Elementary and middle school students prefer 'money' over 'dreams'... "I want to be a doctor because it pays well"

'Because It's a Job I Like' Responses Decrease
Tendency to Seek Economic Rewards and Stability ↑
Creative Challenge Through Work Significantly Declines

Recently, elementary, middle, and high school students have been choosing their desired occupations based on economic rewards and job stability. The tendency to pursue creative challenges and development potential through their careers has decreased compared to before.

On the 30th, the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET) announced the results of an analysis on how students' values regarding occupations are changing through the "KRIVET Issue Brief No. 270" (Changes in Students' Occupational Values: Focusing on Doctors and Legal Professionals). This report utilized raw data from the "Elementary and Secondary Career Education Status Survey" conducted annually by the Ministry of Education and KRIVET (2018 and 2022).

Comparing the reasons for choosing desired occupations between 2018 and 2022, the proportion of responses citing "because I think I can earn a lot of money" increased.

There was no change in the first and second most common reasons for choosing a desired occupation?"because it is a job I like" and "because I think I can do well"?but the response rate for "because I think I can earn a lot of money" rose. Especially among elementary school students, this response increased significantly from 4.4% to 15.5%. Conversely, the proportion of students hoping for jobs they like, that have great development potential, and allow for creative work decreased.

Changes in Reasons for Wanting to Become a Doctor: "Because I Like It" → "Because It Pays Well"

In particular, analyzing the reasons for wanting to become a "doctor," a preferred occupation among students, the top reason shifted from "because it is a job I like" to "because I think I can earn a lot of money."

In 2018, regardless of elementary, middle, or high school level, the most common reason for wanting to become a doctor was "because it is a job I like." However, among those who chose to become doctors, elementary and middle school students most frequently selected "because I think I can earn a lot of money," while high school students most often chose "because I think I can do well."

For another preferred occupation among students, "legal professional," the top reason for wanting to pursue this career also changed from "because it is a job I like" to "because I think I can do well." Elementary, middle, and high school students all most frequently chose "because I think I can do well." However, among elementary and middle school students, the proportions of responses citing "because I think I can earn a lot of money" and "because I think I can gain social recognition" increased.

Jieun Jeong, a researcher at KRIVET, stated, "Recently, students emphasize economic rewards and job stability, seeking economic freedom and stability through their occupations, while the tendency to pursue creative challenges and development potential through their careers is decreasing. It is necessary to provide students with opportunities to experience diverse occupational values, foster creative thinking, and accumulate experiences of social contribution. We must move toward a society that respects the social value of all occupations and enables individuals to take pride in their respective careers."