DR. WALLACE: I will soon graduate from high school and will be attending the University of Minnesota in September. My concern is that at this moment I'm not quite sure what my future career is going to be, so I don't know what to major in.

Do you think I have a big problem? — Nameless, Willmar, Minn.

NAMELESS: Many students find their career path while attending college. It will not be a problem that you have not decided upon a career before you enroll in college.

In a survey of 3,500 high school seniors conducted by Careers and Colleges Magazine, 65 percent of the students responding to the question, "What is the most important factor influencing career choice?" said, "Job satisfaction," while 35 percent said, "Salary," and 10 percent said, "Making a contribution to society."

Job satisfaction played a very important role in my professional career. After graduating from Knox College with a Liberal Arts degree, I entered the world of business, but in a short time, I realized that I wanted to teach and coach varsity basketball.

Northern Illinois University provided me the opportunity for my "job satisfaction." With a Master's degree in Education from NIU, I landed my first high school teaching (English) and coaching (varsity basketball) position.

I can honestly say thanks to Knox College and Northern Illinois University for providing my superb training which allowed me to have the best career possible — helping teens reach their goals!

BABY'S MOM SHOULD BE SITTER'S CHAUFFEUR

DR. WALLACE: I babysit for a three-year-old boy every Friday evening. I really enjoy the job and the money is an extra bonus. My mother drives me to my job and one of my parents or my older brother drives me home.

Lately, the parents have been staying out later than usual. Usually they arrive home before midnight, but lately it's been later. Last night they were home at 1:30 a.m. The husband offered to drive me home, but when I called home, my mom said that she would pick me up. When I got into her car I asked why the husband couldn't drive me home. I live about six miles from my babysitting job. Mom said she didn't like the idea of me being alone in a car with an older man, especially late at night.

I think this is silly. This guy is super nice and would never do anything improper. I'd like your opinion, please. — Nameless, Newark, N.J.

NAMELESS: In the vast majority of cases, a husband can deliver a babysitter home safe and sound, but sometimes problems can occur. Most times it's the husband that becomes aggressive, but there are instances when the babysitter is infatuated with the older guy and causes a "scene." These potential problems are eliminated when the baby's mother is the chauffeur, or if one of the babysitter's parents picks her up.

MY BOYFRIEND IS CURED OF ALCOHOLISM

DR. WALLACE: I want to correct your belief that there is no cure for alcoholism. My boyfriend is living proof that alcoholism can be cured. Jim admitted that he was addicted to alcohol, but from the day he stopped drinking, he hasn't had an alcoholic beverage. That was over a year ago, and he hasn't had any alcohol since. — Nameless, Reno, Nev.

NAMELESS: There is no cure for alcoholism. But alcoholics who have stopped consuming alcohol, in any form, can live a normal life. The recovery will last a lifetime if the alcoholic abstains from alcohol at all times. Even after years of being free from alcohol, one drink can trigger an alcoholic binge. Professionals treat alcoholism as a disease.

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.

Photo credit: Rob Bertholf