Why should our generation know with certainty what career to pursue?

I do not know what exactly I want to do in the future career wise, but I know the things I enjoy doing. I love writing, I love cooking, I love reading corny romance novels, I love history and I love learning new languages and skills. But what job do I want to have in the future? I have no idea. I just want to be happy and not be stuck in a 9 -5 job that I hate.

My generation is not really operating on a fixed image of what a career is and what they ought to become, that has been created for us by our parents’ generation. Social media did not exist 10 years ago, we therefore cannot see what this world would look like exactly in another 10 years, we are the generation that will hinge more on use of technology than any generation before us. We are the generation that gets to have the adventure of exploring multiple careers as this world changes and grows. We get to learn and experience many things and so much, so many different jobs until we land something that touches some sweet spot, that sticks, and we feel valued.

We crave something fixed because it is easy and because our parents’ generation had that to go off on so of course our parents are going to ask questions like, “ what exactly do you want to do in the future? “Or “what’s your end goal?” and of course there is this whole reputation game of different careers that are seen as important. But why? Why can’t we just take the job that’s interesting after university and when it’s not interesting do something else that’s interesting? Why can’t our careers evolve as we evolve? “Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.” ― Sheryl Sandberg

Instead of defining our future as young people why don’t we define our values? Careers shift but if you know your values it doesn’t matter what job you take as long as it impacts the world in the way you want it to, then you’ve found your momentary dream job. Almost anything you want to learn nowadays you can learn online. If you love a company and what it does , reach out to someone on LinkedIn who works there and provide value to them some way, make connections and hopefully work your way into that company if you want.

I think everyone who graduates without having a clear idea of which path they should take should go on a gap year. Travel, go for internships, volunteer do anything you want as long as you love it. I personally think a gap year full of different experiences opens your eyes to different types of passions you might have never thought you had, it clears your head and gives you a sense of independence. Give yourself options. Put effort in everything you do that you enjoy. Focus on the work not the career. Listen to opportunity and be open minded. Increase your surface area and most importantly remember the world is just one big human network.