No-one can escape it: We live at a time of ever accelerating change. More and more people question our traditional values, the role of education and, the choice of one's career.
Once upon a time a person left school and began training, say, as a carpenter, or a lawyer, or a dentist. Expecting to work in that field for some 40 odd years, then retire from the work force at about 65. Now-at-days, that system seems somewhat out of date. Over the last few decades many jobs have become obsolete, new ones created and this trend will continue.
This, however, is only one side of the story. Other, less obvious factors are involved. Look at the often publicised and sometimes ridiculed, "Mid-Life Crisis". Not necessarily tied to biological middle age, for many it becomes a time of depression and disillusionment. Something 'really big' in life was supposed to happen, but it didn't. The once promising and sought after job has lost its appeal and challenge. The security, even perhaps the expectation of promotion only traps the worker more into a dead-end, may it be imaginary or real.
As every crisis also has opportunities, so has the new age given rise to a new philosophy: More than one job during one's life time. Is that a good thing? Is it progressive and life-enhancing? Indeed, what are the implications of such a new thought for different age groups in our society?
Take the worker who is trapped in the mid-life crisis: Most occupations, after a period of time, tend to become routine. The person has mastered the job's demands. This is the time to use the extra available energy to start preparing for another career. The dim light at the far end to the tunnel, (spelled: Retirement) has been replaced by the promise of a refreshing new challenge, even if it is still five or ten years away.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PARENTS?
Simple beginnings in our early years, especially in areas for which we have some aptitude, will considerably boost our success later, in adulthood. Albert Einstein, to take one example, was not a bright student in school. It has been said, however, that an uncle played mathematical games with young Albert. Unsuspectingly - maybe - it was this uncle who got Einstein started in mathematics and so lead to his achievements later in life.
Meaningful, although quite simple, introductions to many different areas during the tender years build a greater repertoire, a greater flexibility. This may well extend into a more suitable career choice and possible career changes in adult life.
This new direction in thinking about careers does not end as we grow older. Most of us are aware that a prescription for an early entry into the grave is the plan to retire into a permanent holiday. Without a further aim the glitter soon wears off and atrophy, boredom and apathy take their toll.
By contrast, if retirement is seen as an opportunity for a change in direction and activities, it has every chance of becoming a satisfying and life enriching experience.
Of course, there are many who find great fulfilment in their job during their whole working life. Others, possibly even the majority are not so lucky, and a well prepared and planned change of careers gives them the opportunity to by-pass years of unhappiness, low job satisfaction and consequent decline in the quality of life. Rather, they may be able to fulfil a childhood ambition or activate some latent talents with all the benefits to the individual and society that follow.
Peter Schmedding