The Occupational Aspirations and Wellbeing of Young People in the UK

There is a rising interest within the UK about young people’s occupational and educational aspirations, with political leaders over the decades encouraging them to raise their aspirations and aim high. The initial career choices that young people make are influenced by their occupational aspirations and goals as well as the opportunities that are available to them. Fulfilling aspirations and achieving goals enhance a person’s wellbeing; however, failing to do so may result in disappointment, withdrawal, or frustration. Exploration into the career aspirations, subsequent outcomes, and wellbeing of young people has been fairly limited, and this chapter seeks to contribute to that gap. We investigate whether young people achieved the occupational aspirations held when leaving compulsory education and whether achieving or failing to achieve these aspirations impacted their wellbeing. We begin by explaining the key concepts of aspirations and wellbeing, followed by a discussion of young peoples’ aspirations in the context of today’s political, economic, and social climate in the UK. The chapter draws on goal setting theory to help us understand the potential relationship between career aspirations, outcomes, and wellbeing, and to help realize our key aims and objectives, we analyze data from Understanding Society. The chapter concludes with a discussion of our findings, the implications for policy and practice, and suggestions for further research.