Advice For The Kids

Money

Your job should be something you genuinely enjoy and are good at. Don’t be afraid to try multiple jobs or careers in your teens and 20’s before having kids (locked in). Jobs first education second. Start with an apprenticeship or internship before investing in expensive and time consuming education. These jobs should start in high school (after school) so you have an idea of what you want to do in life when you graduate. This advice applies to kids interested in both white collar and blue collar professions. Kids interested in white collar jobs should also consider job sectors within the industry as well as company mission. For example I used to work in IT (my industry), at a financial company (sector), that dealt with investing in low income housing (mission). Think about your career early, and the best way to get an idea of what you like is to try things.
If you are an outside kid don’t be afraid to try an outdoor job working with your hands (e.g. construction). Ask yourself ‘do I enjoy homework and book study?’. If the answer is no and you naturally gravitate to outdoor activities then you are an outside kid. There is nothing wrong with being an indoor kid (we need people like this), but our culture tries to make everyone think that they have to be “college bound”. Be humble. Look at what Jesus did for a living (carpenter). Look at what He says about money and status in the Sermon on the Mount. Low tech businesses (e.g. a 711), manual labor, working with your hands (e.g. plumbing). Sometimes a job that is not ‘sexy’ is more rewarding and satisfying. You must enjoy and be good at what you choose to do for a living – don’t do it just for the money. Have faith in God that He will provide and make ends meet.
Once you have found the profession that you want to work in, the work culture at the job is also critically important. It would be wise to take a lower paying job in the same profession that has a better work culture. To be specific, we are talking about both the rules and regulations (the way management runs the job) but also the people you work with. Being around toxic people or working in a toxic environment is seriously devastating to your mental health. There is no amount of money that is worth sacrificing your mental health.
Your career should be something serviced based (directly serving others). Not only is this more rewarding, but it makes the world a better place.
Minimalism – less is more. Ignore other philosophies (e.g. ‘Bigger is better’ and ‘Better to have and not need’). Marie Kondo is a renowned thinker in the area of minimalism and decluttering and a great resource for ideas. When evaluating material possessions, she asks the question “Does this item spark joy?”. This could be coupled with the additional question “Do I need/use it?”. For example fishing equipment that you only use once every 5 years might be enjoyable to you, however you do not really use it or need it. These questions together can be used to achieve a general reduction of “stuff” in your life if you keep them in mind when evaluating existing items or new purchases. You will find that less stuff/smaller stuff in your life means less stuff that you have to pay for and maintain. It is also less stressful of a lifestyle because it is simpler. You will have more time and money left over for sharing and giving to those in need. This will allow you to lead a more enjoyable life, and one that is centered around the calling that God has for you.

Finally, here are some good songs to listen to: