pays a lot, doesn't mean it is something you will like, or even be able to comprehend. And don't expect to make $100 K as soon as you graduate. May not happen until you have at least three or four years experience in your chosen field. Working your way up is part of the post-schooling learning curve. Oh, and lastly, you will never be done learning at any point in your life. If you stop learning, you can get too complacent, lazy, stuck in ruts, etc. If your life does get boring, learn something else while you are working. Take up a hobby - stay busy with some volunteer work! The idea here is that besides working, there are other things to do that can give your life fufillment while you are "working" your way through life.