Do you deserve a ‘career shower?’

TikTok Influencer Amy Chan encouraged followers to “normalise career showers” in a bid to encourage the celebration of milestones in single and childless people’s lives. 

“We're familiar with baby and wedding showers but there’s also other important milestones in a woman's life to be celebrated,” she said. 

“Like starting your own company, buying your own home and getting a big promotion.” 

Lunchtime Live spoke to listeners about their thoughts on celebrating non-traditional milestones.  

Freelance journalist Andrea Smith told the show that once you reach your 21st birthday, there are not many occasions to celebrate outside marriage and childbirth.

“I think it’s a great idea to celebrate everybody’s achievements and milestones even if they’re not traditional ones,” she said.  

“Let’s face it. An awful lot of people these days aren’t getting married, they’re not having children and they deserve to be celebrated just as much as ones who do.”

Ms Smith said we should encourage more 'career showers' where people share anecdotes and advice for people who are entering a new phase of their career.  

“Even if you won your local flower arranging competition, that’s worthy of being celebrated,” she said. 

Different lives 

Listener Ali told Andrea that we’re “prescribed” what we’re allowed to celebrate, such as marriage and pregnancies. 

She said: “We shouldn't be prescribed what we’re allowed to celebrate. We're all so different and we are all leading very different lives.” 

Ali said we should celebrate marriage and children for those who want that lifepath - but we should also recognise that it’s not for everyone.  

“I've seen people celebrating vasectomies. Who are we to say that that’s not a hallmark moment for them?” 

“I don’t want to be with anyone” 

Listener Michael said he did not see the point in creating new celebrations.  

“I don’t see the point in celebrating something that I'm comfortable with,” he said.  

“I'm happy being single, I don’t want to be with anyone.” 

Michael told Andrea he agreed with people celebrating wedding anniversaries and Valentine’s Day, but said it was like saying “well done, we got through another year without a judge involved”.  

He also said people should consider the costs of excess celebrations.  

He said, “The thing is, we’re in a recession, and you’re expecting people to celebrate everything.” 

You can listen back here: