Courtesy of Ash Jurberg
My twin 18-year-old sons have just graduated from high school, and we've spent months navigating the college application process.
We live in Australia, and majors are chosen as part of the application process here, so there is a lot of pressure to make the right decision from the outset. They have attended college open days, and their school has run information sessions throughout the last few years to assist in decision-making.
While Thomas has been set on his choice for a long time, his twin, Charlie, has been more indecisive and unsure.
In 10th grade, he interned at a friend's law practice and seemed destined for law school. His experience there was positive, and he spoke enthusiastically about pursuing a legal career.
We were shocked when, a few months ago, he told us he wanted to pursue a philosophy major instead. I was disappointed and very concerned that Charlie was limiting his future job opportunities, and we had many discussions asking him to reassess this choice.
My parents were particularly dismayed by this pivot and actively tried to dissuade him from making this choice.
I had always wanted to be a writer, but my parents convinced me to enroll in an accounting and economics major as there were more opportunities in that industry. I hated those subjects and unsurprisingly failed — subsequently wasting a year of college.
Eventually, I switched to a marketing major, which I enjoyed, and my marks and experience improved accordingly.
Reflecting on that experience, I didn't want to push Charlie into a decision that would make him miserable at college, so we encouraged him to apply for whatever he was passionate about.
Last month, at their high school graduation ceremony, I discussed Charlie's situation with other parents. While a few parents agreed with allowing Charlie to choose, most parents were shocked by our permissive approach.
We received lots of advice and were urged to ask Charlie to change his application. I was surprised at how worried other parents were. They were adamant that switching from law to another degree was a huge mistake.
It raised some doubts in my mind, but I knew we had to ignore them and stick with what we believed was best for Charlie.
Reassured by the support of my wife and me, Charlie has switched majors — not to law but to sports management. I think he has visions of becoming Jerry Maguire.
When I updated other parents on this switch, they still said it was a mistake not to pursue law and that sports management is too niche of a field. I felt a little sorry for their children, who may be forced down a path they don't wish to undertake.
Reflecting on my own experience, I know what it's like to study a course you are not interested in.
Looking at Charlie's journey from law to philosophy to sports management might seem concerning to some parents. However, this exploration of different fields shows he's thinking about his future and aligning this with his interests.
The ability to adapt and pivot is increasingly valuable in today's workplace. Each of Charlie's shifts builds different skills that could serve him well in any future career.
My journey from failed accounting student to marketing professional to full-time writer proves that careers are adaptable. I spent 20 years in marketing before finally pursuing my passion for writing full-time.
What matters most isn't the major you choose at 18 but developing critical thinking skills, adaptability, and a passion for what you do.
Whether he becomes a sports agent, a philosophy teacher, returns to law, or discovers an entirely different passion, supporting his choices now will lead to better outcomes than forcing him down a path he doesn't want to pursue.
We hope he is happy and loves his future job as much as I love mine now.
