Ok, so I already asked this question for my oldest son (who has mild Asperger's), now I'm dealing with it in my youngest son. He's completed 2 years of community college (gen ed) and taken some time off to pursue music (which didn't work out well, as the music industry right now is in terrible straits and he has been dealing with some serious depression at the same time). Now he's starting to realize that an education may be required if he wants to achieve the level of financial success that he desires. Problem is, he really doesn't know what he wants to do.
Talking to him, his priority seems to be financial success (unfortunately, he had very wealthy friends growing up and tends to hang out in that crowd, so he may have somewhat unrealistic ideas about wealth.) Because of his current depression (which he IS finally getting some help for, fingers crossed) nothing really appeals to him - the world is a horrible place and people suck. So he feels since he's going to hate everything, he should do something he hates but that makes him a boatload of money. At least he is being realistic about the fact that if he goes back to school, he should study something that provides him a path to gainful employment.
Right now he's thinking about maybe aiming for law school. I'm not super keen on the idea, since it's a long haul and lawyers are a dime a dozen out there now - I don't think it's the guaranteed path to success it once was. I'd like to offer him an array of ideas, but frankly, I know little of the job market, having been in my niche my whole adult life pretty much.
Things to consider:
- he'll graduate undergrad without debt but grad school will probably be on his dime
- he's super-smart (taught himself to read at age 3) and could theoretically excel at anything if he wanted
- unlike his brother that has Asperger's, this one is super-savvy socially, has some natural leadership skills, but doesn't like to schmooze and currently sees people through the dark lens of depression
- doesn't tolerate fools
- isn't interested in programming (although could easily learn any related computer skills needed for a different type of job)
- not interested in medicine
- has had some entrepreneurial aspirations in the past but now feels that involves too much schmoozing
- is concerned that a blue-collar skilled job (like electrician) would result in him working with people that he doesn't have an intellectual connection with
- is always at the forefront of trends in fashion etc (i.e. would probably not be happy working in a total nerd environment)
Any suggestions out there for careers that would be very financially rewarding that he and I haven't thought of? I'm thinking maybe he should get an undergraduate degree in finance or accounting; if he does go to law school, seems like a useful background, and if he doesn't, seems like an employable degree? And could be useful if he pursues anything entrepreneurial in the future. I'd be interested in any and all suggestions for careers with 6 figure incomes. (Don't worry, I'll be having discussions with him about how money doesn't buy happiness, and about how much you spend being just as important as how much you earn).