TO WHOM YOUR FUTURE BELONGS? Vise meu site: www.paulocrgomes.com MARÇO 2013 Sometimes we come across a certain point in our lives where there are question marks regarding what to do in the future. Perhaps this big question, inside the head of a teenager, is created when he/she has to decided what he wants to be as a professional. And here comes what may be the great dilemma, what to do, where to act? Do something that is attractive and fascinating or something that gives financial return and security? Follow the guidance of our parents or decide the path on their own? And if it does not work, keep moving forward or go back to square one? Finding answers to these dilemmas is no easy task, so we will stick to try to drive a fine line only discussing what is needed to succeed in any choice we make. Generation X (born between 1960 and 1980), direct descendants of the Baby Boomers, is the generation that is actively working in the market. This is the generation to which I belong. I remember vividly in my memory having several dilemmas and internal conflicts when defining what would be my path and where I wanted to go. At that time have a technical course was truly an interesting option for those from lower income families. And if you were fluent in English, you would be even better positioned in the market. Not to mention having the opportunity to attend a college, which already was overwhelming in terms of qualification in a labor market 'without quality' or low thresholds in many areas. I also remember that the identification and career guidance programs were very poor in private schools, let alone in public. Who was born with a silver spoon had a bias to follow the family successful careers as doctors, lawyers, managers, etc. At that time, despite our current scenario, it was everyone's desire to fit in a society whose deepest dreams were owning a house and a VW Beetle. Now the scenario is different and 'ambitions' are diverse. Now we are faced with Generation Y (those born between 1980 and 2000). This generation comes to market in a digital age, interconnectivity, where the speed of information and technological advances determine the success or failure of a segment of a corporation, etc. How to fit in this 'land' and how professionals of Generation X may feel part of the same 'herd'? There are opportunities for this 'crowd'. Basic training is still required. Now only one language is no longer any difference, speaking 2 or 3 languages has become a necessity and if one is Chinese the future can be even more promising. The college becomes an obligation and graduate courses and MBA as well. Master's and doctorate can be welcome? Non-academic skills development such as leadership, resilience, charisma and humility is predominant as a differential of this new active generation. Members of Generation X have to adapt to new market demands or else be content to 'finish' his career as 'market pawns' till the day of receiving its benefits from Social Security. For those who never stopped paying attention to this non-stopping race, the "threat" has become a great opportunity because it can align all its experience and professional experiences to various requirements for command positions and the 'fragility' of the impulsiveness of our youth. Certainly no matter what generation we belong, we can fit in formal education at classrooms, and life education will make any difference in any way we choose. What we need is to dive in, dedicate ourselves, commit ourselves and challenge ourselves all the time to overcome the goals imposed by our professional lives. All this together with a supporting family life, giving us the necessary subsidies for our wend our success. We have to have a "winner's DNA" and pick ourselves up after every stumble and never forget that IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START. MOTIVATIONAL TO WHOM YOUR FUTURE BELONGS? Vise meu site: www.paulocrgomes.com