The story is old, yet constantly renewed: A young person, bursting with dreams and new ideas, is gently (or not-so-gently) nudged by their parents towards a more ‘traditional’ career path. There’s a well-trodden path that young people are often encouraged to follow: finish school, go to college, get a ‘good’ degree, and then land a ‘stable’ job. Behind this advice, often, are the caring, albeit anxious, voices of parents. This narrative has been played out in countless homes, across various cultures and generations. But why is it that many parents harbour an almost obsessive desire for their children to chase conventional degrees and seek out stable jobs?
To understand this, we must first dive into the psyche of a parent.
1. The Era of Their Youth
Parents, especially those who grew up a few decades ago, were often conditioned by their environment. In many parts of the world, the latter half of the 20th century was marked by economic uncertainty, political instability, and social upheaval. During such times, certain professions – like being a doctor, lawyer, or engineer – were seen as ‘safe’ harbours, islands of stability in a sea of unpredictability. To our parents, choosing one of these professions meant security, respect, and a guaranteed path to a better life.
2. Seeking Stability:
Parents want the best for their children. This doesn’t just mean happiness, but also security. Stable jobs often translate to a regular paycheck, which means being able to pay bills, buy a house, and raise a family without too much financial stress. This idea of stability is deeply comforting for parents, as it reduces the uncertainty and unpredictability that other paths might bring.
3. Fear of the Unknown:
The world is changing fast. There are jobs today that didn’t exist ten years ago, and degrees that seem ‘trendy’ but whose value isn’t fully understood by the older generation. New-age careers, especially those driven by technology and modern trends, can seem alien to many parents. Digital marketing, game design, or being a social media influencer are professions that didn’t exist in their formative years. Thus, parents may not understand the nuances and potential of these jobs. Their lack of understanding can often translate into apprehension. The familiar, even with its limitations, always seems safer than the unknown.
4. Societal Pressures and Peer Comparisons:
Humans are inherently social beings. The opinions of peers, neighbours, and extended family can wield significant influence. If everyone in the community is sending their children to medical school or pushing them into engineering, the pressure to conform can be immense. “What will people say?” is a question that has dictated many life decisions, often at the expense of personal desires and dreams. It’s an unspoken competition of sorts, one where the stakes are the futures of their beloved children.
5. The Perceived Longevity of Traditional Careers:
While it’s true that many new-age careers can offer lucrative opportunities, parents might view them as fleeting or unstable. A career in a trending field might seem to have an expiration date. In contrast, traditional professions like medicine or law are often seen as evergreen, always in demand, and therefore eternally stable.
6. Avoiding Failure:
No parent wants to see their child fail or struggle. In their minds, steering their children towards conventional degrees and stable jobs is a way of minimizing risks. After all, these paths have been tried and tested by many before.
7. Cultural Values:
In many cultures, certain professions are highly esteemed. Being a doctor or an engineer isn’t just a job, but a matter of pride for the entire family. These cultural values can heavily influence parents’ wishes for their children.
Here are a few things both parents and children can consider:
A. The Changing Landscape of Work:
Technology, globalization, and a host of other factors have radically transformed the world of work. Today, professions that were once considered niche or unconventional have moved into the mainstream. Moreover, with the rise of freelancing, remote work, and digital platforms, the very definition of a ‘job’ is changing.
B. Passion and Fulfilment Matter:
While financial stability is crucial, job satisfaction and personal fulfillment cannot be sidelined. A well-paying job that makes one miserable can be detrimental in the long run. On the other hand, pursuing one’s passion can lead to not only personal satisfaction but also financial rewards, especially if one excels in their chosen field.
C. Education is Evolving:
The traditional degrees that were once the golden ticket to success are being complemented (and sometimes even replaced) by shorter, more specialized courses that offer skills relevant to today’s job market.
D. Open Dialogue is Key:
It’s essential for parents and children to maintain open communication. Both parties should make an effort to understand each other’s perspectives. Parents can try to understand the changing job market, and youngsters can articulate their aspirations while also addressing their parents’ concerns. In conclusion, the parental push towards conventional degrees and stable jobs stems from love, concern, and sometimes, societal pressures. However, in an ever-changing world, flexibility and adaptability are becoming increasingly important. With understanding, communication, and compromise, it’s possible to bridge the generational gap and help parents see the vast world of opportunities that lie beyond the conventional.