What do you want to be when you grow up?

It’s a question kids are asked tens of times. I know it was a question I was asked and tired of pretty quickly, especially when I found out ‘space ballerina’ wasn’t an acceptable answer.

And in fact, when 65% of children in primary schools today will work in jobs that don’t exist yet, why do we persist in asking? 

Particularly, when we ought to change the course of conversation all together. 

Our first port of call: changing the ‘What’ to a ‘Why.’

Why do kids want to be an (insert job title here) when they grow up?

Do they desire to be creative? Intelligent? Generous?

…And how do we unearth the ‘Why?’

By starting with a kid’s passions and their motivations.

For instance, does it make Alex happy to go for an ocean swim, take walks in the park and visit the snow? Is she passionate about retaining the natural beauty in those areas?

If yes… Let her pursue that as an idea for a non-profit or business!

…And why not? Research shows that overall happiness and decreased stress are outcomes seen when passions are pursued, with hobbies found to be similarly likely to decrease stress levels and promote joy in day-to-day life.

If money is a concern, many entrepreneurial case studies can attest to the success of passionate people, turning ambition into cash. 

And if becoming a conservation warrior isn’t her thing, simply understanding Alex’s passions can lead to previously unexplored interests and even careers.

For instance, she may choose to pursue a profession working outdoors or for an organization that enlists sustainable practises and gives back to the environment in turn.

…And what about skill-wise? Say Alex is a great leader, what then?

Well, when entwined with passion, skills like leadership could help educate and inspire others in her area of interest and continue the spread of positive change.

…And what if passion isn’t something that comes naturally to her?

 Skills alone and carrying a ‘toolbox’ of them, can equally lead towards enrichment and a rewarding career, as Alex ‘levels’ up, so to speak.

 Cal Newport, Georgetown professor and author, claims skill cultivation results in greater career capital, leading to that greater sense of meaning and satisfaction that we all look for.

However, without guidance, passion and skills mean little.

That’s where parents, teachers and mentors play an essential role.

By helping kids focus their energies on developing their interests and skillset beyond the math and English curriculum, they can help build their confidence, rather than pigeonholing them by job role.  

Then, through the adoption of entrepreneurial thinking, kids can explore their wants, needs and expectations, removed from the stricter guidelines of schools and society.  

It’s time to change the conversation. One ‘Why’ at a time.

Kebloom is a platform for entrepreneurial young people, walking them through the process of brainstorming an idea, iterating it and then finally, launching it into the real world as a business. Whether it is a not-profit, social impact initiative, product and/or service, young people can bring their business ideas to fruition with the help of Kebloom and its step-by-step design.

About the Author:

Ellie McRae is the blogger, interviewer and content creator for Kebloom! When she’s not writing kick-ass articles, you’ll find her studying marketing and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Find out more about Ellie here.