# When Your Child Aspires to Mirror You: A Candid Reflection
There comes a time when your child may look up and say, with bright-eyed innocence:
– “I want to go to the office and type away on a laptop all day like Mommy.”
– “I want to travel overseas for work for a fortnight like Daddy.”
– “I want to participate in video meetings at home and in the office like you.”
– “I want to go to work and come back late every night just like Daddy.”
Initial sensations of pride typically accompany these innocent statements. After all, you’ve certainly labored diligently and emerged as a role model in their eyes. However, just as quickly as that pride fills you up, it can transform into worry—worry that your child might not completely understand the weight that comes with those ambitions.
What if they were aware of the late nights, the pressure of deadlines, and the ceaseless chase for financial stability? Would their desire to emulate your life remain? Would yours? In grappling with these inquiries, numerous parents confront the unsettling idea that they might prefer their children not to tread the same path.
## Why I Prefer My Kids Not to Be Like Me
In my journey as a writer and a parent, this apprehension became personal after the release of my book *Buy This, Not That*. The demanding effort drained me, highlighting the struggles behind creative pursuits. When my publisher proposed a two-book contract, I hesitated. Part of me shied away from the prospect of facing that stress again. Nevertheless, my ambition to exhibit a strong work ethic to my children ultimately drove me to accept the challenge.
As a FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) parent, I wrestle with the apprehension of raising entitled children—those who might not value the struggles rooted in financial hardships. I dedicated myself to my next book, not only for the benefit of my readers but to model resilience for my children.
## The Second Book, Enter Dread
Fast forward two and a half years, and my second book, *Millionaire Milestones: Simple Steps to Seven Figures,* is prepared for release. My son has been a constant observer of my writing journey. One day, he announced, “I want to be a writer, just like you, Daddy.”
In that moment, my heart swelled with pride before quickly plummeting. Writing is gratifying, indeed, but it is also a challenging endeavor—not a path of financial security for most.
## The Challenging Life of a Writer
It’s bewildering how children, following 17 years of education, often opt for some of the least profitable careers. Schools promote creativity, urging students to chase their passions and trust in their ability to achieve greatness through diligent effort. But the stark truth remains: life comes with expenses.
For those not from privileged backgrounds, investing four years and considerable financial resources in the liberal arts can be unfeasible. If my son opted for an English major and pursued writing, he could encounter food insecurity, limited job prospects, and disillusionment, potentially leading to living circumstances that would worry us as parents.
## The Tough Economics of Writing
The standard book advance is a mere $5,000 to $10,000, and even a substantial advance of $250,000 may translate to around $83,000 annually after distributed payments over several years. This number doesn’t necessarily provide comfort, especially in high-cost regions.
Those aspiring to be professional writers face a grim reality; roughly 95% fail to obtain a publishing agreement, and most writers earn low or inconsistent incomes. As technology evolves, the landscape becomes increasingly daunting for newcomers in publishing.
## Blogging Isn’t Simple Either
Some may suggest my son begin a blog as a gateway to writing. However, bloggers often face a steep uphill battle, frequently earning little for extended stretches. With AI-generated content now saturating the market, competition for reader engagement and trust is fierce. Starting a YouTube channel or podcast can be equally unpredictable and laden with years of effort before financial success becomes evident.
## Meaningful vs. Profitable Careers
The ideal situation is for your child to discover work that harmonizes personal satisfaction and financial stability. Professions like nursing or teaching offer considerable societal value but also grapple with challenges such as burnout and insufficient pay. Conversely, lucrative positions in tech or finance might not satisfy creative needs, resulting in many graduates feeling unfulfilled.
## The Freedom to Choose Rests on Financial Stability
If my son wishes to pursue writing, I hope he regards it as a side gig until he secures financial stability. My aspiration is for him to engage in work that serves a broader societal purpose, realizing he can only afford to do so if he builds wealth early. Passion alone often serves as an inadequate foundation for a fulfilling life.
## Work Ethic Is the One Aspect You Can Influence
While you cannot determine your child’s career path, you can instill values such as perseverance and discipline—skills that are valuable across any domain. This