The world of work is already witnessing a massive transition to a technology-driven, flexible economy, where career progressions are being altered, new professions are emerging, and traditional jobs are being replaced by automation. Many are on their own like never before.

Not long ago, young people aspired to be software engineers, doctors, and pilots. But now, these changes are already having a huge impact on them. They don’t envision a future in the boardroom or as doctors. They are walking away from the traditional path because there are alternatives that encompass a lot of different pathways.

Recent Kaspersky research findings indicate that 47% of children surveyed in the UAE aspire to become bloggers, and over half of them are already developing their own blogs or creating content for the future.

The study also found that the dream of becoming popular is the most appealing for young people—56% of those surveyed named it when explaining their wish to become bloggers. 

“The survey shows that being a blogger or content creator is especially attractive. Why? The top reasons are popularity (56%), the joy of making videos (53%), and the fact that it’s seen as fun and trendy (27%),” says Ahmed Ashraf, Senior security consultant for the Middle East at Kaspersky. “This reflects a shift from conventional jobs to opportunities where technology, creativity, and self-expression meet. It’s less about following a set path and more about carving out one that feels personal and exciting.”

While blogging stands out in the survey, Ashraf says, it also “indicates a general openness to technology-driven and self-expressive career paths that differ from traditional professions.”

Incidentally, over the last couple of years, there have been many similar reports of how the youth no longer aspire to pursue traditional professions but instead yearn to be sports stars, YouTubers, and bloggers.

EVOLVING CAREER ASPIRATIONS 

It’s hard to fault this ambition. They’d rather be rich and famous than a lowly paid librarian or a teacher pursued by reams of paperwork.

Where this leads us isn’t just the young generation aspiring for fame instead of traditional careers; it reflects how career aspirations and definitions of success are evolving. 

“Social media, peer trends, and the image of unconventional success make traditional careers seem less appealing,” says Dr. Gurveen Ranger, Director of Operations and Lead for Adult Mental Health at Sage Clinics. “They are drawn to fields offering individuality, self-expression, and visibility, which feel more immediate than conventional roles. Society is also changing, with evolving values, technology, and work structures reshaping what “success” looks like and how it can be achieved.”

“They see opportunities in digital platforms that didn’t exist before, valuing creativity, autonomy, and public recognition,” adds Dr. Ranger. 

While social media and technology have given visibility to paths that weren’t accessible to earlier generations, Julie Nguyen, Founder and CEO of Crunchmoms, says, “It’s less about a lack of interest in traditional careers, and more about the influence of new and visible opportunities that feel exciting, creative, and achievable.”

“Technology and AI are rapidly changing the future of work. Unlike past generations, children today are exposed to technology and social media and see examples of “overnight success” almost daily. This shapes their imagination of what’s possible,” adds Nguyen.

On one level, seeing role models and influencers online can be inspiring, demonstrating that having an alternative career, earning money, and being famous for doing something one is passionate about; however, the downside of social media fame is often not well understood. 

“It is important to ensure that young people are aware of the challenges and that expectations are managed,” says  Dr. Zoe Fortune, Assistant Professor in Psychology at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. “For example, a career as a social media influencer might seem glamorous and earn a lot of money, but it is also volatile with a lack of security and can be extremely stressful to ensure they are constantly reaching audiences.’

“There are also negative consequences for mental health and well-being, concerns around privacy, and potential for exploitation,” adds Dr. Fortune. 

Experts say what matters is helping them develop perspective and understanding that success requires skills, persistence, and planning.

“Exposure to diverse experiences and role models can broaden their understanding, helping them appreciate the full spectrum of opportunities while developing skills that can be applied across different paths,” says Dr. Ranger.

Citing her experience, Dr. Ranger says, “In my clinical practice, I often see adults who pursued careers that weren’t aligned with their true interests, sometimes due to external pressures, other times from internalized expectations; and this misalignment can have a significant negative impact on well-being and fulfilment.”

COMPLEX CAREER TRAJECTORIES 

The linear script we have been taught for life is to choose a major in high school, stick with it in college, land a job in that field, and steadily climb the corporate ladder for the next 40 years, but that doesn’t always equal success. It is a one-way mentality that often leads to quick, yet not necessarily wise, decisions. 

With the rise of technology and global connection, Dr. Fortune says there are many more job and career options than before. “As the world changes, some more traditional careers are experiencing more job volatility, and education can be expensive.”

She adds, “Globally, research also suggests that young people are taking longer to transition from school to work with more complex career trajectories and more external shocks like Covid-19. Some evidence suggests this can be particularly pronounced in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, as school leavers are affected by political upheaval or economic challenges.”

COLLEGE EDUCATION IS CRITICAL

Lately, we are also seeing the link between a college education and landing a well-paying job grow increasingly tenuous. Old notions of engineering degrees mean nothing in an age of AI-driven coding. 

Computer science, once the most sought-after college degree, is now one of the careers most impacted by AI. The number of entry-level jobs available to college graduates is declining across multiple sectors. 

Alternatives have a place, but it’s not abandoning college education and focusing only on developing skills and passions.

“Education provides the foundation, while real-world skills, entrepreneurial experiences, and exposure to different industries help children build confidence and perspective,” says Nguyen. “Parents in particular can play a proactive role by introducing their children to both traditional and emerging career paths, ensuring they have a broad view of what’s possible.”

All agree that the knowledge and skills gained in education extend beyond specific career choices. “Education supports enhanced communication skills, knowledge, critical thinking, ability to manage deadlines, working as part of a team, and managing complex material, all of which are essential for many employers,” says Dr. Fortune.

While education provides critical thinking and foundational knowledge, and pursuing skills and passions fosters creativity, resilience, and confidence, Dr. Ranger says it’s important to remember that definitions of success are not linear. “They are nuanced, deeply personal, and can take many forms. This balanced approach instead builds self-esteem, adaptability, and capacity for a broader spectrum of career paths, ensuring students are prepared for whatever they choose for their future while broadening their knowledge and opportunities.”