Marilyn Lewis Tortolano
Dear Marilyn,
I have always had a knack for writing. Even when I was a young child, my mom would commend me on the abilities I had to put words together clearly on a page.
I am a sophomore in college. I am very frustrated, as I don’t know what to focus on for my career path.
Writing is my passion, and something that I really enjoy. I would like to choose it for my ultimate profession.
However, I am concerned about the very real possibility that I would not be able to make money with a career in writing.
I am good in math and accounting and in my business courses, and I think that I would have a better chance with one of those majors, in finding a career after I graduate. But, I am not passionate about those fields.
Writing is my true love. Do you think that I should risk it, and follow my passion, or should I stay practical and focus on an accounting or a business degree?
Signed, Worried Writer
Dear Worried Writer,
Stop worrying! You can really have the best of both worlds here. You are correct in your thinking that you will have a better chance of finding employment with an accounting or business degree than one in a writing field.
However, you will find that if you do find work in accounting or in a business, that your writing skills will be essential for your ultimate success.
Written skills are highly valued in the workforce. There are reports to write, projects to head up, summaries of activities done and suggestions for improved processes in most jobs.
And, if you are promoted, there are performance reviews to write, salary planning reports, and yearly plans to create in most fields.
You will find opportunities to use your writing skills frequently, I am certain.
So, get that degree in business or accounting, but don’t think you will have to give up on your love for writing. That will not be the case.
Dear Marilyn,
I currently live with my parents, and I am finally able financially and emotionally to move out. My best friend is looking to do the same thing.
We are searching for a place to move in to together. However, I hear many horror stories of best friends moving in together, and ultimately having issues.
In our case, we have never had a fight. We are both very easy-going individuals, and we are both good communicators.
We both have jobs, and I don’t think we would have any issues with dividing expenses. Neither of us are “neat freaks”, but we aren’t slobs either.
However, from everything that I have read and heard, I am afraid that moving in together could affect our close friendship.
I don’t know whether to heed these warnings, or trust that our friendship will be strong enough to survive the ups and downs of being roommates.
What do you think?
Signed, Fearful Friend
Dear Fearful Friend,
Go for it! You and your friend sound like you will be great roommates. You are right, there is always a risk.
However, there would be a risk if you were to room with a perfect stranger as well. And, you already know so much about each other, that the risk appears to be much less if the two of you give it a try.
Be sure and set some ground rules before you move in regarding paying bills, visits from other friends, and keeping the place clean.
Then, keep the lines of communication open, and your sense of humor. You two will do just fine.
Dear Readers, please send your questions to: Dear Marilyn, c/o Garden Grove Journal at 12866 Main St. #203, Garden Grove, Ca. 92840. Or send an email to mtortolano@ggjournal.com.
