We asked a few teenagers about their opinions on ambition via email and here are some of their interesting answers.
Profit or Ambition?
Young people are already thinking about security and pensions. But as for me, I want to become good at something first. Though college costs a lot these days, I’d still probably choose something fun over something that is stable once I’m done with college.
Anna, 17
*
According to the latest demographic survey, around one third of all students are already seeking a career in civil service. The allure of a stable job and the needs of young people nowadays are exacerbated by an increasingly rampant “inflation mentality” that goads more young people to seek official positions. This is an understandable trend and the pressure to perform is by far not as strong as in the private sector.
The “independence” as a freelancer, i.e. doctor, lawyer or a writer, is indeed a noble path – but this is not for all people. Independence is only possible for a certain type of people who posses financial, intellectual, and cultural capital and usually with the right connections – on top of the conditions of professional competence. But there are also workers and white-collar jobs that are desirable for the vast majority of college graduates. These teenagers get jobs that allow them to avoid direct dependence on state services, but this demographic is also marked by an unwillingness to risk for anything that will advance their careers. Wage and salary jobs cause our productivity and the size of GNP – without them, society is unthinkable.
Leandro, 22, Freshman Law Student
*
Ultimately, it comes down to the interests of the individual and to his way of life. With a family to support, we are all forced to seek financial security.
Sabrina, 16, English Major Student
*
I believe that the trend towards self-employment is inevitable. Titles today no longer have the same bearing as they had years ago. It has become the equivalent of a humdrum, lackluster profession.
Brian, 18, Sophomore Engineering Student
*
The question gives an impression that we actually have a choice in the kind of profession we take. A choice would entail a commitment, which is an exercise in relatively independence, and another, which promises relative security. However, most of us cannot choose. These days we choose our professions based on necessity and the choice is neither because of security nor the desire for independence.
Warren, 19