Once upon a time, career decisions were as straightforward as choosing between a doctor, an engineer, or a government officer.
Once upon a time, choosing a career was as easy as choosing between a government officer, an engineer, or a doctor. Fast forward to today—there’s a whole universe of jobs circling around technology, creativity, sustainability, space, artificial intelligence, and more. The issue? While their kids are getting on spaceships, parents are still using maps created in the 1980s.
In this fast-changing world, though, why are so many well-meaning parents unable to properly lead their kids down the path of education and career? A sprinkle of imagination and a spoonful of reality will help us to untangle this emotional, generational riddle.
A dash of imagination and a dollop of reality will help us to solve this emotional, generational riddle.
1. They’re Wired for a Different Universe
Imagine running a Tesla using a Maruti 800 manual. Most parents feel like way when attempting to interpret the aspirations of Gen Alpha and Gen Z. They grew up in a time when “safe” meant “secure government job” and “passion” was a luxury few could afford. Today’s scene—college degrees losing their monopoly, jobs being generated in the metaverse, freelancers making six figures from laptops—feels strange.
The outcome? Parents go back to what they know: “Be a doctor,” “Get a degree,” “Play safe.”
Parents fall back on their knowledge: “Be a doctor,” “Get a degree,” “Play safe.”
2. Guidance Underload, Information Overload
Career advice, college lists, exam preparation, seminars, and YouTube experts have flooded the internet. The problem is that too much information causes misunderstanding. Already busy running their life, parents may lack the time—or resources—to check what is best for their kid.
It’s like looking for the North Star in a sky crowded with flashing satellites. Which way is correct?
Which way is correct?
3. Fear of the Unknowable
What if my kid fails and picks something unusual?
Every parent has this concern in their head. They care, not because they doubt their child’s abilities. Yet, a bad compass is dread. Many parents unwittingly tie their children to shores they never planned to remain on in their efforts to shield them from possible storms.
Many parents unknowingly tie their child to shores they never wanted to remain on in their efforts to shield them from possible storms.
4. They Confuse ‘Control’ with ‘Support’
Guiding and directing are close cousins. Out of love, some parents go behind the wheel of their child’s life, neglecting to remember the kid is not a passenger but rather the driver-in-training. Choices in education and employment turn into a battlefield of implicit expectations and quiet revolt.
The outcome? A disconnection hidden in courtesy yet full of anger.
A disconnection hidden in courtesy yet full of anger.
5. Lack of Self-Awareness Regarding Their Own Prejudices
Many parents unknowingly impose their own unfulfilled aspirations onto their kids. Though the kid’s heart beats for astronomy, a parent who always wanted to be an architect may urge his youngster into design. A mother who struggled in business, on the other hand, would advise her daughter against starting her own company.
It’s not bad. It’s a recollection. As well as feeling. But left uncontrolled, it may separate a child’s reality from their potential.
Unchecked, though, it might create a barrier between a child’s reality and their potential.
6. They Haven’t Been Trained for This Position
The truth bomb is that parenting lacks a curriculum on job advice. Most parents are negotiating this path unarmed and untrained. Schools hardly ever provide them. Society anticipates them to “just know.” Somewhere, in attempting to be mentor, counsel, and parent, they lose clarity.
In attempting to fulfill the roles of mentor, advisor, and parent, they lose clarity.
Therefore… How do we go forward?
Talk less and listen more. Inquire of your child what they desire and listen without bias.
Attend seminars, speak with counselors, and investigate new-age professions alongside your kid to expand your expertise.
Embrace change. The world is changing. Allow your counsel to change as well.
Engage professional career counselors. Consider it as engaging a personal trainer not for weakness but for concern.
Consider it as engaging a personal trainer; not because you lack strength but rather because you value it.
Final Thoughts: The Bridge, Not the Barrier
Parents are not the issue. Misinformation, ignorance, and fear are. Parents can be strong co-pilots in their children’s trip with transparency, conversation, and direction rather than passengers or obstructions.
Ultimately, every kid wants only one thing: a parent who believes in their aspirations—even if they seem different from their own.
– Makarand Bhatt
The writer of this blog is an experienced International Education & Career Advisor, helping parents to plan and manage the global education of their children. You can share your feedback/reviews or connect with him at makarand.bhatt@yahoo.com or +91 99676 38666.
