Many states have enacted post-secondary education provisions requiring divorced parents to pay for a portion of their children's post-high school education so long as certain conditions are met. While many parents want their children to pursue degrees that result in high starting salaries (MSN just reported that chemical, electrical and computer engineers are ranked first in starting salaries for a 4-year degree program), children and parents have to realize that starting salaries don't tell the whole story.
Career satisfaction is key. If your child likes what s/he spends the day doing, they are more likely to succeed and advance at their jobs. This could lead to faster advancement in their career even if starting salary is low. Conversely, if they pursue a major and a career track solely for the money, they may be headed for trouble.
While both parents should have some involvement in their child's post-secondary education degree choices, they should also realize that focusing only on "big money" may, in the end be counter productive. Besides, most successful people often do not work in the field they studied.
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Jennifer Jaskolka-Brown, an Iowa attorney located at 6601 Westown Parkway, Suite 200, West Des Moines, Iowa, (515) 247-4705, practices in general civil litigation with an emphasis in Iowa Family Law issues. She provides guidance in family law matters from divorce, paternity, disestablishment of paternity to adoption,and guardianships. She also provides representation in a wide-variety of civil litigation issues.
