Sometimes it might feel like you’re pressured to have your entire future planned out already. This is a false misconception, especially with the rapid way education and workforce demands are changing. The idea that you need to pursue one life or career path is an outdated one in today’s fast-paced, technologically driven society.

Unlike in past decades, in the last few years education and work has shifted. It is now becoming more and more common for students to take several programs before they decide on one that they actually enjoy. It is also becoming more common for older members of the workforce to go back to school to re-train or take on new skills and professions to keep up with the competitive job market.

It may seem like there is a lot of pressure to get into a good college or university or else you won’t be considered “successful”, but this is simply not the case. Many other fields, especially the trades, are accepting employees right out of high school. Due to the growing demand in Canada for tradespeople such as welders, plumbers, pipe fitters, and electricians. Some trades workers are making $50 or more an hour at the age of only twenty-four.

Money isn’t everything, however, and the most important part of life is enjoying it, which pretty hard to do when you’re doing something that you hate. Yes, money is necessary for things like rent, food and entertainment, but its much more important to be happier and emotionally stable than depressed from spending every day doing something you do not enjoy.

The world is a large place, and with the internet at your fingertips there is almost no limit to what you can be and accomplish if you set your mind to it. Just because one thing doesn’t work out it doesn’t mean something else won’t. You may even stumble into something that you really enjoy without thinking about it.

In today’s constantly evolving job market, it’s not uncommon for people to re-train, re-educate and switch professions many times in their life. There are students who spend years at university for a Master’s program but end up going into the trades.

So while it seems like there is a lot of pressure to choose an education path now, it is important to remember that money and prestige aren’t necessarily going to bring you any sort of happiness – but finding something that you love to do certainly will.