A lot of things have changed since my parents were growing up and even since I was growing up. At one time, much of the advice my parents handed down likely seemed wise. However, it doesn’t always hold up years later. From jobs to lifestyle choices, there are a lot of things that my parents told me that don’t hold true today. Here are some things I constantly heard as a child that might have seemed rock-solid at the time but aren’t anymore.
1. “You’ll Never Make Money Playing Video Games”
I heard this more times than I can count, often being told that video games were a waste of time. Today, gaming is a multi-billion-dollar industry with professional opportunities for gamers, streamers, and developers. Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube have made it possible for gaming nerds like myself to monetize their skills. Not to mention, the rise of eSports has turned into a global phenomenon. Pro players earn a solid salary and also frequently land lucrative sponsorships. So, what was once dismissed as “just a game” has become a viable and rewarding career.
2. “College Is the Only Path to Success”
While my parents didn’t say this to me, I know plenty of people who thought this way because it was instilled in them. My dad taught me that learning a trade was always a good idea, but never pushed the idea of college. There is no doubt that higher education is valuable, but the idea that it is the only path to success is outdated advice. The world now offers a wide range of options, making college just one path among many to personal and professional success.
3. “Don’t Put Your Personal Life Online — It’s Dangerous!”
I remember days when there was no internet in our homes, but today literally everything is online. While many parents warned their kids not to share personal information on the web, social media has actually become a powerful communication tool. It is used for professional networking, career advancement, and simply expressing yourself. In fact, many people have turned sharing their lives online into profitable careers as influencers, educators, and content creators.
4. “Focus on Finding a Job with Good Benefits”
A job with benefits is all anyone could really hope for at one time. However, the modern workforce has significantly evolved, especially in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many workers are focusing on gig economy jobs, freelance work, and remote jobs. These positions don’t always include traditional benefits. Instead, people are more focused on working on their terms and are still able to achieve financial stability that way.
5. “Save Every Penny and Never Take Financial Risks”
Taking risks with money wasn’t something many people in my family did. Financial security came from having money stashed in the bank. In today’s world, your finances are more likely to benefit from investing in a diversified portfolio and going out on a limb with entrepreneurial ventures. These things can outpace traditional savings accounts and, while saving is important, the way we approach finance has changed significantly.
6. “If You Don’t Settle Down by 30, You’ll Never Start a Family”
My parents didn’t say this to me, but I know it’s something that was said in many families. Thirty seems to be some kind of “magical age” where everything is supposed to change for you. In recent years, priorities have changed for many people. They are waiting longer to settle down and start families. My wife and I didn’t get married until I was nearly 30 and didn’t start our family until two years later. Careers, personal growth, and financial stability often take precedence, with many now seeing their 30s as a time to further explore life and pursue passions.
7. “Social Media Friendships Aren’t Real Friendships”
Some of the best friends I’ve had I’ve met on video games or social media. While these were frequently dismissed as shallow and possibly even dangerous relationships by parents, these spaces can actually be somewhere to develop deep, meaningful connections. Many people now make genuine friends through social platforms, gaming communities, and interest-based groups. It’s true it can’t replace all in-person socialization, but you can definitely make real friends online.
8. “You’ll Regret Traveling Instead of Building a Career”
If there’s one thing I wish I had done more of early on it is travel. I have lived in several different places across the United States, but I’ve never gone out of the country. At one point, travel was looked at as a luxury for retired individuals. Today, many people believe their experiences gained from traveling have enriched their lives. Not to mention, there are plenty of ways to continue working and building your career while seeing the world, thanks to remote work and the “digital nomad” lifestyles.
9. “Stick with One Career for Stability”
My parents were stuck within their career field, for the most part. This is because they believed it would offer stability. These days, employers value diverse skill sets. Many people are switching careers to find jobs that really fit their evolving interests and strengths. Job-hopping, once viewed negatively, can now lead to growth, higher pay, and new opportunities. Additionally, changing industries can be seen as a sign of ambition and can demonstrate that you are willing to learn.
Embracing a New Era of Opportunity
Many of these things seemed like great advice at one time. However, much of it is outdated today. From gaming careers to starting families, the landscape looks vastly different today than it did when I was growing up. The ways people are finding to be successful, stable, and happy are constantly evolving. Remember, no two paths will look the same. The best advice might be just to create your own rules and go after what truly matters to you.