Paying it Forward

I pay a lot of my college expenses myself.  A lot of internships I am interested in don’t pay well or at all.  Should I take the highest paying job I can even if it’s not in the field I’m interested in, or go into more debt for an internship?

Answer

This is a tough call because expenses are a huge part of the equation and getting into serious debt is not a good thing.  Perhaps this saying will help to clarify:  “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”  If you can make it without going into crippling debt, I say go with your passion and the money will come.  But if the debt becomes too much of a factor (and too much of a distraction) go with the higher paying job.  You may end up liking it.  Either way, don’t forget about other alternatives that can lighten the debt load: Ask about subsidized housing for interns as quite a few companies will consider it or ask to sublet an apartment.

Connie Thanasoulis is co-founder of SixFigureStart, a career-coaching firm that provides expert guidance to ensure success early in a young professional's career. She comes from 25 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies, including Merrill Lynch, Pfizer, and Citigroup.

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