Is this a respectable job?

Question

My dream job is to be a high school guidance counselor in a small school like the one that I went to. My guidance counselor helped me through high school a lot and I really do not think I would have been able to do it without him. I really want to help teens during a period of their lives that is difficult and overwhelming. However, a lot of people in my family stick their nose up at me! (parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents etc...) None of them went to college so they should be proud of me! However, they think that my career goal is not high enough! I know I am not going to be rich, but that's now what's important for me. I am paying for my education I should be able to do what I want...

Answer 1

You are dealing with a phenomenon with which many first generation college students will be able to identify. Because you are the one to go to college, all of their hopes are tied up in you. Many of them may feel that your success or lack of success reflects on their own abilities - in other words, they want to feel that if they had been able to afford college, they, too, could have been a doctor or a lawyer. By choosing a less lucrative profession, it leaves them wondering if they were even capable of doing the things THEY dreamed of.

You are absolutely right, however, that you have every right to do what you want, and part of their response is due to the lack of exposure they've had to the full range of professions. The world really needs good guidance counselors who care about their students, and I really applaud your ambition. I also think it is admirable that, having come from a family without much education, you can look beyond money and choose a profession which will allow you to give back what you received. The fact that you paid for your own education says to me that you aren't likely to rely on them to provide you with the money you won't make, so follow your dream. There is NOTHING as rewarding as that note or visit from a former student who made it because you helped them through; it even eclipses your own achievements in getting your education and job.

One piece of advice: If you haven't already done so, thank the guidance counselor who helped you while you have the chance. For me, it was a fourth grade teacher, and by the time I thought to look her up to thank her, the school district had no records of where she had gone after retiring. I will always regret that I never properly thanked her for all she did for me.

Answer 2

A guidance counselor is a wonderful profession! Just think of the lives that you can touch. A good guidance counselor can help to turn a troubled life into one that soars. Teenage years are very difficult. Infact, the teenage suicide rate keeps climbing. How wonderful to help a teen with their self-esteem, to give them hope for a better future, to let them know that they can make a difference in the world. You must be a very special person to want this as a career. Guidance Counseling is a very respectful occupation. What better way to live your life than by helping other people succeed? For every person you help to succeed, you will succeed with them. You can do very well financially as a guidance counselor, depending on where you want to take it, but whatever you decide is where you want to work, it will be where you belong. The way to make money is to do something you really enjoy. How can you succeed at something you do just to make money? It will bore you and so will the money it produces. Love what you do and the money will follow. Be proud and know that you have picked a caareer that will reward you for the rest of your life. Parents and family mean well, but I wish they would not give advice so freely. My mom did that to me. She thought I should be a legal secretary in San Francisco. Boring! I did not follow her advise and I am so glad I didn't. I did learn that the people who give advise are usually telling you to do something that they themselves wish they did for themselves. Good luck! You'll love your profession!

Answer 3

Hey girl, yes, it's a respectable position! You don't have to follow in the footsteps of your parents and family members... you can make your own decision and come to a conclusion of what you truly want. I do believe you really want to be in this field, so as the Nike commercial says it "just do it!".

You most likely have it all planned out, follow through and take action...study hard and you'll make it in a couple of years. You'll look back and say to yourself "This was the right choice!"... Furthermore, if you decide not to continue in this profession, you can go into closely related professions such as teaching. Good luck!

Answer 4

sticking their nose up because their daughter is caring, thoughtful and intelligent (it takes a freakin genius to guide a teenager).
my guidance counselor helped through thick and thin in high school and I looked up to her so much (she seriously was like our mother)... it takes a hell of a person to do that. Plz do what u want to do and dont worry about what they're telling u. I dont know what not respectable about someone who's guiding our future doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, mothers, professors, etc etc etc.

Answer 5

I agree with you totatlly, do what makes you happy and nothing can be more rewarding than helping people. Better to do a job that makes you happy rather than one that has no meaing for you and can make you really miserable.

You have your head screwed on right, they are wrong.

They should be happy with your morals etc.!

Answer 6

i believe if it is something you would enjoy and could benefit from more than just financially, then it is an awesome job. and it is a good thing to have someone around like that , especially during your teen years. good luck.

Answer 7

It's not only respectable, it's something you truly love. Give your family's collective nose a pinch, and pull it back down to earth. What are they being so hoity toity for?