Choosing a career is rarely straightforward. For many young people, the idea of picking a single path right after high school feels overwhelming—and understandably so.
When my daughter was in this exact position, it led us into a fascinating conversation. This conversation highlights a true paradox in modern career choices.
The Classic Paradox of Career Adventure
She mentioned a friend who was considering going to Africa to teach English. It struck me as bold, maybe even too adventurous. At 18, is that really the best move?
At the same time, I had just started French training here in Canada. My instructors? Both are from French-speaking parts of Africa—Burundi and the former Zaire. They came here to teach French, and they’re doing it well.
Here we have two opposite movements. A young Canadian wants to teach in Africa. At the same time, skilled Africans have come here to teach. That’s the paradox.
When Worlds Cross: Who’s the Real Adventurer?
Is it more courageous to leave Canada for Africa with uncertain prospects? Or is it braver to leave Africa to pursue a structured, professional path in Canada?
That’s the question I kept turning over. From where I sit, one looks risky and idealistic. The other seems stable and practical. But maybe that’s just my perspective.
Perspective Creates the Paradox
What one person sees as reckless, another sees as courageous. What I called "too adventurous," my daughter simply called "interesting." Her friend saw opportunity in a place others might not consider.
Even my French instructors gently agreed when I told them this story. They felt that teaching English in Africa might be a bit... too adventurous. But they understood the appeal, too.
Final Thoughts: The Paradox Is Us
So maybe I am a little too conservative. Maybe even a bit xenophobic, if I’m being honest. But more than anything, this paradox reminds me. Our assumptions about career paths are shaped not just by logic. They are also influenced by culture, emotion, and perspective.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s what makes career decisions so profoundly human.
Other Job Hunting Tips
- The one thing you must start with first when searching for a new job is activating your network of contact.
- Your Social media is now your reference for job hunting. Let that one soak in.
- A long list of short sentences with Job Hunting tips worth looking at this one.
- Dress like you are going to a job fair and not like you are going to the beach.
I’m 25 and have been teaching in China for nearly five years. I finished university and came out here for an adventure. While here I’ve learned Mandarin as a second-language, gained 5 years of experience in education, 3 of which in a management position, I started a small school for the entrepreneurial experience and recently got married. I’m also completing grad school online through University of Liverpool in the UK. My wife and I plan to return to Canada and build our future there within the year (just waiting on immigration).
Coming here was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’d suggest letting your daughter do it. At very least, she’ll learn about the world, herself, and gain direction.
Do you think you would have succeeded had you been 18?
Yeah, to be honest, the places I want to see the most are the US, western Europe, and parts of Asia. Obviously the only places I could teach English would be in Asia, but I am not sure I could hack living in the tropics again. I was born in Malaysia and now live in NZ – going back is hellish in terms of temperature and humidity.
There are a lot of college graduates who go to Japan to teach English. My son and his best friend traveled Europe after graduating college for a month. I think it depends on your age and where gographically you are going.
I had already “done” Europe (with my family for visits) so when friends said they wanted to trek around there I wasn’t very supportive.
Coincidentally, my daughter is graduating in a few months as well.
Education on kids of that age need to be treated just like a budget. We need to lay out a plan and follow it through – and more specifically, show them how to do this, just like we teach our kids how to budget.
Leaving education decisions to the whimsy and lack of direction of kids of that age is similiar to not showing them how to budget their money. It may seem like the natural thing to do, but it leaves them unprepared for life.
Time enough to travel when you have the career and lifestyle that provides you the opportunity to do so. Or travel now and risk floundering your career for the next 20 years while you figure all that out.
Tough decisions to make as parents, to have this discussion with their kids – it’s easier to think they should have their ‘freedom’ and let them meander. They’re far better served though if we buck up and show them how to budget and plan now – it’s important.
Very true, do you kick the baby out of the nest, or appear to be a Blackhawk Helicopter Parent?