Note to readers • This is part of a collaborative project between The Salt Lake Tribune and the Highland High School Rambler. Amplify Utah is publishing the work through its ongoing partnership with the Tribune to elevate diverse perspectives in local media through student journalism. Read more about these young Utahns’ experiences here.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Adults love asking kids this question.
When I was in elementary school, I knew exactly what I was supposed to be — a fashion designer. My notebooks were filled with dress designs I dreamed would debut during New York Fashion Week.
But as I went through middle school, things started to change. I began learning about different options that I could pursue. I started to like debate class, so I decided I wanted to be a lawyer.
I also loved science, so then I leaned toward becoming a doctor.
I took several “career pathway” tests in middle school, which are designed to inform students about what careers match their personalities and skills based on a few questions quickly answered during a class period. I was told to pursue law, teaching or become CEO of a company. Each of these careers would allow me to use my voice — one of my strongest features. Apparently, the testing software knew that I love to talk.
I have always loved learning about different subjects, but I never had a favorite. In eighth grade, I had a scheduled visit to the counselor’s office to discuss my high school plans. When I got there, they had a list of career options and the classes I should take to help me get there.
I could barely figure out what to wear each day, but I was supposed to start thinking of a lifelong career?
At that time, I wanted to be an eye doctor, so I signed up for lots of medical classes. I enjoyed them, but not as much as I thought I would. Now I am unsure if that is the right career path for me, but I feel like I wasted three years hyper-focused on that goal.
This anxiety is representative of a larger educational concern: It feels like schools are just trying to create employees, not well-rounded learners. The emphasis is on getting career ready, not developing a love for learning.
According to an EdX survey, about one-third of people completely change their career after college. They worked hard for their goal, but as they grew up, they changed their mind. Wouldn’t it be nice if we spent high school figuring things out, rather than feeling like our career demanded our immediate attention?
Immaturity thrives in our youth, and students being forced to choose a career to focus on when they are in middle school is leading to disaster. Our minds are constantly changing and developing, they aren’t fully developed until we are about 25. Students shouldn’t have to choose their path before they have figured out who they want to be.
The pressure to grow up and choose so early on is causing stress already. High schooler career crises can — and should — be prevented by prioritizing exploration.
It is good to be aware, but not good to be focused on one thing. Kids need to be able to explore careers without feeling the pressure to pick one. This way they can learn about what they love instead of being stressed to choose just because an adult told you it was time.
We can choose our future when we are ready. But as kids, we are supposed to be exposing ourselves to different options and choices, so we don’t end up in a job that we hate. Stop feeling pressure to choose so young, it will be more beneficial to wait and decide when you are ready.
