Experts predict that today’s children will likely have 10 different careers over their 30- to 60-year working lives. That’s a staggering shift from past generations, where many people expected to stay in one profession—or even one company—for decades. Yet, the education system is still largely built for a world that no longer exists.

A recentWall Street Journal article raised the question of whether high schools should offer trade school options to juniors, allowing them to graduate with the skills to land well-paying jobs—sometimes starting around $70,000 a year—without necessarily pursuing a four-year degree. But that’s the wrong question. The real issue isn’t whether students should or shouldn’t go to college. It’s about preparing young people to make meaningful choices that align with their evolving life paths over the course of a 100-year life.

College Isn’t the Goal—Fulfillment Is

College is a valuable option for many, but it isn’t the only route to success or fulfillment. In fact, blindly following the traditional model—high school, four years of college, maybe graduate school—often leads to massive debt and degrees that don’t guarantee stability or growth. With AI and automation reshaping industries, a liberal arts degree without complementary skills can leave graduates struggling for meaningful work.

The Age Brilliantly mindset asks better questions:

• Which path will challenge you to grow right now?
• Will this choice open doors for the next stage of your life, not just the first job?
• How will this decision set you up for lifelong adaptability and fulfillment, rather than a single career?

High schools offering trade education open doors for students to enter the workforce earlier with strong earning potential. Plumbers, electricians, and mechanics can earn six-figure incomes within a few years—and still have the flexibility to pivot into new careers later. With strong financial footing, they can return to school, start businesses, or pursue passions without the burden of debt or time lost.

Imagine graduating high school with a trade, working for a few years, and then deciding to study medicine or technology in your late 20s. This flexibility is essential in a world where continuous learning and reinvention are the norm, not the exception.

We need to challenge the assumption that staying in school longer is always better. Take the story of Daniel: he left high school early, completed college in England in three years, earned a master’s in one, and by 25 is leading a promising health and AI startup. His accelerated path wasn’t reckless; it was intentional. It aligned with his strengths, challenged him, and positioned him to create value sooner. Similarly, Judy Tan skipped traditional computer science courses in favor of a coding bootcamp that equipped her with practical skills—and launched her career faster than a conventional path could have.

The lesson? Life isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about finding opportunities that stretch you, fit your goals, and evolve as you do.

Preparing for a Lifetime of Growth

The future of education must embrace the reality of multiple careers and constant reinvention. Schools should empower students to:

• Identify strengths and passions early.
• Explore vocational skills alongside academic subjects.
• Develop adaptability and curiosity for lifelong learning.
• Build financial literacy to navigate career transitions wisely.

Lists of “best careers” or “highest salaries” will always shift. What endures is the ability to choose intentionally, learn continuously, and pivot gracefully through life’s chapters.

The Bigger Question for All of Us

Instead of asking, “Should students skip college for trade school?” we should ask, “Which path will position them for lifelong fulfillment, growth, and contribution?” Education’s goal isn’t to lock people into one career—it’s to prepare them for the next 10 careers and the opportunities they haven’t even imagined yet.

What do you wish you’d learned earlier about choosing your own path? Should schools do more to prepare students for multiple careers instead of one? Share your perspective in the Age Brilliantly Forum—your insights could help shape the future of how we prepare the next generation for 100-year lives.