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There is something I realized later in life. That is that smart people rise to the top, regardless of the work they do. I used to think all smart people only belonged in medicine, science or math and engineering. But the more I experienced the world, I came to meet brilliant people in the arts and business.
One old guy I met had only gone to high school, but he had a knack of finding the worst buildings in the worst part of town and sitting on them until he could sell them for a lot of money. He’s a genius and he’s a multi millionaire, retired in Florida now.
My coworker made his sons go to college. He was the son of immigrants, worked his way through college, wanted better for his sons, etc. His older son is a teacher, but his younger son played the saxophone and worked in restaurants, food stores, etc., despite his degree so he could play gigs with a band. He'd go to Mexico and play for a month at a resort, or do a similar gig in Europe for a while. His dad got a bit frustrated because he wanted him to settle into a "real" job.
As time went on, though, and my friend became more disillusioned with our own political/corporate workplace, he told his son, "I'm sorry I pushed you to do something else. Follow your heart. If music is what you love, do it."
Neither my ex or I have college degrees, but our kid loved school and started talking about college when she was 10. Then I thought she'd never stop. She kept going back, teaching here and there, working in restaurants, and driving Lyft and Uber. Got her PhD this year and now has a big girl job. She's finally done with school at 31 lol.
I am the son if immigrants too. I was not born in the USA and have uber appreciation for my parents gving up everything and risking everything coming to a new country. People who do that have done much more than I ever have.
Anyway, I was 30 when I finished my formal education and my wife was in her mid 30's. We both still live like immigrants (i.e. no fancy cars, no fancy vacations, etc.) - a very practical and austere life. We want for nothing and fancy things (like a big home or fancy cars) make us uncomfortable. We can afford that stuff but it doesn't feel like us. So, our money is just invested for our kid to use as a downpayment on a house or his education, etc.
I am actually in the planning phase of investing a bit and starting a side gig of a nonprofit that donates heating fuel to places like women's shelters and the like. Thought being that there are many orgs that donate food but heat is also something that is very nurturing and comforting to those in need. We'll see how that goes, it's been pretty time consuming so far and I've not even done much yet.
My DH had a childhood friend that didn't graduate from highschool but was crazy about cars. When my DH came back from four years in the Navy, he found his friend owned two car repair shops.
Perhaps OP's daughter will have her own shop or spa. The person that cuts my hair owns the salon and rents spaces to several stylists, a couple manicurists, a massage therapist, and someone that does facials. Not taking her rental income in to account, judging by what I pay for my hair, I figure she's making 200 dollars an hour. And she also has various hair products for sale. So she's bringing in income from a lot of different angles. She also sets her own schedule.
Now if your daughter just goes to work at a chain hair salon it's probably be not going to pay well.
If your daughter thinks she might want to be a hair stylist, help her find out if this career might be a good fit.
Do you know a stylist who would let her "job shadow," watch her work, ask questions, etc. for a week?
Is an internship possible? Is she old enough to work doing shampoos, receptionist, cleaning, etc.
I think you need a GED and be 16 to get licensed, but can she take cosmetology courses at the local community college?
The only real way to find your passion in life is to try a few things out. This sounds like a good one to me.
So many 16 year olds are so ready for the world. I'm not sure why we keep them from experiencing it. It's not like she can't go to school and do hair. It's kind of the ideal gig for scheduling your work around classes.
I'd would encourage her to search out stylists who are know for their hair coloring. Ask them to teach her. People who are good at what they do generally are happy to help others learn.
She might find something else she likes more, or this could be what she loves to do for a living. Either way, it will be a good experience in the world.
Good luck!
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