#Careerdevelopment

The oft-repeated career advice to “follow your passion” may sound uplifting, but mounting research reveals it can actually set people up for disappointment, inflexibility, and even economic hardship. As this philosophy saturates commencement speeches, motivational seminars, and social media, a growing group of psychologists and workplace researchers are urging a deeper, more practical approach to career fulfillment—especially for those in Thailand navigating education and job markets shaped by rapid technological change and economic uncertainty.

The decision to pursue a master’s degree in computer science (CS) is more relevant than ever as the digital economy accelerates worldwide, with Thailand placing itself firmly on the regional tech map. Recent research and market data reveal that an advanced degree in CS can open doors to high-demand, high-paying roles—not only abroad, but increasingly here at home as the Kingdom transforms into a digital powerhouse.

For Thai readers considering further study, the value of a master’s in computer science lies not simply in gaining technical expertise, but in substantially boosting career prospects, salary potential, and employability in an AI-driven era. According to industry specialists and global job market trends, a master’s degree gives graduates the “bigger set of legos,” in the words of one American academic, allowing them to build not only tools but entire architectures of new digital solutions (snhu.edu). This added versatility—skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software development—makes these professionals sought after across sectors.

A wave of recent research and media coverage is bringing renewed attention to the phenomenon of “golden handcuffs”—a workplace dynamic in which lucrative compensation, incentives, or benefits keep employees tied to jobs they might otherwise leave. As changing economic conditions ripple through high-earning sectors such as technology and finance, understanding the psychology and impact of golden handcuffs has become critical, both globally and in Thailand, where local professionals increasingly compete in knowledge-based, high-reward industries.

A new survey has caused ripples in the world of human resources, revealing that nearly half of Generation Z job seekers admit to lying on their job applications—a trend that marks a significant shift from previous generations and raises pressing questions for educators, employers, and policymakers both in Thailand and worldwide (Fox News; AOL).

The findings, derived from a fresh survey conducted in 2024, indicate that as much as 44% to 56% of Gen Z respondents confessed to either having lied or strongly considered lying during the hiring process (Resume Genius). Comparatively, only 37% of Baby Boomers admitted similar behavior, highlighting a widening generational gap in attitudes towards job application honesty. Millennials and Gen X also registered lower, at 50% and 40% respectively (Benefit News). This generational divergence has implications for trust, vetting procedures, and workplace culture that are now being debated across societies—including in Thailand, where Gen Z is rapidly ascending into the professional landscape.

A new study has uncovered a surprising trend: employees who openly acknowledge using artificial intelligence (AI) at work are often trusted less by colleagues and clients than those who keep silent. This finding, featured in a recent report on The Conversation, challenges widely held assumptions that transparency around technology use breeds confidence and goodwill in professional settings.

This insight is particularly significant for Thai professionals and organizations as businesses across the kingdom increasingly embrace AI-powered solutions—from customer service chatbots and automated translation tools to advanced data analytics. In many workplaces, staff are encouraged to adopt AI as part of digital transformation agendas and the nation’s push toward Thailand 4.0, where technology and innovation drive economic growth. Yet, according to the latest findings, revealing reliance on such tools could undermine interpersonal trust, an essential element in many Thai office cultures that value harmony, respect, and personal relationships.

Ambitions for elite college admissions are casting long shadows over the aspirations of both Thai students and their parents, reigniting questions about competitiveness, parental expectations, and the emotional well-being of accomplished teens. Recent commentary published by The Washington Post highlights a growing anxiety among parents whose children excel academically yet may not reach the pinnacle of admissions success, raising concerns about the psychological impact on families navigating today’s rapidly shifting educational landscape [Washington Post].

A growing body of research is challenging the conventional wisdom that couples should wait until their careers and finances are fully secure before starting a family. According to a recent perspective published by Deseret News, parents who have children in their twenties can enjoy strong professional success, improved well-being, and meaningful family connections—with early parenthood offering a range of surprising advantages. The article, backed by studies and expert opinions, urges Thai families and policymakers to revisit their assumptions about the “right” time to start a family and consider the mounting evidence in favor of earlier parenthood.