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WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

As parents we try and prepare our children for the new world of work does this question now become irrelevant? The simple answer to the question is "yes". We continue to evolve because of a constant need to stay relevant. We have new industries that need a multi skilled talented work force that is mobile and eager to learn and enjoy change.

Why then, according to "Career Spark", a technology company specializing in success-based matching are 70% of people in the wrong jobs? That’s 125 million people in North America who find themselves as round pegs in square holes trying desperately to fit in to try and enjoy their careers.

Not surprising because in the past we were encouraged to go to university; choose a major and hopefully graduate and then persue a career path which we were encouraged not to deviate from.

"If things do not change they stay the way they are" thinking is a recipe for failure in to-days multi faceted fast paced world. The key to success as life long learners we will be challenged to learn, evolve and build new skills. The question now will be; "What do you want to be -for now?"

What is best for an individual and an organization at a point in time can change very quickly, so it is important for employees to be both nimble and creative.

Recently I met "Mary", a very hard working young women, who was working at the Deli at "Foodland" in Dorchester who told me of her future goals. She has spent the last year at Lord Dorchester in a co-op position working at Physiotherapist’s office in Dorchester. She is planning to apply to the University of Western Ontario in Health Sciences in the Fall leading to a Master’s in Physical Therapy. "Mary" has wisely saved her money she has earned to apply to her degree.

The deadlines for grade twelve Lord Dorchester/Regina Mundi Secondary School students to apply to University is January 16/19 and for Community College February 1/19. I trust that the students/parents are comfortable with their choices?


Len is an education/career counselor in Dorchester, Ont.

Len Lesser