High school students are often told that they need to have their futures figured out by the time they graduate. Society pressures teenagers to make major career decisions at an age when they are still discovering who they are and what they truly want. While having direction is important, pushing students to commit too early can create stress and lead to regret later on. Instead of pressuring students into premature career choices, schools should focus on providing flexibility, exposure to different fields and skills to adapt.
Most 17-year-old have not had enough experiences to confidently determine their career paths From the first day of freshman year to the last day of senior year, students are still exploring their strengths, interests and passions. Locking into a career too early can lead to students switching majors, feeling trapped in jobs they don’t enjoy or regretting their choices later in life. Rather than forcing high school students to commit to a single path, schools and society should encourage exploration and adaptability—skills that will serve students in any field.
Research supports the idea that too much pressure can backfire. Studies show that teens who feel forced to make long-term decisions too early are more likely to experience anxiety and burnout. However, there is also evidence that having a clear goal early on can lead to higher earnings by ages 25-30. Not every single student should all make a permanent decision at 17, but they should be given the guidance and support to make informed choices when they are ready.
“I do think that, although I already have my career planned, for other people, taking time off of college can be helpful,” junior Adelynn McMillan said. “People make it seem like it’s a bad thing, but sometimes you need a reset to figure out what you really want to do.”
On the other hand, senior Victoire Mande believes having a plan early is important.
“You should have something in mind when you’re younger, and maybe as you study, that could change,” Mande said. “But in high school, you should have an idea of what you want to do.”
While having an idea on standby is important, it’s equally important to recognize that plans can evolve. Career development is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of discovering new opportunities.
Rather than pressuring students to make lifelong commitments before they are ready, schools should focus on creating an environment where students can explore different paths, develop essential skills and make informed decisions when the time is right. The goal should be striking a balance between encouraging students to have a plan while allowing them the flexibility enough to change, grow and discover new opportunities.
