How realistic are the career goals of most high school graduates?

Hi everyone, I'm a high school junior trying to set some career goals for myself. I've been wondering, are most high school graduates' career goals unrealistic? Should I try to be more conservative with my expectations? Thanks for any insights.

Being ambitious and setting high career goals is not inherently unrealistic; it can be highly motivating and push you to work hard towards those aspirations. However, it's important to understand that career trajectories are seldom a straight line. Career goals can change over time due to several factors, such as new interests, changing job markets, learning more about the realities of a certain profession, and so on.

To ensure your career goals are realistic, consider the following:

1. Research: Understand the career you are interested in. What are the qualifications required? What's the job market like? What are the day-to-day responsibilities?

2. Education and Skills: Assess if your academic performance and skills align with the career of your choice. Are you ready to work towards the necessary qualifications?

3. Interest: Consider if the career you are interested in aligns with your passions, hobbies, or interests. A career could potentially span decades and choosing one that connects with your interests could lead to greater satisfaction.

4. Plan: Develop a plan to guide your path towards your career goal. This could include what major to choose in college, what internships or part-time jobs could be beneficial, or whether certain volunteering opportunities could provide you with valuable experience.

Remember, your career pathway is not set in stone and will likely change as you progress through your studies and get a better understanding of your interests and passions. Setting high goals is not a problem; just ensure that they are informed, flexible, and adaptable as you move forward.