Helping our kids navigate their high school careers to prepare for post-secondary or work life is personal to every family. However, how older generations view careers and life will be vastly different from the world of work that Generation Z and future generations will face because of the rapid evolution of tech and AI.
How do we help our teens explore, grow and view their careers when we are uncertain about what the future holds?
A perfect example of how fast careers evolve is seen within the banking industry. Many of us can recall the days of waiting in bank lines to speak with a customer service representative to deposit or withdraw cash. In 2021, 65% of Canadians reported using a mobile banking app to do their banking – an increase from 56% in 2018.
Another good example is the travel industry. Growing up, there were travel agencies in malls and on street corners. I haven’t used a travel agent in 10 years because I can easily find deals and book everything online.
These are just two examples of the impact of technology on what were once in-demand career paths.
So, what can parents do to help increase their child’s success in the changing world of work?
1. Exploration: Encourage your kids to know themselves and reflect on who they are and want to be in the world. Help them explore their values, strengths, skills and interests, and remind them that these will evolve in different seasons of life.
Help your teens find part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities or extra-curricular activities that can help them further explore their interests and gain some hands-on experience.
“Help them explore their values, strengths, skills and interests, and remind them that these will evolve in different seasons of life.”
2. Research and look for trends: Sit down with your teen to explore different career paths they are considering. Look to see what the trend of that career path has been and what the future trajectory may be. If possible, help them to set up informational interviews with those in the field they are considering. For example, if your teen is considering becoming a teacher, encourage them to take a few minutes and speak with one of their teachers about the job after class one day.
3. Have open conversations: Be willing to listen to your teen, hear their perspectives without judgment and offer them meaningful advice.
Earlier this year my daughter announced at dinner that she was choosing her courses for next year. She mentioned a few different career paths she had been considering, one of which was a veterinarian. As her mom, I know her likes and dislikes. I initially wanted to tell her that I didn’t think being a veterinarian was suitable for her because I know she loves animals but also doesn’t do well with the sight of blood or animals in pain. Instead of expressing my opinion and discouraging her, I asked her what she thought a day in the life of a vet might look like. And as we discussed it more, she concluded that this wasn’t a path she wanted to pursue.
4. Cultivate resilience and flexibility: Life is filled with challenges and opportunities. All of us have experienced disappointment within our career paths and our kids will face many challenges on their journeys, too.
Encourage them to establish a support network, help them to see the learning in their failures, let them know it is okay to feel disappointed or discouraged and to express their emotions, and then take action toward what they want.
As parents, we want what’s best for our kids but eventually, they have to make their own life decisions and mistakes. We can be there to help and guide them. When it comes to careers, help them to explore and provide them with resources, and then step back to let them make autonomous decisions.
