The trend of young Singaporeans feeling discontented with their work stems from deeper causes other than a lack of vocational guidance.
After all, a student who has been through Singapore's education system would most likely have sat for character-profiling and personality-assessment tests.
Through these tests, he would have got a better understanding of his strengths and the career which suits his character.
Perhaps these Singaporeans are under pressure because they have never really thought through their career choices.
Society still equates success with a degree ' with those in finance, law and medicine being held in higher regard.
Hence, young Singaporeans aspire to obtain a degree and secure a job in these seemingly lucrative fields.
However, I do believe that more and more Singaporeans are taking the leap to follow their heart, as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at the Teachers' Day Rally in 2006, in which he spoke about how our education system is embracing 'many peaks of excellence'.
For example, graduates Janice Wong and Karen Kwok gave up their corporate careers to become chefs.
Our arts and sports scenes are also flourishing.
Besides good mentoring, another crucial factor in gaining job satisfaction is to 'have the courage to follow your heart and intuition', as Apple CEO Steve Jobs aptly said. Only then will one find meaning in life.
