HS student, feeling lost
Before anyone asks, I found this website because I have a large interest in finance, hedge funds in particular. I have really enjoyed reading about investment analysis (I've read most of Benjamin Graham's works and a couple of other investment classics) and am considering entering that field. The thing is, I have an inclination towards the sciences (by the time I graduate I will have taken seven years of science) and have fantasies of starting some sort of business in my college (or later) years. I am conflicted because although I have a genuine interest in finance, I feel I wouldn't really be adding anything of value to society as I've heard that the bulk of it is just refining models and moving capital around. I don't know if I would be fulfilled long-term doing that. Creating something, whether that be a product or a service, would probably be much more valuable and fulfilling even if I am making less money.
Given that I would want to be best prepared for whatever path I choose (i.e. going to an ivy for finance vs going to college in Cali to join/create a startup), I want to get some input on my situation. Maybe my questions are stupid, but I just want some extra thoughts.
Also, I recognize that I probably wouldn't be creating a startup right out of college and will probably get a job first, but just entertain my thoughts please. Thank you!
Yeah you probably won’t add much to society in finance, but who cares.. that’s not the point. The point is to make the most amount of money in the least amount of time (check out tech if you want to really min/max), so that you can afford to quit one day pursue your own dreams/ambitions like starting a company or non profit that does in fact add value to society
with that said - since you’re in HS.. take a chill pill and make sure you enjoy that, and college, while you still can. Absolutely do not recommend spending every weeknight/weekend building DCFs and whatever nonsense we see some hardos on here doing
>make the most amount of money in the least amount of time, so that you can afford to quit one day pursue your own dreams/ambitions
High-paying finance jobs take up years of time where I could instead be learning a more useful and applicable skill, and if I were to have kids or a wife in the future I probably wouldn't want to take big risks if I'm many years into my career. Would it more more beneficial to just jump right into your dreams or as soon as I possibly could (i.e. in college), or would getting a job in finance and waiting a decade, building up capital and experience be more beneficial? Because I think that putting all of my focus on one thing in college and beyond would allow me to make a greater impact than making a jump between careers in my late twenties. Thoughts?
Hmm.. guess it depends on what level of “help” you can expect from family. Ie, are your parents well-off or rich? Do you have a house already lined up? The way cost of living is set up, and how broke my family is, I really had no choice but to pursue finance
Unless I’m completely missing a career field that’s (i) has high earning potential, immediately and (ii) adds real value to society
But I’m just another schmoe on the internet. Lots of factors to take into account here
college is a great time to start a business you have so much free time
I had zero free time in college, but also earned a B.A., B.S., and created a Minor.
You should enjoy life instead of worrying about careers. This is the time to have fun! You're young!
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