Choosing the right career path is one of the most important decisions our children will make, especially as they approach young adulthood and consider attending university. As a parent, I believe it is crucial to guide them towards pursuits they feel genuinely passionate about, while also keeping in mind the job landscape they will enter.

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According to the renowned psychologist and philosopher John Dewey, children learn best when the subject matter connects to their personal interests. This idea of tailoring education to the individual rings true when advising our teens on career choices. I strive to understand my daughter Ainhoa’s specific strengths and aspirations, discussing options that allow her talents to flourish. For example, if she excels at math and science, fields like engineering or computer science could be fulfilling paths aligned with her capabilities.

The fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are often touted for their strong career prospects. With technology advancing at lightning speed, there is no doubt that STEM skills will be highly valued over the next 5-10 years. I try to expose Alex and Ainhoa to coding, robotics and other hands-on STEM activities to pique their interests. However, I’m careful not to push them if they don’t demonstrate an aptitude. Just as important as encouraging their strengths is nurturing well-rounded individuals.

That’s why I also believe studying humanities like philosophy is invaluable. As the famous quote goes, \”An unexamined life is not worth living.\” Questioning assumptions and critiquing ideas is how we grow intellectually. My daughter enjoys debating ethical issues in her philosophy class at school. I make sure to have open discussions at home about her perspectives on topics like the purpose of education, the role of technology in bettering humanity, and what constitutes a meaningful career.

No matter what subjects my children end up pursuing, I emphasize the importance of adaptability. The world is changing so rapidly that they may need to change careers several times. Resilience in the face of uncertainty will enable them to traverse new terrain. I teach them strategies like optimistic self-talk, managing stress through exercise, and reframing failures as learning opportunities. These \”soft skills\” will serve them well regardless of the specific job landscape.

As author and speaker Adam Grant highlights, average job tenure has declined to just over four years. This means it’s likely our children will need to upskill, reskill, and even change careers several times throughout their lives. A degree of flexibility and resilience will be vital. I remind Ainhoa that her first job out of college need not be her final destination, but rather a stepping stone on an ever-evolving journey.

Most importantly, I try to model passion, curiosity and compassion in my own work as an educator. Children are incredibly observant, often mimicking what they witness at home. By letting my kids see me tackle challenges with optimism and purpose, I hope to impart the significance of choosing a career aligned with one’s values. The specifics may change, but that inner compass will guide them through life’s twists and turns.