Hi,

I’m an engineer in its late 30s and I sometime go to high-school talking about my job, my scholar background, etc… I remember being very stressed about my future at that time, so I try to tell them what I wish someone had told me 20 years ago.

If any teens are reading this (or people in contact with teens), what topics or advice would you want to hear from some random dude like me ?

Thanks for your help

ps: I know most of lemmy users are middle age, but there is no way I create account on shitktok, Insta or stuff.

  • razorcandy
    2·
    5 hours ago

    Not a teen, but here a few possible conversation topics:

    • Mentorship opportunities and helpful online learning resources.
    • Strategies for finding work, including ones that helped you.
    • Important technologies and certifications that are commonly used in your field.
    • Common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
    • Tips for finding a healthy balance between work/studies and personal time, and avoiding burnout.

    What are the things you wished someone would have told you 20 years ago?

    • borokov@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      4 hours ago

      What are the things you wished someone would have told you 20 years ago?

      That diploma doesn’t decide for the rest of your life. They (teachers, familly, etc…) put so much pressure on me to choose the “right” path that I was afraid of screwing my entire life if I didn’t took the right options at school. In the end, diploma choose for the first 5/10 years max. Then, it’s up to you to drive your own life.

      • BCsven@lemmy.ca
        2·
        2 hours ago

        That’s a good point to hit. Our system encouraged everyone to get a university degree to find work/career, but it doesn’t have to be the path.

        Lots of skilled trades out there that offer lots of opportunity to move up while earning well.

        My example, I went to Uni because that’s what you do but ran out of my own funds year one, so had to go back to work to save for next round. I started working on the shop floor at a tooling place. They had openings for designers in engineering so I got in there and learned tooling design using CAD/CAM software, they offered apprenticeships so night school was free. As tooling became more automated it led to learning hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical wiring and controls. Later into Lean philosophy for plant efficiencies, etc. Along the way you are in charge of the project and manage time.

        Now after 35+ years and changing jobs, my role is often as a consultant and includes mentoring engineers on how to use various software offerings (auto or industrial), or going into companies to conduct audits and produce reports that hilight what they can do better.

        It was an organic path, where each learning step along the way led to something new opening up. So rather than a long paragraph like above I think its important for them to not be to anxious; because you can change paths and make choices along the way and end up with something enjoyable of your own making.