by Michael Hanni, Economist
Milagros and Dylan were the best of friends in high school. They both had big dreams of being famous in the things that they were passionate about. For example, Milagros was a crazy talented guitar player and she knew—knew in her heart—that one day she would be a world-famous musician, touring from country to country, playing for her adoring fans. Dylan, on the other hand, had visions of challenging Kobe on the court, making a quick head fake and taking the lane unchallenged for a monster jam. He was just as sure that his mad skills would take him all the way to the NBA—non-stop.
It didn’t take long for both Milagros and Dylan to realize that their big dreams were very big indeed. Even if you are an incredibly talented axe, err, guitar or basketball player the odds of making it professionally in music, acting, sports, or any other glamour occupation are extremely long. Only the smallest fraction of kids who compete in sports go on to play at the professional levels. Most can only hope of playing in the minor leagues of their respective sports where the pay is low and the opportunities for advancement are minimal. Likewise for musicians, there are literally millions of aspiring musicians in the United States whose careers are filled with gigs at wedding receptions and county fairs, not sold-out stadiums. So to survive, most of these passionate people, like Milagros and Dylan, have to have a solid “ Plan B”.
Luckily both Milagros and Dylan remembered what their high school career counselor had told them about how getting more education, on average, meant higher wages and lower levels of unemployment. While Milagros worked at her music career she enrolled at the local university and started studying computer science because she had an interest in computers and her career counselor had shown her that computer programmer was a 5-star job in Utah, with high wages and excellent job prospects. Dylan, as well as being an awesome ball player, loved working with his hands, so he enrolled in a vocational training program that would lead him to an apprenticeship as an electrician—another 5-star job in Utah.
Both Milagros and Dylan still dream of making it big in music and sports, but now they have both made sure that, regardless of what happens, their futures are secure. The important thing is to not be afraid to pursue your passions while at the same time realizing that it is always important to have a good second, and even third, option. The more flexibility you give yourself—and more education will give you that—the happier you will be in the future.
Can’t decide on a good plan B, or need help? The Department of Workforce Services has tons of resources and data to help you make the best decisions when it comes to your education and career choices.
High school senior girls playing: basketball, being drafted into the WNBA: 1 in 5,000
High school senior boys playing: basketball, being drafted into the NBA: 3 in 10,000
football, being drafted into the NFL: 8 in 10,000
baseball, being drafted into MLB: 1 in 200
ice hockey, being drafted into the NHL: 1 in 300
soccer, being drafted into the MLS: 1 in 1,250
