There comes a time in everyone's life where you're going to have to sit your parents down and tell them about the facts of life — your life.

Did you ever have this conversation with your folks?

"Mom, Dad, I've given this a lot of thought... I - I want to work in advertising."

Did they give you that "crazy stare" that made you run to your bedroom? Or, did they go completely off? How long did it take until you regained consciousness?

I tried to spare some kids from the pain when I spoke at a high school career fair. Surprisingly, there were a lot more parents in attendance than usual. Normally, I just try to connect with the kids, but the adult presence made me switch gears a little bit.

I asked the students, "How many of you like to draw?" A few hands shot up.

"How many like to write? Stories? Poetry?" I continued and I got a few more responses.

"Parents, your kids can make a living doing this," I said. "I'm proof of that."

Have your parents tried to talk you out of pursuing a more artistic job for something more "sensible," like law or medicine? I know people who were "talked" out of advertising careers and other jobs with creative outlets. I think part of the reason may be that parents don't understand the work we do. I know members of my family don't fully understand my work. According to my grandmother, I'm responsible for every Chevy ad created in the last ten years. (And I would never deny her top bragging rights among her friends.) Fortunately, I have parents who fully supported their son's desire to pursue a career in this business. Not everyone is that fortunate. So I figured I could better help these kids by educating their parents.

After showing them some work samples, we talked about  portfolio schools and universities. Then I immediately addressed that all-important question: How much money can you make?

We pulled up some stats on salary.com. I didn't win any fans with starting salaries, but the earning potential made sure I didn't lose anyone either. The kids were a bit disappointed to find out you don't earn TV star salaries, even if your work is on the air. Still, I connected with several parents that night, understanding that their kids could make a livable wage drawing pictures and writing stories.

"Breaking into this business is not going to be easy," I concluded. "But it won't be as hard if they have your support."

So I told the students don't let anyone talk you out of the life you want for yourself. And if they ever needed help talking to their parents about pursuing advertising and other jobs that let them express themselves artistically, I'd provide information to help their parents understand.

That offer always stands.