As we finish 2020, I am struck by the amount of fear that surrounds us. I’d like to say I didn’t give in - I didn’t stock up on toilet paper before the Washington State governor’s latest order 2 weeks ago, but I’d be lying.

Fear is incredibly powerful. Fear about the future impacts our enjoyment of the present. And the media we use, whether it is advertising, news, or social media, amplifies it because it gets eyeballs. Fear is the emotion we pay attention to – because our survival depends on it. 

But we often need to dial it back – look at it with critical, distant eyes. See fear for what it is. A fog, a chimera, a false narrative, often with little basis in reality. We may need a reminder to stop watching the news, doom scrolling, and holding ourselves to a perfection standard. Fear of making a mistake can paralyze our decision making.

When it comes to career and education decisions right now, it’s about time boxing. Making the decision in front of you, and not worrying about too far in the future – about what you cannot control. 

So for high school and college students (and parents supporting them) wrestling with choosing a major or college, it’s about returning to basics – what we do know. These are all safe bets for the future:

• Personality-fit with careers and education programs matters, validated by research (and common sense). You enjoy and are motivated by what interests you – and your fellow like-minded students. Find your people – they are there, but you’ve got to self-reflect, try new things, and take action. On LinkedIn, on Facebook, at your school or college.

• It doesn’t matter what college you go to, it’s how you go – how you use the experience that matters most. Sure, if you want to be a Wall Street hedge fund manager, going to an Ivy League school is key. But if you’re like 99.9% of America, your college choice doesn’t matter much 5 years later. (Gallup/Purdue research)

• Complete some form of post-secondary education or training program (apprenticeship, credential, certificate, degree). Finish what you start - if at all possible. The only thing less helpful than getting the wrong degree or certificate, is not completing one.

• Ask for help.  We are all in this together. Most people, when asked, will extend a hand. Try your school counselor or your college career services. But you’ve got to put yourself out there and take the risk.  And if you get rejected or ignored, don’t give up.

As a Gen X mom and daughter of an older parent in the pandemic, I’m experiencing fear in my own way. So no matter your fears, I hope you find a way to see more clearly and get the support you need to keep making progress on your career journey. You are not alone – let’s all sit with our fear and know that we will come out of it okay at some point – with meaningful work and enough toilet paper.

Cartoon image: Courtesy of the Toronto Star.