Over half of parents worry their child will end up in a job they don’t enjoy
Over half of parents (56%) worry their children will end up in a job they don’t enjoy, a survey has found – with 84% actively trying to guide their youngsters along with careers advice.
The majority of mums and dads wish they themselves had received better careers advice as teenagers, such as venture outside your comfort zone, always ask questions, and do what’s right for you, rather than simply following others.
More than half feel that such advice could have helped them be in their “dream job” a lot sooner – with 37% feeling they “fell into” their career.
And 69% also feel it would have been beneficial to have more regular conversations with their own parents about future job options.
But 59% worry about giving the wrong advice to their own children – with four in ten (41%) feeling overwhelmed by the number of career options available to teenagers today.
(Image: Kwanchai Lerttanapunyaporn/Getty Images)
One in three (32%) of the 2,000 parents polled, who have children aged 11-18 who attend a non-fee paying school, believe job satisfaction is more important than money.
And 42% would encourage their youngsters not to follow in their footsteps when it comes to choosing a job.
The survey was commissioned by The Gatsby Foundation, as part of its Talking Futures campaign, which aims to help parents talk to children about education and careers options.
Michelle Rea, from the charity, said: “Our careers are heavily influenced by our parents.
“Nowadays, there are so many avenues and options that it can be a minefield for parents as they try to help their child navigate their options.
“Finding your dream job is possible if you have someone to guide you – and parents can do this simply by being there for their child and sharing their own career wisdom.
“By exploring options together, and letting your child find out things for themselves, you can help them carve their own path.”
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The research also found almost two-thirds of parents (64%) think it’s difficult for teenagers to know what do for a living, with 75% blaming it on them being too young and not having enough life experience.
And 70% think the job market is changing so fast, it’s hard to know how best to advise their children about career options and further education – with 42% anxious that they won’t earn enough to be financially independent.
Of those who took part in the study, via OnePoll, 45% believe it is harder for the younger generation when choosing a career path than it was for their own generation.
And 83% think children should regularly review their career aspirations as they move through school and college, so it reflects their skills, interests, and experiences as they develop.
Michelle Rea added: “Choosing a career can be a daunting prospect, especially at a young age, and there is constant worry among young people that they might make the wrong decision.
“But people change career paths later on down the line, and that is okay. It’s all a learning curve, and sometimes things just don’t work out.
“As a parent, gauging your child’s skillset, and finding out their strengths and weaknesses, can really help to steer them in the right direction.
“Either way, giving your child support and advice when they need it is what is truly important.”
CAREERS ADVICE PARENTS WISH THEY HAD BEEN GIVEN WHEN THEY WERE YOUNG:
- Venture outside of your comfort zone
- Do what’s right for you, not what others around you are doing
- If you have a problem or need help, ask
- Work to live, don’t live to work
- Always ask questions
- Take advantage of opportunities that come up
- Learn and grow from your mistakes, no-one is perfect
- Play to your strengths and follow your passions
- You’re never too old to change your career
- Learn from colleagues, don’t compete