[applemac_g4]

>First thing I'd tell the kid is to get his head out of his
>butt. You think $150k-$250k is "compensated well"? That's
>probably a dozen standard deviations from the mean for
>recent graduates, for crying out loud.

We're talking about someone who is a dozen standard deviations from the mean for recent graduates. And yes, $150k-$250k a year is "compensated well". After taxes, in many places in California, you might even be able to buy a house earning that sort of money.

>I'd also tell him "stability" and "excessive wealth" are
>rarely compatible. It's the risk takers who make the big
>bucks.

Most risk takers also end up losing their butts. Is your point that in modern day America the only way you can be upwardly mobile is to take foolish risks and hope to get lucky? If so, that goes a long way towards explaining the wave of sympathy we see building for socialist thought.

>In the end, I suppose my advice would center around setting
>aside the compensation expectations.

That may be fine for you, but this is someone who isn't average and isn't going to be content pulling down 50k a year managing a Burger King in a big city.

>A smart person could make a fortune in healthcare
>management. Financial services in the world's wealthiest
>nation is a good bet.

So basically, go get a business degree and an MBA and hope you are in the right place at the right time. I think you've just inadvertently proven the value of aggressive protectionism. In unfair trade situations like those that exist today the prevent the destruction of the standard of living of a nation.

(regarding the other poster who mentioned law and medicine: law only if you are lucky enough to hit the lottery. Most lawyers make a fraction of that. medicine has been a good field for intelligent well compensated professionals but personally I think we will see it nationalized by decade's end and that will end).

[Mr. Bird]

A couple of clarifications: when I say "risk", I do not mean haphazard allocations of resources. In our system, those that reap the most risk the most (be it capital, time, intellect, whatever). In other words, it is the great leaps of faith and confidence that are rewarded with excessive wealth. You don't earn $200k/year by just showing up (professional athletes excluded).

You make that kind of money by making other people money. Your superstar will not stroll out of college and into the grateful arms of a corporation willing to give him the reins. Regardless of his style, intellect, and skill, he's going to have to perform first.

That's what I was talking about when I said "setting aside the compensation expectations". He should pursue what he is passionate about; that increases the chances he'll be driven to success. And, with most endeavors, success leads to decent money.

I don't know if the person you are talking about is your son, but if he is, don't fall into the trap many parents do these days. Having spent $200k on an education, it's tough to find out the kid won't make it all back in his first paycheck.