Will College Support Your Passion?

[Kal Di]

Many industries may pay well, but there's always "something" missing, people search for a better position all the time, some like to move up and others make a lateral move...

I agree. After all, if you're going to spend 40 hours a week (or almost 3 months a year) at work, the salary shouldn't be the only good thing about the job. If so, a lateral move could be a better option.

It's not necessarily a choice between one or the other: see if you can find something that makes good money AND that you enjoy.  Having a job you enjoy going to sure makes life easier, but so does making a good living.  I'm not going to limit myself to choosing just one of those options.

I don't think no one wants to limit themselves, but sometimes it's not always possible. It's harder to find a job that satisfies both options in some parts of the USA. Some people can afford to relocate to areas with better opportunities and others will have to wait until they're in better financial conditions. For such people left to choose, picking passion over profit may suffice if they still can earn enough to take care of themselves and/or their family.

I also think people's interests can change over time. I was very focused on Field Service Engineering and then Technical management. I now research history, anthropology and now visit those areas and write/create digital media of my interests. So for me, it's a personal responsibility as to what you do, and sometimes what you start in can finance a change later in life. So be flexible would be my advice. and do what you enjoy even if your finances change.

I agree. Regarding the change in interests, it happened to me too. I can't remember the name of the study, but there was one that showed overall happiness rises for most people up until $75,000 USD a year. Once a person has made more than that, their happiness no longer increased.

If one is fortunate, he/she can work remotely for a company in their native country, while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In such case, such person wouldn't even need $75,000 a year. Even a $40,000 a year salary would suffice in many countries around the world.