So What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?
03/03/16 19:31
It seems to be a common plight among young people today (and I am saying high school in this instance) that they aren't sure what they want to be. Yes, there are some that have ideas. Of course, they might change over time, that is to be expected. Rather I am talking about the ones that just have no idea. I have a guess as to why that might be, and I attribute it to two reasons.
One, there is an overwhelming number of choices out there, and the current line of thinking is that more choices can lead to more confusion and hence, in decision.
Two, It is a rapidly changing job market. This generation has seen some of the greatest economic upheaval since the Great Depression. I think they are aware of this and it perhaps causes anxiety in pinning down a specific direction, and understandably so.
My advice to them is this: It is ok not knowing what you want to do, but focus on basics to give you the most options. Learn to write and speak well. Understand math, even if you don't like it. Especially statistics, because they can give you very powerful insights into things and it can prevent people from misleading you with them. Learn to practice critical and logical thinking. Read about history and how it relates to the way the world is today. Learn to work with people, even if you don't like or agree with them.
Those skills will be required in any career or life choice.
One, there is an overwhelming number of choices out there, and the current line of thinking is that more choices can lead to more confusion and hence, in decision.
Two, It is a rapidly changing job market. This generation has seen some of the greatest economic upheaval since the Great Depression. I think they are aware of this and it perhaps causes anxiety in pinning down a specific direction, and understandably so.
My advice to them is this: It is ok not knowing what you want to do, but focus on basics to give you the most options. Learn to write and speak well. Understand math, even if you don't like it. Especially statistics, because they can give you very powerful insights into things and it can prevent people from misleading you with them. Learn to practice critical and logical thinking. Read about history and how it relates to the way the world is today. Learn to work with people, even if you don't like or agree with them.
Those skills will be required in any career or life choice.