5 Strategies for Second-Generation AAPI to Align Career Goals with Personal Values
Balancing career goals with personal values, especially within AAPI communities, can be challenging. AAPI communities often value family, community, and cultural traditions, which influence career decisions.
Reflect on Values & Cultural Identity
As a second-generation AAPI diaspora adult, defining “career success” and “core personal values” can be challenging. Growing up, our parents often shaped our understanding of success, which was tied to practical career choices, such as becoming a doctor or lawyer. Alongside this, we absorbed the core values of our AAPI heritage. These factors played a significant role in shaping our present cultural identity.
What's important is to sit down and really reflect and then rank your values. This exercise will help you figure out how to blend two very distinctive and sometimes contrasting cultures.
To give you a few prompts to reflect upon:
How did the cultures and the values that came with it influence you as you grew up?
How can you blend that within your career?
Image of Cathy Park Hong quote: “No matter our income, my family could not cough up the thorns embedded in our chests”
Align Career Goals with AAPI Cultural Values and Heritage
Now that you’ve reflected on your core values and cultural identity, the next step is to create goals that align with your reflections but honor your heritage.
As Cathy Park Hong highlights, the challenge for second-generation AAPI diaspora members lies in balancing the “us” and “them”—our personal desires for fulfillment versus the culture and heritage we hold dear. Our parents made incredible sacrifices, often taking on careers out of necessity rather than passion, all for the hope that we could have better opportunities in life.
As we move forward in this step, it may take time for us to fully understand their sacrifices. Their journeys were ones of survival, allowing us to dream bigger. While those dreams can sometimes feel distant from their sacrifices, we find strength in navigating the tension between them.
No matter the industry or income you pursue, free yourself to dream—just as our parents dreamed for us when they worked tirelessly and raised us to be steeped in our heritage. Their journey was one of survival; ours can be one of purpose and empowerment.
Build a Strong Support Network of Mentors in AAPI Communities
As a professional, mentoring can be very helpful when it comes to providing support and advice on topics you’re going through in your career and life in general. It’s important that as you seek out those mentors, you seek those who understand the importance of balancing your cultural values and your career goals.
Someone who shares your cultural background or chosen values is key as they are able to authentically guide you throughout your career in ways that fit your career goals as well.
Balance Family Expectations with Personal Career Goals in AAPI Families
Once you know what your career goals are, it’s important to make the decision whether or not to share with your AAPI family. Depending on family dynamics, some may be more hesitant than others to have an open and honest conversation and that’s okay. Part of the second-generation AAPI experience is navigating family expectations in our own ways.
If you do choose to share, it’s important to manage expectations and minimize conflicts as much as possible from both parties. If you choose not to share, that’s okay as well.
No matter what, we have to remember that our parents want success and happiness for us. They want us to achieve our version of “The American Dream”.
Remember to ensure that your career allows you time for self-care and balance with other parts of your life.
Embrace Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth
In addition to aligning your career goals with your cultural values, it’s crucial to commit to lifelong learning and personal development. As second-generation AAPI individuals, you may face challenges that require ongoing growth and adaptation—whether it’s navigating workplace dynamics, expanding your professional skills, or strengthening your cultural identity. Seek out opportunities for continuous improvement, whether through formal education, skill-building, or self-reflection.
Reading books by AAPI authors is a great way to deepen your cultural understanding and gain new perspectives. If you’re looking for recommendations, check out our previous post on Books on the AAPI Diaspora by AAPI Authors: Navigating Identity, Mental Health, and Belonging for a diverse range of works to broaden your view and help gain new perspectives on the AAPI diaspora experience.
“Follow your passions, and tell the the stories you want to tell. If the passion is there, and creativity, then the audience will find it.” - Jenny Han
Conclusion:
Being a second-generation AAPI diaspora member means that the navigating the intersection of cultural values and career aspirations can be challenging but also rewarding. Through reflecting on your personal values, aligning them with your heritage, and committing to continuous learning, you can create a career path that honors both your dreams and your cultural identity.
DearTherapy Invitation:
We invite you to share any strategies you are using to balance your cultural identity with your career goals in the comments below.
