Lost in the Choices: Helping High School Students Discover Their Career Path

"Reason for Being"

LinkedIn Article: May 15, 2025

In today’s world, high school students are faced with more opportunities—and more confusion—than ever before. As they approach graduation and for many of my students it began in junior year, the pressure mounts: college or trade school? Corporate ladder or entrepreneurial leap? Passion or practicality?

Behind these decisions is a deeper challenge: many students don’t yet understand their sense of purpose. In addition to tinkering with AI a lot lately, I am undergoing training and certification in career counseling. To address this deeper challenge, there is much to be gained from Japanese culture and its concept of Ikigai or “a reason for being.” Ikigai is becoming a global framework for finding purpose, widely embraced in education, psychology, personal development, and career coaching. For brevity to this article's focus, it represents the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. But how can we expect 16- or 17-year-olds, who are still exploring their identities, to confidently choose a life path that aligns with something so profound?

The College Route: Tradition Meets Uncertainty

College has long been seen as the “default” option - for some of us, it was the only option as  "the best path to success". But many go without a clear sense of purpose. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, roughly one-third of college students change majors at least once. Why? Because they’re still figuring out what matters to them—and what doesn’t.

Worst case scenario, some graduates, burdened by debt, are unsure if their degree leads to meaningful or sustainable work. When passion isn’t aligned with career prospects, disillusionment can follow.

The Trade School Path: A Practical Alternative

Trade schools compete for attention in high school career counseling. Yet these programs offer focused training in in-demand skills—from welding to electrical work to medical tech—and often come with lower costs and faster pathways to employment.

Many students still overlook trade careers because of outdated stereotypes or limited exposure. This is unfortunate—especially for those who may find a strong sense of purpose in practical, hands-on work that addresses real-world challenges. Yet today’s trends show a strong and rising demand for skilled trade professionals.

Why Is It So Hard to Know What You Want?

At the heart of this confusion is a lack of self-discovery tools. Students are rarely encouraged to ask the deeper questions:

• What brings me joy?

• What am I naturally good at?

• What problems do I care about solving?

• What kind of life do I envision for myself?

Without guided reflection, internships, mentorship, or exposure to diverse careers, many teens are flying blind. They’re making decisions based on grades, peer pressure, or vague notions of success—not a true understanding of their purpose.

What Can We Do as Educators?

1. Normalize Exploration

2. Introduce Sense of Purpose Early

3. Elevate All Career Paths

4. Connect with Mentors

 Guiding the Next Generation Toward Purpose

As professionals, educators, and community leaders, students need the support, especially in high school, to discover their sense of purpose, their Ikigai—not just pushing them toward a predefined notion of success. When young people find purpose, their path becomes clearer, whether it leads to a university campus, a technical workshop, or an entirely new venture.

It begins with us to create a future where students are not just choosing careers—but designing lives that are fulfilling, sustainable, provide them with work-life balance, but most importantly - truly their own.

Have thoughts on how we can better guide the next generation? I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments of this post.