Finish my Bachelor’s Degree or take over family business?
Growing up, my parents had me peeling shrimp in the restaurant kitchen instead of playing with friends. In high school, I was working in my spare time instead of partying.
I went to college to study Chemistry. Well, I am 2 years away from that degree, but now I don’t know if I should finish.
My parents are getting old and are going to retire soon. So I have a decision to make. Inherit the business, or finish my degree.
It’s been in our family for more than 20 years and has become an investment and management company to 8 stores.
If I take over the business, then getting a degree would be pointless. But I don’t like the business.
I’d be working every single day 9AM til Midnight, and when I get home, I still have paperwork to worry about. It’s a lot of money, but I’d be working my patooty off for who knows how long.
Sadly, I am content with a minimal salary working a lab as a Chemist 9 to 5 and nothing to think about when I come home.
*Not enough room*
As much as I do not like the family business, I’d really hate to see all that hard work that they did pass on to someone that, probably, doesn’t care as much. Essentially, going down the drain. What did they work so hard for? For someone else to profit? I’d hate that.
At the same time, what about what I want to do? I REALLY enjoy chemistry – and I’m good at it!
I guess it comes down to:
Work butt off, make money, respect my family, job that I dislike.
OR
Work enough, so-so money, respect for myself, job that I enjoy.
Oh, i’m most positive that they’d let me finish school first. But my thought is that, if I take the restaurant business… then persuing the degree IS a pointless waste of money because I would definitely be in a different field.
Besides, like everyone says, having a degree is just a tool. It’s not a guarantee of anything.
The family business is more about respect for my family and carrying on my father’s work more than it is about money.
I have two brothers but both of them absolutely do not want anything to do with it. So it’s really up to me.
I think I’d feel guilty if I did what I wanted instead of what I should do.
Unfortuantly, you need to make the decision, not Y!A users. Whatever you decide to do, I’m sre it will turn out fine. 
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finish bachelor’s degree fo sho. it will always help you. you can take over family business part time.
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stuff the business. if u want to live b happy
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Are your parents planning to retire before you finish college? If not, get the degree and then decide. A college education is never pointless. Many people end up in careers that have nothing to do with their degrees. However, you should choose a career that you enjoy, regardless of the money (do what you love, the money will follow). Is there no other family member to take over the business (someone who enjoys that type of work)? No close family friend, or long time employee that would jump at the chance?
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I think you need to do what is best for you. It sounds like you need to finish earning your chemistry degree. Talk with your parents about hiring a manager or two who can manage the restaurant. Then, talk with them about making a living trust so you can keep the restaurant after they pass away or decide to permanently retire. Ask that they give you two years before it is transferred to you so you can finish school. Tell them how much you dislike the business but want to maintain the great investment they created and what provided for you as a child. Then just do routine checks on the restaurant and run it with a manager who you can provide the services you would have done 9-12. Best of luck!
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Getting your degree should be your 1st priority. Do not be guilted into taking over a buisness you have no interest in. You are already halfway there so DON’T quit now. Otherwise look at all the money you would have wasted.
Your parents should understand that this is what you want. I would never tell my daughter to leave school for anything. Make your parents understand how you feel and tell them that the business might suffer if you take over because your heart won’t be in it,
I am married to a man that took the path your parents want you to take. 30 years later he is totally miserable because he worked at jobs that held no interest for him.
If you quit now you might not get the chance to finish later.
GOOD LUCK
References :
Unfortuantly, you need to make the decision, not Y!A users. Whatever you decide to do, I’m sre it will turn out fine.
References :
GOOD LUCK!!