When to think about careers?

Parents often ask “Is there a right or wrong age for my child to think about careers?

As your child gets older and starts to make decisions about what he or she want to do it can be very difficult for you to advise and support your child's choices. Thinking about careers can start from a young age which can be worrying for parents as some decisions are life changing and difficult to support if you are apprehensive about the choice.

At KalliKids we believe there is no age too young for children to have dreams about the future and careers. Whilst we believe it is a positive sign if children show interest in certain areas or subjects, it is important to note that children's interest can change as they grow up.

What did we want to do when we were kids?

We did a quick survey of all the KalliKids team (September 2012);and reminisced on our childhood dreams and whether they have come true or changed completely.

Karen

Karen remembers when she very little wanting to be a child-minder or nanny. Her mum told her that she shouldn’t want to do that but instead she should work in a post office. At 16 Karen decided she wanted to be an air traffic controller but at the time was told that women weren't allowed to have that job. Karen also remembers wanting to be a teacher. Karen went on to become Founder of KalliKids, Director and a proud Mum.

Zoe

After realising that it might not be possible to become a mermaid, Zoe decided she was going to become a ballerina. When she was really young she took up ballet classes, however it was soon apparent that this wasn't the career for her. She then decided she wanted to be a horse rider (having never actually ridden a horse). After that, the dream was to be an artist then a fashion designer then during GCSEs a scientist (as she was top of her class at science). Zoe has now graduated in marketing and she chose this career because it is a good way of combining her creative side with her business side.

Jack

When Jack was about six years old he wanted to be a fire engine. Much to his disappointment he soon realised this might not be possible and decided he wanted to be a cowboy. Jack's dream floated between being a cowboy, a space cowboy, and a David Attenborough cowboy. After studying Philosophy at university Jack’s career dream has not changed and he is still hoping to become a cowboy who smokes a pipe and wears elbow patches.

Claire R

Claire R decided she was definitely going to be a paediatrician or pavement artist. She ended up being a midwife, then a recruitment consultant, then a full time mum, and then a special educational needs teaching assistant.

Flora

Flora was certain she was going to become a vet or astronaut, never for a second did she think she would ever want to become a teacher!!

Stephen

When Stephen was younger he wanted to be a restaurateur and run a few different little places. He is now in marketing but aiming towards working in the food and drinks industry later in life as a trouble-shooter.

Claire C

When Claire C was a teenager her dream was to become a leading hairdresser, just like her brother. She worked weekends at local hairdressers to gain experience and loved it. However, as school life continued it became clear to Claire that she was not so much a creative thinker as a logical thinker: thinking on her feet and getting stuff done. So when school finished, hairdressing took a back seat and she started interviewing for office jobs. Claire realised in this role that she enjoyed working with and for people, especially helping them; this led to a role in recruitment where she stayed for nearly 17 years.

Sarah

Sarah always loved kids and knew she would work with them in some way. Now a busy mum of 2 she works part time for KalliKids, is a registered child-minder working after school, runs a weekly toddler group, is a parent volunteer and treasurer for the local school, runs a glitter tattoo party business and has just adopted a dog!

So, we are proof that choices change.

The most important thing is that you listen to your child's dreams and encourage them to pursue their dreams (where practical)!