Young Professionals

​Is our future in good hands? I've recently had the fortune of speaking and interacting with a range of young(er) professionals, some still studying towards their professional qualifications and others who've reached that career goal and are wondering what's next and/or branching out further. 

Overall, these interactions have been incredibly positive, and an uplifting end to another tough year for many of us. I'm especially struck by their collective optimism, and their desire to contribute to a better future, for themselves, for their professions, and for society. 

I've met them through a variety of routes: 
> an in-person professional reception for volunteers, 
> their enthusiastic submissions for the International Actuarial Association's Young Actuaries World Cup, 
> their articles for professional magazines, 
> the IFoA Foundation, 
> and more... 
One of them has even written a book to help spread understanding of their profession's role in society! 

In total, a wondrous reminder of the talent and energy in our professions, which I'm hopeful we can, together, harness to build a phenomenal future. A special thank you to those of you who've shared your hopes and dreams with me, and rekindled my professional optimism. 

On the other hand, I'm told by cynical professionals that younger people are snowflakes, who want quick routes to stardom, don't commit what it really takes, and quit as soon as things don't go their way. Some have said that young professionals have set career paths, and don't need or want guidance, as they know what needs to be done. Instead, they allegedly: 
> celebrate their efforts with flashy purchases, 
> feel they deserve rewards now, and 
> love exclusive celebrations... 
#MadeIt #Top30Under30 

These perspectives seem so vastly at odds! Am I simply lucky to be interacting with a select few with a bigger perspective, who want to keep learning, growing and contributing to a better tomorrow? Or, am I deluded in my rosy outlook? 

What do you think? What's it REALLY like?