How Parents' Work Habits Affect the Jobs That Teens Choose

As a business owner and the mother of two active teenagers, I've observed how parents' work habits strongly influence their children's career aspirations. My husband and I have always embraced entrepreneurship, and we notice that our children are following in our footsteps.

Our 17-year-old daughter has already started making her own social media posts. She uses creative methods that make her stand out from her peers. At the same time, our son, a few years younger than her, started his own YouTube channel and has been slowly building his audience by posting interesting videos.

Both have tried their hand at sales, but they each found their way in the business world. This personal journey shows how teens are affected by their parents' work habits and how important it is to create a setting where young people can be creative and innovative about business.

''Of the various strategies parents used to convince their children of the best career path, almost 58% of parents talked about the importance of the career they preferred, with another 53% also discussing the benefits for the family as a whole. On a positive note, 37% of respondents said that their parents’ passion for their own career inspired their career direction.'' (Forbes)

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Following one's heart in one's chosen profession

In our family, being an entrepreneur is more than having a business. It's a way of thinking that includes being strong, coming up with new ideas, and being willing to take risks. Our kids learn about the pros and cons of being a business by watching how things are run every day. This experience is significant because it gives them the toughness they need to succeed in today's competitive world.

Role modeling is more than just watching; it also includes having meaningful conversations about our problems and successes and showing how to handle the complicated business world.

Case studies of parental influence: Making a life choice that is consistent with family values

Parents significantly influence the critical choices their kids make, especially when these choices match the family's values. From when children are young, the ideas and beliefs their parents teach them can stick with them, guiding their decisions as they grow up. Whether it’s about picking a career, choosing who to marry, or deciding how to live, what parents teach can shape these big life choices. When kids make choices that align with their family's values, it can make them feel more connected to their family and help keep the family’s traditions and beliefs strong through the generations.

Here are some case studies from well-known families.

• Will Smith and Jaden Smith: Our experience is similar to how Will Smith's varied work in show business influenced his son Jaden's interests in singing and acting. Their story reminds us of how much parental support and public attention can affect a child's career path.

• LeBron James and Bronny James: In the same way, LeBron James's successful basketball career has served as a model for his son Bronny. This shows how hard work and success can be passed down from father to son.

• David Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham: David Beckham, a famous football player, has significantly impacted his son Brooklyn Beckham. At first, Brooklyn wanted to follow his father's path and become a football player. Brooklyn finally went into photography and fashion, which are very important to his mother, Victoria Beckham. However, his early sports training, travel, and experience with brand endorsements certainly shaped his style, public image, and career goals.

How talking to people can help you get ahead in your career

We believe in being open and honest about our work lives, which is crucial for shaping how our kids understand and expect work. Talking positively to our kids about solving problems and enjoying successes makes them want to do the same, which motivates them to follow their dreams with determination and a plan.

How our children approach problems and the projects they work on independently show how our business way of life has affected them. Research backs this view, showing that kids whose parents value their jobs and have a strong work ethic often do the same and strive for success in their careers.

Significant connections exist between family work behavior, culture, and socioeconomic factors. For example, kids whose families stress doing well in school to get ahead might choose careers that will bring them more money and status. This trend is powerful in homes where having a college degree or a successful job is seen as a sign of family pride and success.

Advice for Parents on How to Assist Their Children in Making a Career Plan

1. Give your kids creative freedom: Give them room to explore their business hobbies, whether they want to start a small business, make videos for social media, or make material for YouTube.

2. Talk about the realities: Discuss the good and bad things that have happened on your journey as a business. Setting realistic goals can help them prepare for their paths.

3. Help them be resilient. Teach them that failure is a normal part of running a business and that resilience is essential for long-term success.

Preparing for the Future: Developing Future Experts

Would you like more guidance to help your teenager choose a future career?

We selected the following five digital careers:

1. gamification designer,

2. cybersecurity expert,

3. UX/UI designer,

4. content creator,

5. maker.

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Now I'd like you to share your thoughts and stories. How have your parents affected the jobs you've chosen? Or, if you're a parent, what have you found to be the best ways to help your kids pursue their job goals? Join the talk below, and let's work together to give the next generation the confidence, strength, and entrepreneurial energy they need to find their own way.

Share, comment, and let's fill the future with people who are driven by desire and purpose!

Author of the blog post:

Maja Novak, We4You