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Copyright 2025 Marline E. Pearson
If you desire to have a middle-class income or higher and avoid poverty, achieving a certain number and
combination of life’s big things can increase your odds. Finishing high school and full-time employment
by age 25 (or enrolled in further training/education) are key essentials. A healthy marriage can add to
income level. And in addition to education and employment, if a person envisions children someday—
and wants to do so with a partner in a stable and satisfying relationship—then the sequence of marriage
before baby can make a big difference.
Success Pathways for Parents…
Be the best parent you can be while finishing your education/training and obtaining full-time
employment. WAIT on a 2nd child until you achieve some of your education/training goals, are
employed, and with a committed partner—spouse.
Pathways &Sequences
Towards Success
The vast majority of young people who follow one of these pathways land in the middle to upper-income
groups by the time they are in their 30s, whether born rich or poor.
Finish High School, and better
yet, more education/training
Full-time employment
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pathways
&
sequences
towards
success
Copyright 2025 Marline E. Pearson
If you desire to have a middle-class income or higher and avoid poverty, achieving a certain number and
combination of life’s big things can increase your odds. Finishing high school and full-time employment
by age 25 (or enrolled in further training/education) are key essentials. A healthy marriage can add to
income level. And in addition to education and employment, if a person envisions children someday—
and wants to do so with a partner in a stable and satisfying relationship—then the sequence of marriage
before baby can make a big difference.
Success Pathways for Parents…
Be the best parent you can be while finishing your education/training and obtaining full-time
employment. WAIT on a 2nd child until you achieve some of your education/training goals, are
employed, and with a committed partner—spouse.
Pathways &Sequences
Towards Success
The vast majority of young people who follow one of these pathways land in the middle to upper-income
groups by the time they are in their 30s, whether born rich or poor.
Finish High School, and better
yet, more education/training
Full-time employment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pathways
&
sequences
towards
success
