As a young person, I would like a job that satisfies me and makes me happy. I’m sure many other young people feel the same way.
Parents, however, apparently feel differently. According to a recent survey of parents. Comminsioned by the Military Preparation College (MPCT), a specialist college for 16-19 year olds, designed to get young people fit and motivated for adult life. Found that parents disagree on what will make their child successful. Mothers believe that top exam results will achieve this, while fathers believe that happiness in a job is more important. The study also found one in six parents are most worried about their child being unemployed once they finished school
The disagreement here is understandable. Success breeds success, so the better you do in exams opens up better opportunities in the future. However, surely it makes sense that if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you’re in the wrong job?
Then there is the argument of academic skills versus life skills. The poll notes that 70% of parents place greater importance on personal qualities rather than qualifications.
This, of course, boils down to what job people actually want to do. There are some jobs which naturally require a level of academic success, which means the applicants will need to have the necessary qualifications.
All the same, whatever job you take, personal qualities will get you long way. You could have all the doctorates and M.A.s that the world has to offer, but if you don’t know how to work with others, or how to serve a difficult customer without thumping them, you’re stuck.
In all, regardless of what the parents say, it is down to each person to find their own success. Academic credentials may help for some, but I’d be wary about promising it for everyone.
And, let’s face it, happiness is something that helps us all to work more effectively. The better we feel, the better we work, so we all need to find the job that gives us the most satisfaction!
Thank you to the Military Preparation College for sharing their survey results with Youth Ambassador Luke to enable him to bring the blog together!
