MOTIVATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHEN CHOOSING A PROFESSION

ABSTRACT

The article examines the importance of choosing a profession in the life of young people, focuses on the variety of factors influencing this process, and provides an analysis of the modern labor market. Choosing a profession becomes not only a career decision, but also an influence on overall life satisfaction. The main focus is on the concept of self-determination, including self-discovery and career testing as tools for informed choice. External influences such as family expectations and changes in the labor market, as well as new challenges and opportunities created by technology and cultural change, are also discussed. It describes how young people are increasingly choosing professions that promote social change, as well as the importance of being ready for continuous learning and adaptation in a changing world.

Keywords: career choice, youth, self-determination, career orientation, environmental influences, labor market, technology, inclusivity, personal interests, professional adaptation.

Choosing a profession is a key moment in every person's life, especially at a young age, when many options and opportunities open up before them. The search for a future profession is one of the key stages in every person's life, as it not only determines the career path, but also affects personal happiness and life satisfaction in general. This process can be both inspiring and frightening, especially for young people who are on the verge of adulthood. It is important to take into account not only personal interests and inclinations, but also the prevailing conditions in society, economic trends, as well as social and cultural factors.

One of the approaches to understanding career choice is the concept of self-determination. This process begins with self-discovery: young people should get to know themselves, understand their interests, inclinations, strengths and weaknesses. This may include taking career guidance tests that will help identify the most appropriate areas of activity. Career orientation tests can look at many aspects, including personality characteristics, interests, values, and skills. Such tests help young people to consciously approach the choice of profession, focusing on those areas that can bring them the greatest satisfaction and success.

Equally important is the influence of the environment — family, friends, and professional mentors. Parents often play an important role in shaping their children's careers based on their own experiences and expectations, which can both support and limit free choice. Mentors and professionals from different fields can offer valuable advice and knowledge about specific professions, as well as help establish contacts within the industry.

Changes in the labor market that occur under the influence of technology and globalization should also be taken into account. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in interest in professions related to information technology, ecology and sustainable development. Young people are increasingly choosing professions that not only provide income, but also contribute to solving global problems.

In addition, it is important that young people understand that choosing a profession is not a final decision. Professions change rapidly in the modern world, and many people change their careers several times in their lives. Flexibility and willingness to learn are becoming the most important qualities of a successful specialist. Long-term personal and professional development requires openness to new knowledge and skills, which allows you to adapt to changing working conditions.

The motivation of young people in choosing a professional trajectory is formed under the influence of various factors, which can be divided into internal and external.

Internal factors include personal interests, inclinations, and abilities. Young people often choose a profession according to what they like, what they are interested in, and what arouses their interest. It is important to note that social identity plays a role in this process, regulating the choice of certain professions that are considered prestigious or appropriate to the status.

Among the external factors, the environment is of primary importance. Family, friends, teachers, and career counselors can have a significant impact on career choices. For example, parental expectations and attitudes can both support and limit a young person in his aspirations.

Changes in society have a significant impact on the choice of profession for young people, and this process is multifactorial. Social, economic, cultural and technological transformations create new opportunities and challenges, creating conditions for career choice.

First, social changes such as changes in family structures, educational attainment, access to information, and changing gender roles affect young people's perceptions of professions. For example, in modern societies, the role of women in the workforce is increasing, which leads to an increase in female specialists in professions where men used to predominate, such as engineering and information technology. It also calls for a revision of traditional ideas about "male" and "female" professions, giving young people more freedom of choice.

Secondly, economic changes such as globalization and the development of new technologies create new professions and at the same time make some of them less relevant. Professions related to information technology, biotechnology, sustainable development and care for the elderly are becoming more and more in demand, while traditional professions that do not adapt to new conditions may lose their attractiveness. Young people demand training from educational institutions that is appropriate to modern realities.

Cultural changes, including the pursuit of diversity and inclusivity, also influence career choices. Many young people today are guided by the values and missions of companies, taking into account not only financial aspects, but also the social responsibility of the business. This leads to an increased interest in professions in fields such as ecology, social sciences, and humanities that have a positive impact on society.

Finally, technological innovations transform not only the work process itself, but also professional training. The advent of online learning, access to a variety of resources and platforms for self-improvement allows young people to acquire the skills necessary for a successful career, not limited to traditional educational paths. At the same time, there is a growing need for constant updating of knowledge and skills, which requires flexibility and lifelong learning from young people.

Motivation is also influenced by the labor market. In the context of rapid globalization and changing economic realities, young people must take into account the requirements for specialists in a particular field. Having career prospects, high incomes, and job stability can significantly influence your choice. Young people are increasingly inclined towards professions related to new technologies and IT, as they offer high income and opportunities for growth.

However, despite the presence of parameters related to employment and market demands, young people are also looking for harmony between work and personal life. They strive to ensure that the profession brings not only financial independence, but also satisfaction, and promotes self-realization.

Psychological aspects also play an important role in making a decision. Fear of failure, pressure from society or competence, as well as self-doubt can make it very difficult to make a choice. Mentors and psychologists can provide significant support by helping young people recognize their strengths and determine which profession fits their inner setups.

Conceptually combining the presented ideas, we can identify several key areas and conclusions about the impact of social changes on the choice of profession among young people. First, modern leaders of the younger generation increasingly prefer careers that not only provide financial stability, but also have a positive impact on society, emphasizing the importance of the social aspect of work. In the context of global challenges such as climate change and social justice, professions in the field of ecology and social sciences are becoming particularly attractive.

Technological progress and digitalization are fundamentally changing the labor market, which means that young people will need to develop skills in high-tech and digital fields such as information technology, data, and cybersecurity. At the same time, it is important that educational institutions adapt to these changes by offering appropriate courses and training programs.

An equally important aspect is the pursuit of inclusivity and diversity. Young professionals are looking for employers who value diversity and support the principles of respect and equality in the workplace, which indicates a profound change in the values of the new generation.

Finally, continuous development and lifelong learning are becoming necessary prerequisites for a successful career in a rapidly changing world. Young people should be ready to adapt to rapidly changing conditions and constantly improve their skills in order to remain competitive in the labor market.

In conclusion, it can be said that the motivation of young people when choosing a profession is a complex, multifaceted process that requires taking into account both personal preferences and external circumstances. It is important to create conditions in which young people can consciously approach this choice, based on their inner desires and the current requirements of the labor market.

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