Changing Trends in Career Choices Among Young South Koreans

Introduction

• High university attendance: Over 70% of high school students in South Korea go to university.
• Pressure for prestigious jobs: Many students feel pressured to become doctors, lawyers, etc.
• Emerging trend: Some young Koreans are now seeking different career paths.

Young Carpenters

• Case of CH:
  • Dropped out of Seoul National University (top school in the country).
  • Parents wanted him to go to medical school, but he chose carpentry.
  • Feels happier and fulfilled as a carpenter.
• Recruitment trends:
  • Company notes that most applicants were young and highly educated.

College Entrance Exams

• Importance: They remain extremely important in South Korea.
• Traditional view: Going to a top university and securing a 'good' job is seen as the primary path to success.
• Changing scenario:
  • Fewer people taking civil servant exams.
  • Decline in the number of applicants, affecting local food stalls traditionally frequented by exam takers.

Case of Pak

• Career change:
  • Left a PR firm to start a cleaning business.
  • Sought personal freedom; now has double the income of his former job.
• Social perceptions:
  • Experiences mixed reactions; some people look down on his job.
  • Finds the work rewarding and feels needed.

Expert Opinion

• Changes ahead:
  • AI and other technological advancements may devalue white-collar jobs first.
  • Physical labor could become more valuable.

Conclusion

• Trend shift: Young people are choosing careers based on personal fulfillment rather than social approval.
• Future outlook: These changes may lead to greater acceptance of blue-collar jobs.
  • Aim for a society where choosing blue-collar work isn't seen as unusual.