You don’t have to choose your career right after high school.

As seen in The Oakland Press

May 17th, 2026

You don’t have to choose your career right after high school.

by Ken Morris

It’s that time of year when high school seniors celebrate their graduation with friends, family and classmates. Over the next month or so, these graduates will likely be asked an abundance of questions. What are you going to do now? Are you going to college? Where? What are you going to major in? All sorts of questions pertaining to their future lives and careers.

These have never been easy questions for an 18-year old. And in many, if not most cases, the answers are relevant to the parents of students as well. Because what path a student chooses after high school isn’t just a career decision. It’s also a financial decision.

And with the advent of AI, who knows for sure what the future of education and the workplace will be? I don’t. But I am quite confident it will be significantly different than it is today.

So, based on my experience working with numerous families on a variety of financial matters, including countless complaints about student loans, I have a suggestion for graduates. Don’t spend hundreds of thousands on an education just to start on the lower end of the wage scale. If you choose to enter a career that has minimal upside now, ask yourself what it might look like in the world of AI.

I don’t think it’s critical to choose your career path at age 18. Numerous studies show that many college grads are in careers that have little or nothing to do with their undergraduate degree. I’m not saying college is a waste. But just as important as what you’ve learned is the ability to study and continue to learn new things. It’s vital to maintain your thirst for learning throughout your lifetime. Getting the highest paying job offer after college isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting gate, and you’re in a marathon.

Yes, some stumble out of the starting gate when they start a new job. But once they get on track, their careers take off, they have the ability to adapt and learn whatever new skills and knowledge may be needed.

Since we’re in the infancy of AI, I encourage those entering college not to be too narrow in choosing their educational path. Rather, develop and maintain the ability to learn and communicate with other people. Excellent computer skills should also prove to be a big advantage.

Just because something is your favorite subject or you excelled in a certain class, it doesn’t necessarily mean that should be your career path. I thrived on American history. Absolutely loved it! But I realized it would be difficult to make a career out of it. It’s important to be passionate about a certain job or career. But I think it’s equally important to be well rounded, adaptable and willing to learn more as you dive into a world with AI.

Before you choose a definitive career path, I suggest that you get some life experiences beyond high school. I encourage a broad education, with eyes and ears always open for new and exciting opportunities. With so much cutting-edge technology on the way, you need to maintain the ability to learn if you want to stay in the game. People that can are more likely to be financially successful in the age of AI.