by Nick Somoski

Created on: March 27, 2009   Last Updated: November 11, 2011

The future can be frightening, but it can also be fulfilling. We've hit lows in recent years, no doubt; but, things are beginning to look up. Things may never be again what they once were 15-20 years ago, but they're bound to get better at some point, and right now, what more could we ask for?

On the other hand, when I think of what the future may look like for my children, I'm scared. I'm legitimately scared. My children are very talented people. Smart, creative, responsible, intelligent, and where is this going to get them in 10 years, when they're out of college and looking for a job? The sad thing - probably not far. In today's world, there's more people looking for a job than there are who have a stable, steady job. People are fighting over jobs that no one would have wanted before. Our schools and producing smarter kids that make it more difficult for your own kid to make into the school of their choice. Competition is everywhere today, and unfortunately, it's doing more bad for our futures than good.

Every parent wants their children's lives to be improved at least 50% over thier own. It's a fact. We want our children to see the greatest success their live will enable. But is this even reachable by today's standards? Back in the day, you could have gotten right out of high school and gotten a good paying. But today, and in the future, that isn't going to happen. You need a high school diploma, a college diploma, and a high degree in order to get the simplest job. And with our economy in shambles, and the work force in trouble, and our standards being raised, the future is looking bleaker than ever.

And then comes the question of how my future is looking. I'd like to say my future is "looking up." I'd say that I've accomplished the American dream over the course of my life. I've been saving money for my future, my wife's future, my children's future, and our retirement since I was 20. We have a good life. Our bills are payed, we have virtually no debt, and a stable job. But, where is this going to come in place 30 years from now? How far is $10,000 in savings going to get me? And where will we end up? I guess some people just don't have all the answers. I'm one of those people.

It's always a great thing to be thinking about your future. Sure, it's good to just live in the moment, but you have to be responsible; you have to plan. But, in the state some people are in right now, being responsible could end up getting us nowhere in the future. It's for this I'm scared.

Learn more about this author, Nick Somoski.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.