Core Insights - The article discusses the fluctuating reputation of Zhang Xuefeng, a well-known career planning mentor, highlighting the growing skepticism towards his advice as the job market evolves [2][29] - It emphasizes the importance of aligning personal interests and abilities with career choices, rather than solely relying on data-driven recommendations [18][30] Group 1: Zhang Xuefeng's Influence - Zhang Xuefeng gained popularity by addressing the educational anxieties of families, providing a clear logic for choosing majors based on quantifiable metrics like salary and employment rates [7][13] - His rise coincided with a significant increase in graduate school applications, particularly in 2016, marking a turning point in the education landscape [8][10] - The mentor's approach simplified complex educational choices into a formulaic system, which resonated with many seeking stability in uncertain times [14][15] Group 2: Changing Job Market Dynamics - The job market has rapidly evolved, leading to a decline in the demand for previously recommended "golden paths" such as civil engineering, with employment in the construction sector dropping over 25% since its peak in 2014 [16][18] - Many individuals who followed Zhang's advice are now expressing regret, as they find themselves in oversaturated job markets, realizing the limitations of a purely utilitarian approach to career planning [17][24] - The article highlights a shift in societal attitudes, where individuals are increasingly seeking fulfillment and alignment with personal values in their career choices, rather than just job security [26][30] Group 3: The Need for Personal Agency - The narrative encourages individuals to take control of their career paths, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and personal interests over external validation from popular figures [27][33] - It suggests that effective career guidance should foster a lifelong dialogue about self and the world, rather than merely producing standardized outcomes [28][30] - The article concludes that the best career choices are those that provide a sense of value and engagement in life, rather than those that are statistically deemed "correct" [30][34]