“We are not here to teach you how to get a job, because there are no jobs, you will have to create your own jobs.”
This was an introductory statement made by one of my former lecturers. Now I really understand what he meant.
Careers are constantly evolving in this modern society and certain models may no longer apply right now.
For years the lessons to most children/teens had been to read, do well at school and they would make it, but I have begun to realise that not everyone makes it at school or attends school, not everyone has the will to put the effort into schoolwork and in some cases, certain aspects of school are a challenge.
There was a time careers in music, sport and art were frowned upon. This was never an option. How could someone pursue “degree remagitare” (a degree in music)?
Even pursuing a career in journalism came with smug comments from some of my peers. “So you are doing this so you can learn how to play a CD on radio, tell people what song is coming up?” He was actually insulting the disc-jockey about their profession. (Personally I have nothing against it).
What such comments show is that some people view the traditional professions as the only ones to pursue and consider as respectable.
There was a time, one had to become a teacher, doctor, lawyer, all noble professions, I would have considered if I could. But today a large host of other professions have emerged.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
These days some young people have begun to shun most of these seemingly traditional careers, not because there is anything wrong with them, but because there are now many more options available.
In this era where technology is taking over most spaces it is opening up doors to some careers while closing doors for others.
More young girls are now considering previously male-dominated careers in technology, aerospace engineering, building, the automotive industry and scientific fields.
At the same time, ATMs and ecommerce (doing business online) now allows one to do certain transactions without necessarily having to interact with anyone. These developments eliminate the need for certain professionals.
Young people should now be encouraged to do what they are good at, that way they can use this strength to make the most in creating their own jobs. I heard of a young boy nearing his final years of high school, whose ambition is to be rich.
This boy has not done well at school, not because he has not put the effort but because he has a passion for and strength in music and composing. He is also skilled at playing rugby and these are areas he would rather pursue.
There are professional athletes for example that have made a name for themselves, followed their strengths and made the most of it.
There are entrepreneurs that were innovative enough to pursue their dreams and skills to create their own jobs.
This shows that these are the years that most young people should be encouraged to make the most of their strengths and skills, some of which may be admittedly far from academic.
The “if you do well at school” model no longer implies that success is automatic. A large part of success will come from being innovative, working hard, and developing one’s strengths.
For those young people who do have the academic advantages, this will have to be combined with other traits such as innovation, determination, goal-setting and vision.
For the upcoming years, we may all have to think outside the box . . .
If you would like to send some of your comments and thoughts, feel free to email:
[email protected]. If you have written any article, poem, short story and would like to have it featured in future, you can send it to the same address.
