Custom-High-School-Senior-Portrait-GirlCustom high school senior portrait outdoors at Hap Magee Ranch Park in Danville, CA by Cheryl Bigman Photography.
So, What do You Want to be When You Grow Up?
Ahhh, that is THE question, isn't it? And now that it’s Back-to-School time, kids in high school and college (and their parents) are feeling the pressure to have an answer. Are you feeling it? I photograph a lot of high school seniors, and it's always the hot topic of conversation.
We see it all over social media. Friends posting about how proud they are of their son or daughter, majoring in rocket science, at a prestigious ivy league school, and ready to change the world. I'm not in any way diminishing the accomplishments of these kids, and the pride their parents feel. But for some of us, it's hard not to feel inadequate if your kid (or YOU) hasn't figured it all out just yet, right?
I grew up a Baby Boomer in the heart of Silicon Valley WAY before the internet. Attending college (and even better, grad school), was considered your ticket to success. In fact, where I grew up, it was expected. I definitely felt the pressure of picking a major in a lucrative field and sticking to it. And now as a parent, I find myself fighting off the same old mentality with my kid! Working on that...
The ONE Piece of Advice I Wish Someone had Given Me...
Find Your Passion.
You know, the thing that gives you that little jolt of excitement deep inside.
The thing you love SO much that you never get tired of doing it.
The thing that makes you YOU.
Yes, you have to be able to pay the bills. (Parent translation, “Mommy and Daddy want you off the payroll.”). But if you take the long view, have some patience, and a bit of tenacity, you will eventually be successful doing something you LOVE. And most importantly - be HAPPY!
I am living proof. Some might say I'm a "late-bloomer". It just doesn't matter. As long as you get there and enjoy the journey.
Custom-High-School-Senior-Portrait-BoyCustom high school senior portrait with graffiti outdoors at Baker Beach in San Francisco, CA by Cheryl Bigman Photography.
Let's Talk - What's YOUR story?
Please tell me I'm not alone here. Let's talk.
- Are you a high school or college kid who's feeling the pressure of picking a major or selecting your career path?
- Are you a parent who followed your parents' advice and ended up in a career you didn't love? How are you handling this with your own kids?
- Are you an "empty-nester" who's considering a mid-life career change?
If you can relate, I'd SO appreciate you sharing your story in the Comments. You never know who might really need to hear what you have to say. I'll be sharing the story of the biggest career change of my life in the next Blog.
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