I'm 14, a fair bit interested in welding, but my dad thinks that my grades are good enough to strive for higher. What should I do?

So I'm 14 years old, and I have a 4.0 GPA, and I'm currently taking Honors Geometry, and will be taking AP Calculus 3 by my senior year of high school, and will be taking 4 college credit plus classes by the end of high school, finishing with over 30 high school credits. I went to a career center today and they taught us about things in the engineering field and I was intrigued by welding, and also pretty interested in architectural engineering and construction. I told my dad that i was interested in welding, but he said that my level of education and grades should allow me to strive much higher. I'm very uncertain about my future careers, and I don't know if I should seek out a better job in the engineering field. I've gone on a trip in Appalachia where I helped for about 5 days in house construction, such as roofing, and installing a window, and those days were a very very enjoyable week for me and I would love to do something similar in the future. Should I go for a career in welding and possibly house construction, or should I go for something better?

Jobadvisor

It sounds like you're at a really interesting crossroads! It's great that you're exploring different career paths and thinking about what truly interests you. It's also understandable that your dad wants you to aim high, seeing your academic achievements. Let's break this down a bit.

Firstly, having a 4.0 GPA and taking advanced courses shows you're a bright and capable student. That opens up a lot of doors for you, which is fantastic!

Now, about your interest in welding and construction – that's also really valuable! You had a positive hands-on experience, and that kind of enjoyment and engagement with work is a huge factor in long-term career satisfaction. Not everyone finds that so early on.

Here's a thought: "higher" doesn't always mean a specific type of job, but rather achieving your full potential and being happy in your work. For some people, that might be a high-level engineering position, and for others, it might be mastering a skilled trade and building a successful business in that area.

It's not an either/or situation. Here are a few things to consider and some paths you could explore:

• Welding is more than just a trade: Modern welding is a highly technical field. It's used in aerospace, automotive, robotics, and yes, construction. There are opportunities for specialized welding, quality control, inspection, and even developing new welding techniques. You could even combine welding skills with engineering knowledge.  
• Architectural Engineering and Construction are also hands-on: Your interest in these fields aligns with your enjoyment of construction work. Architectural engineers blend engineering principles with architectural design, often being involved in the practical aspects of building. Construction management involves a lot of on-site work, problem-solving, and coordination.  
• Combining your interests: Have you considered how your academic strengths could complement your interest in welding and construction? For example, you could pursue a degree in architectural engineering and then specialize in the structural aspects of buildings, which often involves a deep understanding of welding and materials. Or, you could study mechanical engineering and work on the design and fabrication of welded structures.
• Don't limit yourself early: You're only 14. You have plenty of time to explore different avenues. Maybe you could continue your strong academic path while also pursuing your interest in welding on the side. Perhaps take a welding class at a local community college or a summer program. This would allow you to see if it's something you truly want to pursue without closing off other options.
• Talk more with your dad: Explain what you enjoyed about the construction work and what intrigues you about welding. Maybe he has a certain image of welding that doesn't reflect the modern reality of the field. Perhaps you could research different career paths that combine technical skills with engineering knowledge and share those with him.
• Shadowing and informational interviews: Try to connect with people working in the fields you're interested in – welders, architectural engineers, construction managers. Ask them about their career paths, what they like and dislike about their jobs, and what kind of education and skills are valuable. This real-world insight can be incredibly helpful.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Your academic abilities are a fantastic asset, but so is your genuine interest in hands-on work. The best path for you might be one that combines both. Don't feel pressured to choose one over the other right now. Keep exploring, keep learning, and see where your interests and skills lead you. There's no shame in pursuing a fulfilling career in a skilled trade, especially one as vital and technical as modern welding. And there's also the possibility of blending that with a more traditional engineering path.

What are some specific aspects of welding or construction that particularly caught your attention at the career center or during your time in Appalachia? Knowing more about what specifically excites you might help in exploring potential career paths.

Failed at the Bottom of the Sales Ladder — Is It a Sign to Quit While I'm Ahead?

I recently got let go from a remote sales position with a U.S.-based company, and I'm left wondering if my experience in this "bottom of the ladder" sales role means I should consider pivoting away from sales altogether.

The role? Booking janitorial walkthroughs for cleaning services — cold outreach over the phone, email, LinkedIn, whatever worked. But once I got in, it quickly became clear that the deck was stacked against me.

The leads? Old, recycled, often inaccurate. The CRM was a mess.

Most prospects already had contracts or cleaned in-house.

Training? “Go book those appointments!” No real guidance or mentorship.

Tech stack? Outdated or nonexistent.

Strategy? There wasn’t one. Just volume, volume, volume.

Despite the lack of support, I put in my best effort. I proposed a lead scoring system, segmented my outreach, and modeled my pitch directly after the top performer, word for word. I put in the hours. I made hundreds of calls.

And I got… zero appointments booked.

The only three "yesses" I managed were later disqualified due to niche restrictions — some companies didn't take certain verticals, others excluded specific types of businesses. And no one bothered to tell me that in advance.

The thing is, this wasn't my first sales role. I had a much better experience before in the gaming industry, where I met with indie game developers, talked strategy, and helped them grow. It was consultative, creative, and had a sense of purpose. I genuinely enjoyed those calls.

But this experience? It felt like a machine — high volume, low pay, zero feedback loop. After weeks of grinding with bad data and no real direction, I was let go. No results, no job.

Now I’m wondering: Does failing at the bottom of the sales ladder mean I should pivot away from sales entirely? Or is this just the "rite of passage" in sales — a tough starting point that you have to endure to move up?

If you've made it to a higher-level sales role, did you have to go through these kinds of high-churn, low-support jobs first? Or is there a smarter path to get into good sales positions without getting chewed up by these entry-level roles?

Would love to hear from others who have been in a similar situation. Should I stick with sales or consider other paths?

Jobadvisor:

It sounds incredibly frustrating to pour your energy into a role only to face such significant systemic challenges. Getting let go in that environment doesn't necessarily scream "you're bad at sales," but it definitely highlights the pitfalls of poorly structured and unsupported entry-level positions.

Let's break down your situation and explore some perspectives:

Is this a sign to quit sales entirely? Not necessarily.

Your previous experience in the gaming industry paints a different picture of your potential in sales. You thrived in a role that valued consultation, creativity, and purpose. This suggests that your skills and enjoyment align with a different type of sales.

The "bottom of the ladder" experience you just had sounds like a classic example of a high-churn, low-support environment that unfortunately exists in some industries. These roles often prioritize volume over quality and provide minimal resources for success. Failing in such a setup is often more a reflection of the company's shortcomings than your individual abilities.

Is this a "rite of passage"? Sometimes, but it shouldn't be the only path.

While some successful salespeople may have started in challenging roles, it's not a mandatory or ideal "rite of passage." Enduring a soul-crushing, unsupported role can lead to burnout and disillusionment, potentially pushing talented individuals away from sales altogether.

Think of it this way: would you tell a budding chef they need to start by washing dishes in a toxic kitchen with no guidance for years before they can even think about cooking? While understanding the basics is important, a supportive and developmental environment is crucial for growth.

Is there a smarter path to good sales roles? Absolutely.

Here's what you might consider instead of throwing in the towel on sales:

• Focus on industries and companies that value consultative selling: Your positive experience in the gaming industry is a strong indicator. Look for roles where building relationships, understanding client needs, and offering tailored solutions are key. This often exists in SaaS, technology, specialized services, and more niche markets.
• Research company culture and sales processes: Before accepting a role, dig deep. Ask about:
  • Lead generation and qualification processes: Are leads fresh and targeted? How are they qualified?
  • Training and mentorship programs: What kind of onboarding and ongoing support is provided?
  • CRM and tech stack: Are they using modern and efficient tools?
  • Sales strategy and team collaboration: Is there a clear strategy? How does the team work together?
  • Compensation structure and performance metrics: Understand how you'll be measured and rewarded.
• Network strategically: Connect with salespeople in industries that interest you. Ask about their experiences and the types of companies they recommend. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for this.
• Highlight your transferable skills: Even from the challenging janitorial role, you can emphasize your resilience, work ethic, and initiative (like proposing the lead scoring system). Frame your previous gaming industry experience to showcase your consultative selling abilities.
• Consider targeted entry-level roles in better environments: Instead of broad, high-volume roles, look for more specialized entry points within companies known for their good sales culture and training. This might involve sales development roles focused on specific market segments or assisting more senior salespeople.
• Don't be afraid to ask tough questions during interviews: This is your opportunity to assess if the role and company are a good fit for you. Inquire about the challenges the team faces and how they are addressed.

In conclusion:

Your recent experience was undoubtedly tough, but it seems more like a reflection of a poorly designed role than a fundamental flaw in your sales abilities. Your positive experience in the gaming industry shows that you have the potential to thrive in the right environment.

Instead of quitting sales altogether, I strongly encourage you to be more selective and strategic in your job search. Focus on companies and industries that align with your strengths and values, and don't hesitate to thoroughly vet potential employers. There are many fulfilling and rewarding sales roles out there – you just need to find the right fit.

What aspects of your previous gaming industry role did you enjoy the most? Understanding that might help further pinpoint the types of sales roles where you could excel.