21st century
Do not rely too much on what the schools and adults tell you. They are either lying, ignorant, or telling you the truth. In the 21st century, it is much difficult to predict what will or won't work. So, work hard on getting to know yourself and what you want from life.
Perhaps, you should focus on doing something with “the four Cs1”—communication, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration—and downplay technical skills.
Mastery of the four Cs could be your best bet to survive in the 21st century. Know how to trumpet your ideas or help others trumpet theirs. Learn new things, and from one thing make ten things. Learn to stay calm and preserve your mental balance in unfamiliar situations. Prioritize when you are overwhelmed. And use collaborations to deal with your limitations.
In the 21st century, be prepared to recreate yourself and update your Cs again and again, to meet up with the rapidly changing times.
Lastly, I hope you'll encourage your children and loved ones to do the same too. You’ll prepare them for the 21st century and beyond: You'll task them to know themselves and what they want from life. And of course, you'll also encourage or teach them to master the four Cs.
Cathy N. Davidson, The New Education: How to Revolutionize the University to Prepare Students for a World in Flux. New York: Basic Books, 2017.
Bernie Trilling, 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2009.