How to handle Gen Z's silent rebellion against Parental Wisdom on Career Choices

Hundreds of youth staged anti-government protests along Moi Avenue in Nairobi on July 23, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

In a sun-drenched living room in Nairobi, an age-old drama unfolds with a distinctly modern twist. "Medicine is the way to go," I insist, my voice rising with conviction. "When the economy tanks, people get depressed, they fall ill, and guess what? Doctors are in business.”

That altruism is born out of experience. For Kenyans of my generation, career choices were matters of life and death, starting from high school. Parents and teachers and career guidance counselors determine our futures. “When the economy is good, people overindulge, and they eat more, drink more, more trips, have more accidents, and become unhealthy. Again doctors are in business,” my teacher told me.  “Whether the economy is good or bad, you will always have a job.”

It was, of course, a genuine point and great advice, except it was dated and neglected recent psycho-metric. When I passed down a similar advice to my children a couple of years ago, they simply exchanged glances, their eyes rolling in perfect unison. It is a look I have come to know well: the silent rebellion of Generation Z against supposed parental wisdom.

"But Dad," my daughter countered, her voice a mix of exasperation and determination, "we don't want to spend a decade in school before we start making money. We want careers that will allow us to retire by 40!”

 My son checked online and asked with a smile, “Name one billionaire who is a doctor.”

I was stumped. I couldn’t come up with the name of even one celebrity doctor, let alone one who is a billionaire. Medical training takes nearly a decade and the financial reward is good, but not stratospheric.

This scene, playing out in homes across Kenya and indeed the world, captures a growing generational divide.

On one side stand parents, armed with traditional notions of success and stability; on the other, their Gen Z children, eyes fixed on a horizon, shimmering with new possibilities and redefined measures of achievement.

The conflict between my children and I over career choices is more than just a family argument. It is a representation of a larger societal shift, where the old roadmaps to success are being redesigned by a generation born into a world of rapid technological change and economic uncertainty.

As a parent, I see a clear path: education, specialization and stability. But through my children’s eyes, I catch sight of a different landscape, one where traditional careers seem like relics of a bygone era, and where the promise of early financial freedom beckons appealingly.

So, pull up a chair and join us as we unravel this modern-day puzzle. Whether you’re a doubtful parent or a determined Gen Z, this exploration of the changing landscape of career choice promises insights that might just bridge the generational divide, or at least help us understand why it exists in the first place.

The root of this conflict lies in the dramatically different world Gen Z has grown up in compared to their parents. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, the Gen Z is the first truly digital native generation.

They have come of age in an era of technological revolution, economic uncertainty, and increasing global interconnectedness. This unique backdrop has shaped their worldview and career aspirations in ways that can be difficult for their parents to fully grasp.

One major point of contention is the appeal of non-traditional career paths. While many parents still advocate for stable, conventional careers in fields like medicine, law, engineering, or accounting, Gen Z is often drawn to emerging industries.

Careers in social media management, app development, e-sports, artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, sound mixing, climate change, or sustainable energy might seem risky or frivolous to parents but represent exciting and potentially lucrative opportunities for their children.

Artificial intelligence for instance might seem like science fiction to some parents, but it is rapidly becoming integral to various industries. AI specialists are in high demand, working on everything from improving healthcare diagnostics to optimizing business operations.

The scarcity of skilled professionals in this field often leads to lucrative job offers, rapid career advancement or overseas job placements for those interested in working in the diaspora.

To parents, social media management might sound like little more than playing around on Facebook all day. In reality, it's a crucial role in modern marketing.

Social media managers develop sophisticated strategies to build brand awareness, engage customers, and drive sales. With businesses investing heavily in digital presence, skilled professionals in this field can command impressive salaries.

Sound mixing for movies is a dynamic field that combines creativity and technology. Parents may view it as an obscure job, but Gen Zs recognize its broad applications in television and movie production, advertising, video games, and virtual reality experiences.

These emerging fields appeal to Gen Zs for several reasons. They align with their digital native skills and interests, offer potential for rapid career advancement, and often provide flexible work arrangements.  

Many of these careers feel more relevant and impactful in today's world, and there's often potential for entrepreneurship or innovation.

For parents, the unfamiliarity and perceived instability of these careers can be concerning. They might worry about job security, benefits, or long-term prospects. However, these emerging fields are becoming increasingly stable and respected as industries evolve.

Education is yet another battleground. As the cost of higher education skyrockets and the job market evolves, many Gen Z individuals are questioning the value of traditional four-year degrees.  

Alternative educational and specialized skill building paths like coding bootcamps, online technical certifications (e.g. data science), or vocational training are becoming increasingly popular.

Parents, however, may struggle to accept these non-traditional educational choices, viewing a college degree as a crucial stepping stone to career success.

The conflict is further exacerbated by the rapid pace of technological change. Gen Z’s fluency with digital tools and their ability to adapt to new technologies give them an edge in many emerging fields.

Parents, on the other hand, may find it challenging to keep up with these changes, leading to a knowledge gap that can fuel misunderstandings about contemporary career opportunities.

Bridging this generational gap requires open dialogue and mutual understanding. Parents need to recognise that the job market their children are entering is vastly different from the one they experienced.

They should strive to learn about emerging industries and the potential they hold. At the same time, Gen Z should appreciate their parents’ concerns about financial stability and long-term career prospects.

Ultimately, finding common ground will require compromise and respect from both generations. Parents can offer valuable wisdom and life experience, while Gen Z brings fresh perspectives and an intuitive understanding of the modern world.

By combining these strengths, families can work together to navigate the complex landscape of contemporary career choices. After all, in a world where change is the only constant, the most valuable skill may be the ability to adapt, learn, and grow – qualities both generations possess in abundance.

The future of work is not a battleground, but a collaborative canvas where different generations can paint or create a masterpiece of opportunity.

Dr Osewe is the director of Regenesys Africa. [e-mail].