In an era characterised by rapid changes and global interconnectedness, the need for strategic foresight and proactive planning has never been greater. Gone are the days where one could afford to drift aimlessly through life, hoping for the best.

As a father of two, I’ve begun to see how career planning can and should be a fundamental aspect of parenting. 

Today's youth have unprecedented access to resources and opportunities, facilitated by the Internet and digital technology.

Unlike previous generations, they have access to a wealth of knowledge and resources at their fingertips, ranging from online courses and mentorship programmes to networking platforms, enhancing their career prospects immensely.

By helping our children identify their interests, develop their skills and talents, and make informed decisions about their future, we can empower them to navigate the challenges that lie ahead with confidence and resilience.

A SOLID FOUNDATION MATTERS

Growing up, I harboured dreams and aspirations of climbing the corporate ladder, yet I never recognised the importance of taking concrete steps to achieve those goals. “Career planning” was a one-off consideration in the form of a perfunctory session with career counsellors in polytechnic, just before graduation. 

Instead, I relied largely upon opportunities offered by chance encounters and fortuitous circumstances. 

I was propelled into the workforce by a pragmatic need rather than choice as I needed an income to fund my part-time studies. 

Swayed by the example set by some of my peers, I took a scattergun approach towards job hunting, applying for close to 30 roles daily on various job portals in the hopes that I would receive any response. 

The idea of meticulously mapping out a career plan seemed impractical amid the daily grind of balancing work, studies, and personal obligations, so I stumbled into my first job without a clear sense of what industry or area of work I wanted to build a career in.

Becoming a father has changed my previous ideas of career planning, as I embrace the responsibility of guiding my children towards building fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Witnessing the boundless, enthusiastic curiosity of my four-year-old son and one-year-old daughter, I now realise the importance of laying a solid foundation for their future success.

GIVING WINGS TO MY SON’S FLYING DREAMS

My son's fascination with flying ignited after his first plane ride at the tender age of two.

The experience of soaring through the sky and seeing new places from above was visually stimulating for him, having previously only imagined what it would look like from his storybooks. 

During our return flight, I vividly recall his insistence on wearing his pilot shirt and headgear, gripping the gear stick with excitement as he cast himself in the fantasy role. It gradually dawned upon me that I needed to delve deeper and do more to sustain and nurture my son’s interest.

When he was turning three, I arranged for him to visit a flight simulator, guided by a former pilot, where he could immerse himself in the world of aviation and flying.

He learnt about the various controls and instruments on board the aircraft, such as throttle, flaps control and landing gear — things that I myself had never touched before in my life.

Much like how adults network in a professional setting, making in-person connections can have a profound impact for kids by sparking their imagination and excitement. So I leveraged my contacts to arrange a meet-up with a current pilot. 

Although he was too young to grasp the intricacies of piloting, the sheer thrill of being in the presence of someone who living out his dream left a lasting impression.

For various home-based projects assigned by my son’s preschool, we would make it a point to do something aviation-related such as building model airplanes, creating a makeshift control tower, or constructing a runway out of used household items.

TEACHING KIDS TO THINK AHEAD

Yet, as we embrace the idea of career planning for our children, we must tread carefully. 

It is a delicate balance between guidance and autonomy: Providing support and encouragement is important, but we must also recognise the importance of allowing our children the freedom to explore and discover their own paths as they grow.

Therefore, it is crucial to teach our kids to think ahead, no matter where they’re at in life. We must model for them the importance of paying attention to what’s around you and making smart choices about your career goals, so as to tackle the challenges of today’s job market. 

Here are three tips for fellow parents to help lay the groundwork for your children’s success: 

Firstly, encourage exploration. Expose your children to a variety of interests and hobbies to help them discover their passions and strengths. 

Engage kids of all ages in diverse cultural, educational, and recreational activities such as travelling, visiting museums, attending community events, or simply explore different environments. 

By fostering a love of learning and curiosity, parents can instil in their children a lifelong passion for discovery and growth.

Secondly, provide guidance. Just as we adults experience shifting interests and evolving priorities as we progress in our professional lives, children also undergo a similar process of self-discovery and development. By offering support and mentorship, we can create a nurturing environment where children can explore their interests and values authentically. 

However, it is equally important to refrain from exerting undue pressure or imposing our own aspirations onto them. Allow them the freedom to make their own decisions and choices that align with their individual passions and aspirations. 

Lastly, be patient and flexible. Career planning is a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination, one that involves many twists and turns. In the same way, our children's interests, goals, and aspirations will change over time as they gain new experiences, insights, and perspectives. 

It’s natural to feel frustration or disappointment when our children have a sudden change of mind, especially if we had certain expectations in place. 

Resist the urge to express anger or disapproval — instead, approach their changing interests with curiosity and understanding. Ask them about their new passions and what sparked them. 

By prioritising their evolving aspirations over your personal expectations, we can foster a supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings as they grow and learn.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joshua Tan is a father of two, and a principal manager at Workforce Singapore’s corporate marketing and communications division.