[AI] Career Coaching for the AI Era_ A Special Guide from a Top Mentor

Career Coaching for the AI Era: A Special Guide from a Top Mentor

---

Work on What People are Willing to Pay For

 
Money is the best indicator of value. When I begin lectures for parents, I always ask, "What does achieving your dreams mean?" Every parent wants the best for their children, and their version of success usually means a stable life with a good job, family, financial stability, and social status. To many parents, sending children to a good university seems like the most certain path to success.

 
However, while having a good academic background can make it easier to secure a job, it doesn't guarantee economic independence or societal recognition. Many people struggle to get the job they desire even after graduation, because jobs are limited and not all of them provide the same opportunities for financial independence or recognition.
Jobs exist not for individuals to fulfill their dreams but for employers to earn money. Employers create positions to meet their needs, and employees must have the skills that employers are seeking. Hence, securing a job requires matching the specific requirements of the position.
 
There are fewer well-paying jobs for graduates, especially as more people earn degrees, making the competition even tougher. But it's crucial to focus on economic independence and survival abilities, rather than simply attending university.
Achieving your dreams means developing the ability to live a self-sustaining life. Whether one aspires to a job or something beyond that, success lies in cultivating essential skills for long-term living and career satisfaction.

---

Practical Career Planning for the AI Era

The Labor Market in Four Classes The fast-paced technological revolution will drastically divide the future labor market by wealth and education levels. There will be those who benefit from technology and those left behind, forming new societal classes. The most critical factor will be not just "Which university did you graduate from?" but more importantly, "Did you learn what society needs?"
The future labor market will be divided into four groups:

1. Platform Owners: Entrepreneurs and investors who successfully transition to running global platforms.
2. Platform Stars: Creative professionals and those who excel in fields like entertainment, politics, or the arts.
3. Precariat: People working as freelancers or in insecure jobs, many of whom will lose employment due to AI advancements.
4. Artificial Intelligence: AI systems that evolve and increasingly take over human jobs.

The reality is that becoming a platform owner or star is exceedingly rare, with probabilities close to 0.001% and 0.002%, respectively. In the future, most people will likely fall into the "Precariat" category, working in less stable, freelance jobs.
AI’s rapid development means that many jobs, even creative or emotional labor, will be taken over by machines. Employers will increasingly prefer AI over human workers. Thus, the position of future workers will become more unstable, with many working in temporary contracts or freelance positions, unable to secure permanent jobs.

---

What Should I Do with My Child’s Future?

Parents Must Be Wise A mother once consulted me about her child who was struggling academically but wanted to go to a four-year university. She wanted her child to attend a social welfare program or a child education department despite the child’s disinterest in studying. I recommended that she instead focus on her child’s immediate career independence by choosing shorter training programs and starting work sooner. In today's economic climate, it's not always wise to focus on a four-year degree. If a child is not academically inclined, gaining practical experience or a certification could be a better alternative to attending a university that may not suit their abilities or interests.
 
Parents must understand that a child’s future is not simply decided by their desires or hopes. They must become individuals with skills that society and employers value, and learn how to survive in the ever-changing, competitive capitalist world. The most important thing is to ensure children are prepared for life, not just for school.

---

Career Path Choices for High School Students

In Korea, high school students typically choose between three main paths after graduation: employment, university admission, or vocational school. However, in recent years, even specialized high schools are seeing a shift towards university enrollment. Many high school graduates aim for four-year universities, which often lead to jobs, but some opt for vocational schools or technical colleges for more direct entry into the workforce. The choice of a four-year university versus a vocational school should be based on the student's abilities, learning habits, and career goals. In some cases, a vocational education may be more practical and quicker to lead to a stable career. Choosing a university path requires a careful assessment of a student’s academic commitment and career goals. If they lack the motivation or ability to succeed in university, pursuing vocational education might be a more suitable and beneficial route. University should not be an automatic choice if a student is not prepared to fully engage with academic life.

---

The Harsh Reality: Life Isn’t Fair

While fairness and justice are noble ideals, expecting them to be the universal standard in life can be misguided. In capitalist society, fairness is often influenced by factors like wealth, relationships, and personal connections. People in minority groups often see their perspectives disregarded, even if they carry significant value.
Therefore, rather than relying on fairness, individuals should focus on self-improvement and preparing themselves for challenges in a world that’s often skewed in favor of the privileged. Proving one’s worth can allow people to rise above the inherent inequalities in the system.

---

The Importance of Money and Time

In life, people often have to choose between money and time. Both resources are crucial for different purposes: money can buy time, and time can be used to earn money. Understanding how to use both effectively is vital for achieving life goals. Spending money wisely and investing time in activities that will yield tangible benefits is key. Time is as valuable as money, and using it effectively can lead to better outcomes, both personally and financially. Teaching children the importance of time and money is essential for preparing them for life’s challenges.
 
In the end, time and money should be seen as interconnected. If you spend money, you should gain something in return, and if you spend time, you should create value. By instilling these values, parents can help their children grow into successful, self-sufficient adults.