When I was growing up, I remember parents telling all of us kids to specialize in one thing so that when we got out of college, we’d have job security. But nowadays it’s pretty hard to know what job security will look like for college-bound children. AI isn’t just coming fast and furious—it’s here. And there is a general feeling of concern that unlike years prior where new technology heralded new jobs, the future will not be so kind. Robots are already replacing human workers and having an impact on total jobs. Meanwhile, rising tuitions are making college a less practical and worthwhile investment for so many, it seems likely that in ten years’ time we will have an ever-growing disparity in the labor market’s educational background. As a parent, there’s a lot to worry about.
But There are Bigger Worries
Putting job security aside for the moment, there’s the personal security concern as well. With this week’s events around the world, including the heartbreaking shooting at Brown University, it’s pretty hard to know what personal security we can promise young people today. Back in the day, I had friends who went to Brown, and I visited the campus several times. The possibility of a mass shooting would have never crossed my mind. Now kids hear about stuff like this so much, they are likely to briefly discuss it with their friends before moving on to another subject. I overheard some do just that this week. Perhaps it’s because of a growing desensitization to being bombarded with so much craziness online, but I think, also, because kids are finding ways to self-protect from the trauma-inducing news we live with so regularly.
Whatever we are doing as a country, it’s not working, and something needs to change. Couple the rise in mass shootings with a population raised online—instead of with the street smarts of former generations—and it makes you wonder about the risks young people will run into that they may never see coming. With their eyes focused so much on screens, how can we expect them to see problems that come walking down the street before it’s too late?
Kids Are Resilient
That’s the parent view on things, at least. The reality is that kids are more resilient than adults ever give them credit for. They will figure it out. As a country, we owe them better, and I’m exasperated by the divide over the gun subject, as well as many of the other subjects we’re dealing with right now. I’m tired that a nation of grown-ups keeps electing people who prioritize lip-service over action, at all levels. I’m tired that our government serves the needs of megalomaniacs rather than the needs of the people. But until the day comes when our leaders effectively address mental health and gun policies, I still believe in kids’ resilience.
Everything has just been happening so fast for us Gen Xers, it’s scary. We’ve had a lot of shit to deal with, haven’t we? Sandwiched between the Baby Boomers and their life lessons, with an accelerated technological boom that’s like drinking water from a firehose? Twenty-eight years ago, I remember walking across my own college campus, marveling at a young woman carrying a car phone with her in between classes. What the hell could be so important, I thought. Now? I can have a conversation with my computer if I want to (another scary thing for our kids to deal with when you read the impact of all these Character AI relationships encouraging young people to commit suicide).
Pursue and Do
So, what do we tell kids to pursue? What are they supposed to do? The Brown tragedy has got me thinking about this even more and I think it boils down to this: pursue people. Make friends. Make connections. That’s what college is for, and human connections are the foundation of what life is all about. Those connections will yield experiences that will draw out your interests, feed your spirit, and give you opportunities in both life and work. They will spark your curiosity, teach you things you can’t find on a computer, and reduce your anxiety about how fast this world is changing. They will help you live without fear, and that is above all the most important thing—to be not afraid. You should live with some caution and full awareness, but without fear.
Yes, pursue people, we shall tell them. Pursue laughter and empathy. Reject the hatred we see spewed across American media today and focus on the community. On seeing each other clearly and understanding varying perspectives. Then, as you take in all of the stories you can, and meet as many different types of people as you can, make your own informed decision on how life should look for you. And continue to refine it. Pursue continual improvement for yourself and the people around you. If you follow that model, then the right path will reveal itself.
And just keep doing! Do, do, do. Don’t worry about finding the perfect job at the start. If you are lucky enough to go to college, this doesn’t absolve you from taking crappy jobs when you have to. Over 70% of students need to work their way through college to pay off student debt and living expenses, and so chances are, you’re going to have to take a crappy job. And that’s great! I had plenty of them. Crappy jobs teach you more about life than most college courses ever will. Take whatever job you have to and build off that. The more you do, the more you’ll learn what suits you and the kind of work that will align with your being. Don’t worry about it and just keep going.
The Only Thing That’s Certain
There will be nuanced learning for every situation and experience, and nothing outside of your person is certain in life. The only thing that can be certain is the level of determination you decide to enact—an individual can control effort and where that effort is directed. So, make inquiries. Keep shaking the leaves. Meet with professors and/or other professionals, and find out what your friends are up to. Stay in touch with as many meaningful relationships as you have. Be purposeful in your connections. Love and honor your friends and give respect to all. Keep doing. Stay kind. Keep showing up. Pursue effort and connection. Go with that and the rest will follow.