Career and Birth Order
Comments:7
I’ve come across a few articles lately about how our birth order affects our careers and found the answers most interesting. Especially for the youngest born children. I am sure I find the youngest most interesting because I am the youngest in my family.
In Science Daily, it states, “A child’s place in the family birth order may play a role in the type of occupations that will interest him or her as an adult. First born and only children may be more interested in cognitive pursuits than younger siblings. Whereas later born children are more interested in artistic or outdoor-related careers.”
Rachel Zupek, from CareerBuilder.com said there are a few characteristics similar in each role:
Firstborns are more ambitious, rule-followers and confident, while secondborns (or middle) are the easy-going, diplomatic peacemakers. Firstborns are determined to succeed and tend to follow through with higher education. Middleborns tend to lean toward ‘negotiation’ or ‘helping’ professions like nursing, law enforcement and machine operation.
Youngest are charming and creative and are often found in administrative, journalism, sales or athletics. According to birth order expert, Frederick Leong, we are fun-loving, artistic, and well, not quite as driven as our elder siblings.
As the youngest of three daughters, I always strove not to wear the “baby of the family” label. While I liked being the youngest, I definitely wanted to prove to everyone that I can do it. I worked hard to “prove my worth” by working full time through high school and college. I’ve been working hard ever since, juggling marriage, kids, family, a farm, and a career.
So, does our birth order really have anything to do with our success in life? Are we doomed, as middle children, to make a low income every year (as stated)? Or perpetually goofy and non-serious as the youngest? Will firstborn forever fear ‘losing rank’?
I think our success has everything to do with our own thoughts and how we feel about ourselves. I don’t know if my being the youngest made me strive to be successful, or if that was always just my own inner desire. One thing I know for sure is that if we put any sort of ‘label’ on ourselves, it will hold us back from what we really want to do.
Written by Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW - Visit the website to hire executive resume writer Erin Kennedy, CERW, CPRW
Erin is an internationally renowned certified resume writer specializing in professional and executive level resumes and career services.
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Nice post, Erin. (I always love your posts.)
I am the oldest and I seem to fit that description. My sister, the 2nd born (middle child) is a nurse (LOL!). But, you are right however and I think while you may be predisposed to certain behavioral traits based on family dynamics/order — we all have a choice in shaping our future.
I would love to see pic of your farm.
Rosa Vargas´s last blog ..Curtain-Raising Cover Letters: Full Disclosure
It’s interesting, but I agree that birth order only is part of the equation. I say this looking at my experiences within my family and looking at my children, both of whom are adopted.
I’m the third of four, and the professions that have been the most fulfilling for me have been helping ones (teaching, volunteer management, etc.)
My daughter is the quintessential oldest child. Well before she turned two, she exhibited a determination to do whatever she set her mind to. My son rolls with whatever happens much more easily. Their order within our family may have affected them some, but their behavior also has much to do with who they are inherently.
Melissa´s last blog ..Risk and the Job Search
Hi Melissa,
I know. It is pretty interesting. My oldest child is definitely the first born. He likes rules and abides by them (making sure his younger brother does, too). I can see traits in my youngest that I had in myself at that age, and probably still do.
There is a lot of truth to it, and if we follow the basic principles, might just fall into the jobs of our dreams.
Thanks.
Erin
Hi Rosa,
That is too funny (2nd sister is a nurse)… I guess there really is something to it. However, I have never felt like I fell into goofball youngest child/actor stereotypes I’ve heard. I’ve also read that youngest children tend to work their tails off to overcome the “youngest” label they carry around. Hmmmm. That sounds more like me.
Will show you pics of the farm anytime.
The whole concept of birth order makes for an interesting read. I recommend The New Birth Order Book because it gave me some great insights – and talked about it a bit more in this post from a while back.
http://www.timelyinsights.net/archives/birth-order-first-last-or-middle/
steve
[Youngest of six;-]