DR. WALLACE: I stopped going to college because my part-time job turned into an unforeseen, fantastic full-time job! I have a little over two years combined.

Part of me wants to leave college behind and ride the wave I'm now on, but there's also a voice in the back of my mind telling me that it's a mistake to give up going to college at such a young age.

My father is not in my life, but when I asked my mother her opinion about what I should do, her answer was simple: "Do whatever makes you happy!" She's my biggest fan and a fantastic mother. Her brother, my uncle, agreed as well.

So I have the green light from my family, but my mind still nags me on an ongoing basis. What's your opinion? — I Fell Into a Great Job, via email

I FELL INTO A GREAT JOB: Your letter did not mention exactly what type of job you're currently working at, or what field of study you had pursued in college, but if your current job is legal, ethical and stable, I feel you should stick with it.

Learn all you can as you work, bank a good portion of your money and ease the nagging your mind delivers by reminding yourself that at your age you have a lot of time to resume your education whenever you opt to. And chances are, you'll be able to afford a good education from here, especially if you are prudent with your personal finances.

Many people would love to "fall into" a great job opportunity, so realize that you have a great situation, at least for the time being. As long as you enjoy what you're doing and feel there is the opportunity for both professional and personal growth, there's no reason not to continue for a while on the path you're currently on.

You may even wish to take just one night class once a week, to inch your college education forward if you have the time to do this. If you're completely busy, you can defer this idea.

WE NOW HAVE TWO TEENAGERS

DR. WALLACE: I'm the mother of two new teenagers as younger daughter just had her 13th birthday on St. Patrick's Day, and my elder daughter is 15.

My husband has the propensity to tell our daughters no whenever they ask for special requests or things they want to do. It's not that he doesn't trust them; it's more that he's overly protective — sometimes for pretty good reasons. But other times he vetoes their requests with his one-word answer.

He does grant some requests, so his track record is not all one-sided, but he's very cautious when it comes to his girls. My husband and I are in harmony on 98% of all matters, and our girls do get along very well with both of us, even if they don't get their way anywhere near as much as they would like.

I feel that they walk away overly dejected sometimes when they get the one-word answer ("No!") without any explanation or softening to go along with the letdown they experience.

Accordingly, at times I feel like giving them details as to why they are being denied some requests. However, I hesitate since the answer is not going to change no matter what I say after they hear "No!"

Should I say anything further to them during these times, or just let things go? — Parent of Two Teens, via email

PARENT OF TWO TEENS: I'm a firm believer in communication with teenagers. Absolutely step in and give your girls some details on why the answer is what it is. You mentioned that you and your husband are in harmony nearly 100% of the time, so you can supplement his lack of detail.

As your girls get to understand and appreciate your parenting philosophy, they will self-edit some requests before you ever hear them and will be more likely to bring you and your husband requests that have a better shot at being granted.

Remember that good communication is essential for all types of relationships, especially between parents and teenagers. This goes well beyond just routine requests. Take the time to be proactive and engage your girls in all kinds of discussions about a variety of topics that are important in their lives. The more they feel comfortable communicating with their parents, the happier and more likely they are likely to be to open up to you before a possible crisis manifests itself. Always keep the doors of communication wide open and well oiled.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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