For generations, we’ve put pressure on our kids—often as early as 6th or 7th grade—to answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” By the time they get to high school, this pressure becomes formalized as part of a “college and career ready” process. Well-meaning parents and educators push students to define a clear path, often emphasizing that success means getting into the “right” college, landing the “right” job, and earning the “right” salary.

But in today’s world—and especially in the world we’re hurtling toward—that message no longer serves them well.

We now live in a time where the job market is shifting more rapidly than ever. Entire industries are being reshaped by automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Technologies are evolving at a pace we’ve never seen before. Careers that didn’t exist a few years ago are now in high demand—and many of today’s jobs may vanish in just a few more.

This accelerating change makes it almost impossible to "hit the target" of choosing a career path in middle school or even college. We simply don’t know what the marketplace will look like in 5 or 10 years. So why are we still asking our youth to plan their futures based on outdated assumptions?

It’s time to change the question.

Instead of asking, “What do you want to be?” we should be asking, “What problems do you want to solve?” Or “How would you like to help others or make the world a better place?” These are questions that cultivate purpose, curiosity, and a mindset of lifelong learning—qualities that are far more valuable in a fast-changing world.

That mindset shift—from fixed to growth—is vital. A fixed mindset says you pick a job, go to school for it, and follow a straight path to security. A growth mindset understands that success comes from continually learning, adapting, and discovering new ways to contribute. In a world where knowledge becomes outdated quickly, it’s those with curiosity, resilience, and creativity who will thrive.

One powerful way to build this mindset is through hands-on exploration—especially in environments designed for learning and making. That’s the vision behind Life Skills Academy (LSA), opening in August 2025. LSA will be a community learning center and maker space where people of all ages can experiment with technology, design, fabrication, coding, robotics, and more. By learning to conceive of and create things, participants build the mindset and skills needed to meet tomorrow’s challenges—whatever those may be.

Exploring different technologies and disciplines in a place like LSA helps people discover not only what they can do, but what they love to do. And in the process, they begin to see opportunities everywhere: to start a business, launch a new career, or simply become more capable in navigating life’s complexities.

We need to stop defining success solely by titles and salaries, and start emphasizing purpose, adaptability, and the ability to solve problems. Yes, some students will still find fulfillment through traditional careers. But many more—especially those who have struggled to fit the academic mold—will thrive by forging their own paths, empowered by skills, support, and the belief that they can learn and grow throughout their lives.

Let’s prepare our youth not for the world we grew up in, but for the one that’s coming. That starts with asking better questions—and giving them the tools to build meaningful answers.