There’s no escaping your family history—it influences everything about you, including your career choices. Some families pass down certain career traditions from generation to generation, while others have no specific tradition that is passed down. However, family tree can still play a role in a person’s career choice.
Family Values
One way family history can influence career choices is through the values that are passed down from generation to generation. For example, some families may value hard work and dedication, while others may place a greater emphasis on creativity and innovation. These values can influence the type of career a person chooses, whether they’re learning the ins and outs of basement finishing or another career path.
Family Experiences
Another way your family tree can play a role in career choices is through the exposure that children have to different careers. For example, if a child’s parents are both contractors, the child may be more likely to pursue a career in the same field. Or, if a child’s parents are both teachers, the child may be more likely to pursue a career in education. Spending time with family members can also influence a person’s career path. For instance, someone who sees close loved ones suffering with illnesses might be motivated to enter the medical field.
Family Genetics
Even your DNA can play a role in your career path. For example, if you have a gene that predisposes you to anxiety, you might be more likely to choose a career that offers stability and security, like accounting or nursing. Or if DNA websites link your genes to those that make you more creative, you might be more likely to choose a career in the arts.
Family Earnings
Your family history can even determine your earnings potential. Studies have shown that children of low-income parents are more likely to earn low incomes than children of high-income parents. This is often because low-income families often don’t have the same opportunities as high-income families. For example, children of low-income parents are less likely to have access to quality education and healthcare, which can impact their earning potential later in life. Additionally, children of low-income parents are more likely to live in poverty, which can also impact their earnings potential.
Family Skills
Another way family history can influence career choices is through the skills and abilities that are passed down from generation to generation. Some families may have a tradition of entrepreneurship, for example, or of being great public speakers. These skills and abilities can help a person in their chosen career.
No one can make that decision for you, and your family members should never try to do so. Ultimately, you have to find your own path in life and follow your own dreams. But, it’s always good to hear the advice and opinions of your loved ones, as they may have some.
So your family history is a powerful force, shaping everything about you—including your career choices. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the career you ended up with. You can always change your career path if you’re unhappy with your current job.
The truth is, it can be difficult to know what you want to do with your life, and especially your career. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. There are plenty of resources out there to help you, like career assessments or career counseling. And if you’re still not sure what you want to do, you can always try out a few different careers to see which one is the best fit for you.
Your family history might have influenced your career choices, but it’s up to you to choose the career that’s right for you.