Senior, Nursing major Annie Rude spends her evening preparing for her upcoming exam in the Beehive. Photo by Mary Schultz
Story By: Mary Schultz, BuzzStaff Writer
As graduation approaches, St. Ambrose Students weigh what matters most: loving what they do or earning the financial stability to build their dream life. For many, the challenge will be finding a career that offers both.
Junior human performance and fitness major JQ Lewis says he plans to become a collegiate, track or strength conditioning coach, a career that may not pay a large salary. For him, loving his job matters most. “I’d rather love my job because I wouldn’t want to hate my life in the future,” he says.
As students choose majors, apply for internships, and plan for a life after graduation, many weigh both financial stability and personal fulfillment. While some prioritize passion, others believe financial success matters more.
Students who prioritize passion say mental health and personal happiness are key factors. They do not want to feel stuck in a job they hate, even with a large financial reward.
“I do not want to go home every day miserable just because I make a lot of money. I want to be truly happy,” says senior Nursing major Annie Rude.
For others, loving your job is closely connected to personal happiness and mental health. Many say they believe that money cannot replace joy in everyday life, especially when so much of life is spent at work.
Nursing sophomore, Cadence Plaster, points out that our jobs often take up more time than some family and personal relationships. “I’d rather love my job because obviously we spend more time with coworkers than we do with our families at the end of the day.” A career shapes daily routines and relationships, and many want work that does not feel draining.
Not all students chose passion over pay. Some prioritize financial security for themselves and their families. Freshman Business major Razak Sudani explains, “I’d rather make a lot of money so I could support my family and anyone who needs money around me.”
For Sudani and many others, money represents both responsibility and stability. Other students focus on real-world pressures they might face in the future including living expenses as well as the desire to provide for loved ones.
Senior Psychology Major Javon Bruce shares this view emphasizing financial security saying, “I would rather make a lot of money because I know I will be financially secure and be able to help my loved ones when they need me most.”
Students who prioritize their salary say they often view money as a form of freedom. A higher income brings many opportunities, reduces stress, and can offer a sense of safety in a world of uncertainty. While loving your job may seem ideal, some students believe that financial success should come first.
In the end, there is no single right answer, only different priorities. For St. Ambrose students, success looks different for everyone.
