At what age do children typically start thinking about possible occupations?

Children typically begin to think about possible occupations around the ages of 9 to 11. During this developmental stage, they are more aware of different professions, influenced by their experiences at school, exposure to media, and conversations with adults. At this age, they start to develop a better understanding of their own interests and how those might align with various career paths.

As children enter middle childhood, they become more capable of abstract thinking and can imagine different roles in society. This is also when they start to formulate their aspirations and consider what jobs might be a good fit for them based on their skills and interests. Engaging in discussions about various careers or participating in activities that expose them to multiple professions aids in this burgeoning self-awareness about future occupational choices.