Finding the *right* career can be a challenge for many people. The newer generation of young adults aren’t finding their dream job right off the bat and sticking with it. I know I personally didn’t stick with my original career. I actually switched career paths several times throughout college. I have a huge passion for helping others find their ideal career due to my long journey in figuring out my own. If you’re interested, you can check out my post The Start of the Amanda Tindall Brand.
Quick Statistics
According to the University of Tulsa, 80% of college students change their major at least once. On average, students will change their major three times throughout their college career… and that’s just college.
It is estimated that the average person will have 12 jobs in their working career. In the last year, 32% of those aged 25 to 44 have considered a career change. Since starting their first job, 29% of people have completely changed fields, according to a survey done by edX.
Why are people making the switch? In the same survey, they found 39% of individuals made the switch for an increase in salary, 21% had an interest in a different field, and 20% were seeking upward mobility.
How many of those individuals are using their degree? 21% reported they actively use their college major, 53% use half or less, and 15% use none of their college education in their current job position.
What is Happening?
So, why are there so many people changing their majors or switching careers? I honestly believe many kids are uneducated on what they actually want to do. In a study done by EdSource, about 46% of the students surveyed said schools have helped them figure out which careers match their interests and abilities. That means 54% of these students felt they have had zero guidance in finding their future career path!
Keeping this in mind, how can we help as parents? What can we do to alter the path for our children and educate them on all the possibilities their future holds? It comes down to 5 concepts.
Interests and Passions
What is your child interested in? What are their passions? What hobbies or sports do they love? Write them down. Even if it’s going to the Farmer’s Market every Saturday or sleeping in everyday, have them write it down. This is going to help narrow down a field that they are passionate about and could see longevity in.
“But what do I do if my child doesn’t have any passions or hobbies?” Well, they do have interests. We all do starting at a very young age. It may be small as I mentioned, but they do have things they enjoy. But, I highly recommend beginning b]] getting your child involved in a club or sport. Start having them do daily tasks with you! Have them find recipes and cook with you, have them make the family budget for a month and do the grocery shopping, have them plan a family get together… These simple life tasks can open up new passions and interests your child may have never thought about.
Volunteering is a really great way to find things they are passionate about as well. Get your child involved more at church or a local organization. Ask your friends if there are any volunteering opportunities they have involved their kids in.
Skills and Strengths
Once your child has identified their interests and passions, have them think about their skills. What are they really good at? What subjects do they excel in? What advice are their friends coming to them for? What things do they do around the house really well? Write these down as well!
Goals
This is a big one that many people don’t consider right away when pursuing a career. Ask your child what their long term goals are. Most high schoolers aren’t really thinking about it. Many of them are just ready for the next step in life. They’re excited to head off to college and gain a new experience. However, having goals in mind can alter that experience from the get-go.
Prompt your child with: Do you want to get married/have a family? Do you want to work from home? Are you looking for a typical 9-5? Do you want to travel? Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 15 years? Each of these goals will play a factor in their career search. Once your child has identified these goals, write them down!
Values
Values play a huge role in our life, as well as our career. Sometimes occupations can press our values and morals. Have your child pinpoint their values and morals that mean most: family, friends, religion, relationships, serving others, etc. Write those down as wel.
Income
Last, but certainly not least, income. Coming from the teaching world, so many teachers used to say, “We don’t do it for the income, we do it for the outcome!” Although, that may be true for some, you have to have a livable wage that will suit your needs and your family.
Start by sitting down with your child and discussing finances. Have them take a look at your family budget. Talk with them about taxes, retirement, insurance, and other benefits that may be available in some jobs versus others. Research the cost of living in your area compared to other areas. Looking at inflation patterns and salary growth over the last few years in particular fields is also a good idea. These are all going to impact your child’s decision when choosing a career.
Successful and Rewarding Careers
After writing each of these things down, your child will have a solid foundation to finding their successful and rewarding career. Consider each of the things they have written from their passions, interests, skills, strengths, goals, values, and income needs. Their ideal career will fall somewhere within the middle of those things. This will give your child a great starting point to research careers that will support their desired lifestyle.