Do you wish there was more guidance and support for children when it comes to exploring career options?

[Georgey98]

I have been reflecting on the current education system and thinking about how alongside the growing societal pressure to succeed as quickly as possible, it really doesn't prepare kids to understand/attempt to figure out what they truly want to do during their career.
I have met so many people who later in life have become miserable in their career but are unable to change and take a risk due to financial and family commitments and i believe a lot of this stems from an outdated education system pushing people to decide what they want to do and start working as quickly as possible.
Would love to hear if anyone feels the same and would really love to hear how you may have navigated this problem when raising kids to make sure they don't compare themselves to others and are prepared to try lots of different things so that they can build the most fulfilled life for themselves as possible?

Tbh I don’t think our education system does push towards working. Years ago you could leave school at 15, before sitting any exams, and start working. That’s impossible now and YP are at least supposed to be in some kind of education till 18; and more than ever then go on to HE.

My older DC both work but neither is comparing, as far as I know! Both are glad to have found roles that suit them and their abilities tbh.

I don't think your assessment of the current situation is quite right. Entry into the workforce is delayed for many young people by attendance of HE institutions. This provides an opportunity to explore strengths and aspirations; some use that opportunity; others do not.

What has changed is that the FE and HE landscapes have changed such that is more difficult to build up qualifications more incrementally and/or to change direction. The historically high cost of housing is probably also a disincentive to wending a slower path to personal fulfillment.

Set against that, the information available to students at school, college or university (and, by extension, to their parents) to find out about different careers and what they are really like 'on the inside' has increased hugely. I am always surprised at how few students or parents tap into those resources. It requires curiosity and an internet connection, but not much more.

I disagree too. I am a secondary school teacher and I don't think schools are pushing kids to start work as soon as possible. Why would we? What would it gain us to do so?

In my experience, schools make quite a lot of effort to get people in to do career talks for the kids. They organise one-to-one career chats with students etc. The majority of kids aren't interested and don't want to go. The fact is that apart from the most ambitious ones, a lot of kids aren't really ready to think about careers.

Imo the reason quite a lot people are unhappy in their jobs is that lots of jobs are inherently quite boring and hard work. Also, people have preconceptions about specific jobs and are then disappointed by the reality.

I'm not surprised to hear yet another thing blamed on schools though.

"I have met so many people who later in life have become miserable in their career but are unable to change and take a risk due to financial and family commitments and i believe a lot of this stems from an outdated education system pushing people to decide what they want to do and start working as quickly as possible."

@Georgey98 This doesn't make sense. How can people you met later in life tell you anything about today's school system?

It would be very naive to think it might ever be possible for everyone to find perfect career fulfilment. Most people work to live, not the other way round.

Schools do what they can and must on careers, but teachers are no more qualified than anyone else to know about the world of work, especially if all they've ever known is teaching.

Today's kids have the internet at their fingertips and the careers information is there if they want to look for it.