How do the jobs of those around you influence your perceptions of potential future jobs?
Rakhee Sharma
Content & Social Media Marketer | B2B SAAS | Organic Social Media Growth Specialist | Building PestoAI
The saying goes that you are what you eat. But what about what you do? Your job, that is. Does it shape how you see the world? Does it color your perception of other potential future jobs? For many people, the answer is yes. A recent study found that people’s perceptions of jobs are heavily influenced by the jobs of those around them, such as friends and family. The study’s authors say this could have major implications for social mobility and the economy.
The jobs of those around us can have a big influence on our perceptions of potential future jobs. If we see people we know and respect doing something that we're interested in, it can make us more likely to consider that as a viable option for ourselves. On the other hand, if the people around us don't seem to be doing something that we're interested in, it may make us less likely to consider it as an option.
This is why it's important to diversify the types of people we interact with and get exposure to different types of careers. By seeing different types of jobs and hearing about different people's experiences with them, we can get a more well-rounded view of what's out there and what might be a good fit for us.
The different types of jobs people have
The different types of jobs people have can definitely influence your perceptions of potential future jobs. For example, if most of the people you know have stable jobs with good salaries, you may feel that you need to find a job that offers similar stability and pay. Alternatively, if the people around you have very varied careers, you may feel like you have more options open to you in terms of what kinds of jobs you could potentially do. Why? Because seeing other people successfully pursuing different types of careers can show you that it is possible to do something outside of the box from what everyone else is doing.
How family and friends influence your job choices
It's no secret that the people closest to us have a big influence on our lives. This is especially true when it comes to our job choices. The jobs of our family and friends can directly or indirectly impact our perceptions of potential future jobs.
For example, if most of the people you know have stable, well-paying jobs that they enjoy, you may be more likely to believe that finding a great job is possible. On the other hand, if the people around you are constantly struggling to find work or are unhappy in their current positions, you may be more skeptical about your own job prospects.
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In addition, the specific jobs that our loved ones have can also color our perceptions of potential future careers. For instance, if your parents were both doctors, you may be more likely to consider a career in medicine yourself. Or, if your best friend is a successful artist, you may start to believe that a career in the arts is within your reach.
Ultimately, the jobs of those around us can play a significant role in influencing our perceptions of potential future jobs. So it's important to be aware of how the people in your life may be affecting your view of your career options.
The pros and cons of choosing a job based on someone else's opinion
When it comes to choosing a job, we often take cues from the people around us. We might ask our parents for advice, or look to our friends for guidance on what kind of career to pursue. But is this always the best approach?
There are both pros and cons to basing your job choice on someone else's opinion. On the one hand, it can be helpful to get an outside perspective on what kind of job might be a good fit for you. Other people may be able to see things about you that you're not aware of, and their advice can help you make a more informed decision.
On the other hand, relying too heavily on someone else's opinion can also be problematic. You may end up in a job that's not really suited to your skills and interests, or that doesn't make you happy. It's important to do your own research and soul-searching before making any big decisions about your career.
In the end, only you can know what's right for you. But if you're stuck, asking for input from those who know you best can't hurt. Just be sure to take everything with a grain of salt and trust your gut in the end.