What did you want to be when you were growing up?

This is the first question I always ask my guests for Parichaya because it is the sensible thing to ask when talking about your career journey. However, majority of them have gone on to a totally different route and it's intriguing to know how it changed, when and why.

Personally, I wanted to become a teacher back in my school days in Nepal because they were the only role models I had and aspired to be but the answer to the question would vary depending on what I was interested in or who I was talking to. I didn't end up becoming a teacher but I enjoy what I currently do and this might evolve to something different in 5 to 10 years time.

This got me thinking about whether this questions has ever been beneficial to us or the younger generations. An article in New York times says it's not and to stop asking kids on this. I agree we are more than our work, we are our thoughts, our values, our passion and so much more so we do need to change the narrative and rephrase the question to ask more about who we are, what makes us happy, what are our interest rather than what we want to become in the ever changing times?

Nowadays, there is no reason to box yourself to one industry, you can 'pivot', the overheard word of the pandemic, your career by changing roles and even industry because there are so many options and all the skills you have acquired are transferable.

Therefore I encourage people to explore opportunities, challenge yourself and be open to all the experiences out there but also to support the younger generations to think openly about their values and purpose and not limit themselves to one fixed role.

Here are simple way you can rephrase the question:

• What makes you happy?

• What are you passionate about?

• What is your favourite word/emoji?

• What was the best part of your week?

• What are you looking forward to?