The twenty-first century is a time when teens are influenced by societal standards to choose their jobs. Not because they grew up having the same ideology of what they were going to become, but because of an underlying factor. That factor is reputation.
In earlier times, people usually picked their jobs based on how much money they would make, which is still the case now. During the Industrial Revolution, families would work in the factory as workers tending to the machinery. The only difference between then and now is that the world is in a time where there are endless opportunities. People have the opportunity to become an astronaut, a chef, a makeup influencer, or even an artist! But somehow, everyone wants to have a “higher-ranking” job, like a doctor or lawyer.
As children, we dreamed of other jobs. Eden Grace Dalisay, a freshman at CdM, described, “growing up [she] wanted to be a teacher.” Dalisay stated that now she wants to be an “architect.” When asked the reason behind her switching her dream, she responded that “people frown upon teachers and say there’s no money in it, but architects make a pretty good salary, and it’s seen as a better job.” Money is a huge aspect of the reputation within a job, but wanting money doesn’t mean the passion comes along with it. Dalisay explained that she “loves working with kids,” and she would see herself as an “elementary school teacher.” Is it only the money that makes teens change their minds, or is it another factor?
Social media plays a role in telling teens what to do. What they need to prepare for before college, what extracurricular activities to take, what “niche” sports to play, and who they have to be. As a generation, everyone has become obsessed with academic validation and succeeding at the top. But should that be all teens care about? Is it just being at the top of the food chain? Where did childhood dreams vanish off to? Olivia Lew, a freshman at CdM, says that “childhood dreams mature.” She does agree that “social media has an impact on what teens want to be, it’s like following the crowd.” Lew personally said, “social media didn’t really impact [her], and [she] wanted to be a dermatologist because of [her] interests in biology and skin cancer.” When asked what Lew wanted to be growing up, she said, “a marine biologist, because of [her] love for animals.” Growing up, she wanted to be a doctor, and it’s the same case now, only a more “realistic” job.
Being a doctor, lawyer, or another high-ranked job like an engineer shows that the person is a highly-educated, licensed professional. And even more, it shows that they’re realistic. It shows that they picked a path they knew had money and reputation in. Usually, when a person says they’re a doctor, the first reply back is “wow, you must make a lot of money!” Whereas someone who is a songwriter is usually looked down upon, for potentially not having the same salary.
It’s a torn case about how teens are influenced. It could be social media, the money within the job, or it could just be pure passion. In this society, people should start picking what they want to be through their passions and what they are interested in. Choosing a career just because of social media, money, and reputation diminishes originality and potential.
