Food blogger and chef among top career choices for kids

Research by Currys PC World has revealed that popular career choices for young Brits include becoming a food blogger or chef.

According to the survey of 1,515 teenagers and adults in the UK conducted last month by the electricals retailer, becoming a writer, YouTube sensation or artist are their top three dream jobs.  The occupations of food blogger and chef are at numbers 18 and 20 respectively.

The cross-generational study into the nation’s passions and aspirations found that while older generations of Brits dreamed of being teachers, scientists, footballers and doctors, youngsters of today have different ideas.

Currys PC World category director for computing Phil Samuels commented: “Generations of today have so many more options and opportunities than older age groups, and the internet and development of technology has aided that growth.

“You can forget a briefcase, notepad and travelling to the office every day. Our research reveals that over half (52%) of under 30-year-olds think that laptops and tablets are going to be the most helpful items when starting a career – which isn’t surprising, when YouTube sensations, bloggers and entrepreneurs are some of the top career choices.”

A staggering 92% of the youngsters do not wish to follow in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents, the poll revealed. Similarly, more than a fifth (21%) of those under 30 cited YouTubers as ‘the biggest influence’ in their lives – more so than their grandparents (18%), siblings (18%) and celebrities (16%).

The younger generation is also more relaxed in terms of their futures. Nearly two-thirds (62%) said they are willing to give something a try but will change careers if they’re not happy. Additionally, when it comes to financial security, the majority are more carefree than their parents’ generation, claiming finding the right job is more important than money.

Interestingly, more than half (51%) of those aged between 18 and 30 are planning on turning their passion into a career.

When it comes to the older generations, 43% admitted that there were not as many opportunities in their youth as there are today, while 31% said aspirations weren’t as high when they were young.

Nearly half (43%) of those aged 50-plus said that when they were younger, they didn’t believe “they could be anything they wanted to be”, while 15% felt pressured to follow a certain path.

Almost three in ten (29%) said career horizons were narrower because they didn’t have the internet, while 23% said their own parents placed too much emphasis on being financially secure. A further 7% said they were encouraged to get married rather than concentrate on building a career. However, a quarter of those aged 30-plus have now given up their jobs to follow a passion.

Psychologist Emma Kenny said: “In today’s fast-paced, always ‘on’ world, the boundaries between work and personal life are becoming increasingly blurred. So it’s of no surprise that the younger generations feel more confident that they can turn their passions into careers.

“This wouldn’t have been as easy a few decades ago but with technological advancements, people are able to connect across the globe, simply with a laptop or tablet. Studies have shown that when people are happier and in a job they’re passionate about, they’re more likely to be successful because they are doing something they well and truly love.”  

Top 20 jobs across different generations:

Position	Young Brits’ Dream Jobs	Older Generations’ Dream Jobs
1	Writer	Teacher
2	YouTube sensation	Scientist
3	Artist	Footballer
4	Photographer	Sportsman
5	Fashion designer	Doctor
6	Entrepreneur	Musician
7	Travel blogger	Pilot
8	Model	Artist
9	Film maker	Hairdresser
10	Singer	Singer
11	Musician	Secretary
12	Computer programmer	Air hostess
13	Make-up artist	Actress
14	Footballer	Banker
15	Actress	Driver
16	Doctor	Lawyer
17	Sportsman	Shopkeeper
18	Food blogger	Sales assistant
19	Police Officer	Builder
20	Chef	Model

 

 

A food blogger and chef of tomorrow?