Relationships: Does forever mean forever anymore?

In today’s world there is an ongoing debate today on whether most marriages end in divorce or whether they should last a life time.  Many individuals who I have spoken to, generally believe that most marriages will end in divorce for some type of reason, but there are a few individuals, including myself, who still believe in the idea of “happily ever after.”  Even though there is a slight decline in divorce rates within the United States many individuals believe more than half of marriages will end up in divorce, but I still believe that marriage should be a lifelong commitment.

According to the United States Census Bureau the divorce rate in the United States from 1993 through 2013 has dropped from an all-time high.   More and more marriages are finding ways to work things out today instead of ending in divorce. Some of those couples are going to counseling to work out their problems, some want to stay together for their children, and most couples find it more economically sensible to stay together.  According to one counselor “more and more couples are going to therapy today to understand why their marriages are not working out and what they can do to avoid divorce.”  This is a great sign to America because couples are willing to spend more money and time in order to save their marriage and not go for the easy way out.  For couples who have children, divorce will have the biggest impact on them because they no longer live in a home with both of their parents, according to clinical psychiatrist Dr. Nathan Dial.  Many couples feel obligated to work out their problems, so their family can stay together and nothing will happen to children to cause any type of harm. 

Although divorce rates are down, there are still a number of individuals who believe most marriages will end in divorce.  I had the chance to talk to many random individuals to discuss this broad issue on what they believe and overwhelmingly most of these individuals believed more than half of marriages today will end in divorce.  Some of the answers I received were mind blowing. One male individual said “why should people get married when they will end up hating each other after a few years.”  The general public’s perception on marriages today is mind-boggling, but it’s their right to feel this way because of the United States past divorce rates being so extraordinary high. After talking to these individuals I shared with them that the United States divorce rates have dropped in recent years and more marriages are staying together. To say the least, most of these individuals were stunned with this information. 

Divorce and marriage rates          from 1996 to 2012                                                                                                   It is my opinion that marriages are meant to be a lifelong commitment between two individuals. When asking married couples how they made it through many years, throughout all of the answers I found two that were common, which was between communication and tenacity. One woman, whom has been married to her husband for 49 years, told me that no matter how mad you are at your husband, never stop talking things out and never go to bed angry. She also stated that you should stay committed to each other but always put God first. One answer that really stuck with me was from a woman who has been married for twenty two years. She told me that marriage is like a roller coaster, it has its ups and downs but when its down, don’t just jump off , hang on until you’re back up again.

                                                                                                    

 

 

      

This report has proven that marriages not only are becoming more likely to succeed but also that marriage is a conscious decision that you make every day. Sometimes the decision is hard, and other times it is easy but you have to commit on making that decision daily. The battle between marriage and divorce should concern all of us, whether we are in a relationship or not because when the time comes for marriage you will know how to work things out for the better. I know this information has really helped me for marital knowledge. From the words of one of my favorite bible verses, 1st Corinthians 13:4-5, love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered it does not keep records of wrongs.

 

 

 

 

The Scary Side of College

In today’s society not going to college seems to automatically classifies you as a “looser” or a low life. Growing up I thought I needed to go to college, but I started to open my mind. I started to see the debt college will put you in, and the scarcity of jobs. Going to college isn’t as prestigious and honorable as it once was, and it no longer guarantees you a job after graduation.

The average national debt of the graduating class of 2013 is $32,000, which is more than the average family income in Myrtle Beach. Student loans are the only type of debt that will stay with you even after you file bankruptcy, and have just topped the charts for the largest in history. Many of these graduates will be forced to work a job that does not even require a degree because they can’t find a career specified for their degree. The value of a degree has drastically decreased in the past years with the large number of graduates, the scarcity of jobs have also gotten smaller. Many post graduates are finding it very difficult to find a job with their degree. Some are forced to pick up a serving job or a job at the local movie theatre. Some are even going back to college to get a different degree.  Most graduates are also surprised when they get there first job that they aren’t making the type of money they were hoping to make.

Growing up I always had the dream of going to college. It seemed everyone had that plan, regardless of not having a major or job in mind. Now here I am in my freshman year at Horry Georgetown Technical College and I honestly have no idea what I want to do when I graduate. I have procrastinated my whole life of what I wanted to do when I grow up, which is a mistake that many college students have made. They make a last minute decision of their major, and after their first year decide to switch majors. This can require you to spend more semesters in college which is really expensive, and consider you took a course you didn’t really have to take for your new major. Switching majors is something that will always happen, as some people realize that field isn’t what they were expecting. Some will just have a change in heart and want to change their path. Before you choose your starting major, or your new major you should really do your research and make sure that it is the right one for you. Changing majors is not a bad thing, but it should be taken very seriously and should have a lot of thought put into it before your final decision.

There are some jobs out there that pay better than careers that require a degree. With the success that people have made without a college degree is tempting, are the chances worth it? Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Rachael Ray and even Walt Disney have found their way to success without college. Chances are slim to none to become as famous and successful as these superstars but they are a prime example it can be done, and these types of stories of college dropouts give college students temptation to follow their paths. There is hope however to reach some level of success without college, with jobs like being a Realtor, Electrician, Plumber, or a fire fighter.  There are jobs out there that do not require a degree and still pay fairly well.

College is a serious time in your life; you should make wise decisions whether you’re choosing your major, or deciding whether to go to a party or study all night, remember you’re paying thousands of dollars for your education. Make sure you plan ahead because thousands of graduates are left unemployed even after the tens of thousands of dollars they have spent for their degree. College isn’t what it once was, where you get a job right after graduation, so I suggest you having a back-up plan for your back-up plan.

http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm
http://lifehacker.com/is-college-really-necessary-for-a-good-job-1078213262
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-09/why-college-isnt-for-everyone