Working in My Father's Business After High School

I'm seriously considering joining my dad's business right after I graduate. What are some pros and cons of working with family straight out of high school? I'm trying to figure out if it's a good idea or not.

It's a common consideration for many students, and so let's look at some of the pros and cons that can come with joining a family business directly after high school:

Pros:

1. Practical Experience: Working in a business, especially one that you already have some familiarity with, can provide a wealth of practical experience. This can be particularly valuable if the business aligns with your career interests or field of study for the future.

2. Skill Development: A family business might also offer more opportunities to take on diverse responsibilities, allowing you to develop a broader range of skills than you might in an entry-level position elsewhere.

3. Networking: There can be excellent opportunities for networking and meeting mentors in the industry, especially if your family's business has a solid reputation.

4. Stability: There can be significant job security when working in family businesses, which can be an important consideration.

Cons:

1. Limited Perspective: If you've only ever worked within your family's business, you might not gain as wide a perspective on how other businesses operate. This could limit your ability to develop versatile job skills.

2. Boundaries: It can be tough to set personal and professional boundaries when you're working with family. This can lead to conflict or stress in the family unit.

3. Bias: If you're perceived as being handed a position instead of earning it, it may affect how others in the industry view you, which could affect your long-term professional growth.

4. Career Exploration: Joining a family business straight out of high school can limit opportunities for further exploration of potential career paths.

One suggestion might be to consider continuing your education part-time while working in the family business or to take a gap year to work for the family business before deciding on further education or alternate career paths. In the end, everyone's situation is unique, so what works for others might not work for you. Try introspecting on your long-term career goals, and interests, and how joining your family's business can influence these factors.