This article presents a comprehensive study of young people's career self-determination in today's dynamic labor market. The dialectical interaction between subjective personal interests and objective socioeconomic factors that shape career choices in today's evolving landscape are analyzed. Particular emphasis is placed on the motivational foundations of the individual, where choosing an educational program and a guaranteed job are perceived as the most compelling indicators of a successful life. The empirical base includes the author's own sociological research aimed at identifying current priorities and challenges associated with young people's difficulties in choosing a profession and planning their professional development and career. The study identified a list of significant issues related to the current mechanism of career guidance for the population, including the existing imbalance between the economic needs of states and the actual needs of young professionals. Based on the fi ndings, practical recommendations were developed aimed at developing a system of professional support and optimizing adaptation methods at the beginning of a career.