Flashback: When Millennials chose fame over traditional careers

When posed with the choice between climbing the traditional career ladder or the glittering path to fame, many millennials in 2017 seemed to choose the latter. In today's age of tech billionaires and social media influencers, let's take a nostalgic journey back to when "I'd rather be famous instead" was more than just a catchphrase—it was a generational mindset.

Back in 2017, research commissioned by Clapit dropped some bombshells about millennials career aspirations. A staggering 30% would choose fame over practicing law, and 23% would pick it over a medical degree. Astoundingly, 1 in 10 millennials saw fame as more valuable than a college degree.

Also Read: Victoria Beckham's shoe shock, she would rather die than trade stilettos for Justin Bieber's lilac crocs 

What's even more shocking? One in 12 millennials would distance themselves from their family for a shot at becoming a household name. This preference for fame over traditional roles, at a glance, paints a picture of a self-absorbed generation. But was it really about vanity? Or did millennials have their finger on the pulse of a shifting cultural currency?

2017 was a time when the boundaries of fame had been radically reshaped by technology. YouTube and Instagram birthed a new genre of celebrities, often unfamiliar to those over 30 but iconic to young audiences. For many, fame seemed just a click away on their smartphones.

Also Read: 'I’d rather be famous instead' - Doja Cat unveils surreal Paint the Town Red music video 

The era was such that social media personalities were morphing into genuine influencers, some even transitioning into roles of political power and prominence. "In a time when we’ve elected a man who has fired Gene Simmons and Dennis Rodman on national television to the highest office in the land, why the heck wouldn’t millennials prioritize notoriety?"

While the Clapit survey specifically zoomed in on millennials, Gen Z too was not far behind in redefining what fame meant. With data suggesting that young teens were idolizing YouTube stars more than traditional celebrities, the narrative was clear. "While it’s never felt more difficult to launch a white-collar career that will pave the way to achieving the traditional American Dream, it’s also never been easier to potentially put your work or your face in front of millions of eyeballs with little more than a few clicks. Millennials get this."

As we look back, it's evident that the 2017 millennials weren't just chasing the limelight. They were early adopters in a world where personal branding, online presence, and "influence" could be just as potent as a degree on the wall.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)