“Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” is commonly quoted when choosing a career. For some students this passion is found in their homes.
At a young age, children begin to understand the routine of their parents, picking up on factors such as, when they leave, arrive home, the demands of their job, and the length of the work weeks. These characteristics can sway kid’s opinions about taking on certain career fields.
Work hours and job demand are a factor for most when choosing a job. Often long hours and packed schedules do not appeal to adolescents entering the workforce.
“My parents have hectic hours with showings almost everyday, and then they work on their model on Saturdays and Sundays from twelve to four” junior Makenzie Peter said.
Growing up, children view parents as role models and often get an idea of what their jobs are like. Adults impact their child’s outlook on their career, potentially influencing them to choose the same route.
“My mom made her own business and manages her own flexible hours which is my end goal with being a vet,” senior Shea Knudsen said. “I want to have the freedom to work when I want and not work under someone.”
Commonly, kids with parents who own their own businesses are pushed to fill their shoes and continue the family legacy.
“After I am done with college, I am probably going to work more with my dad and learn about the hotel industry a little more, then I want to try and expand upon that by attempting to get into the resort or casino business.” junior Aryan Panchal said.
Students who go into the same field as their parents have a unique advantage over those who do not. Their parents are able to aid them and serve as a support system. They can recommend programs and colleges, as well as provide job opportunities.
“Working in the medical field, my dad will be able to give me guidance for how to be successful, ” sophomore Jase Reynolds said.
These parents are also able to understand the workload of the career, give encouragement, provide constant insight in order to help their kids flourish.
However, not all students want to follow in their parents footsteps. Freshman Reagan Gurzick’s parents are law enforcement officers, which is a profession that she does not wish to pursue.
“Police force training is a lot and it is dangerous to do that job and have the family structure I want for my future kids” freshman Reagan Gurzick said.
Kids want to explore their own passions and develop their own opinions. They seek to discover their other strengths and learn how they can be used throughout life.
“I am a big history buff and love to read and write,” freshman Eliee Costello said. “I would say these interests have pointed me toward being a lawyer or maybe even a history teacher.”
Elective classes are offered in many fields to allow students to look into potential careers. Whether it is Healthcare Careers, Marketing, or Civil Engineering, these classes expose students to career-like material that can help them form early opinions and be prepared for college.
“Taking Personal Finance and Business Management definitely helped me understand the business side of insurance and how it’s an independant and flexible career” Senior Taylor Ruma said.
Whether it sways them to take it on or not, a parent’s job will inevitably have an impact on their kids’ futures.
“Although its stressful when parents talk to kids about jobs, they really just want what is best for them,” sophomore Ethan Beachy said.
