Young adults (21-to-35-years) from six rural coastal villages in South India described their past and current careers and means of livelihood; an intergenerational comparison was also made. Sixty-eight young men and women engaged in paid work were interviewed; supplementary data was obtained about 224 young adults co-residing with the 68 interviewed participants. The careers and livelihoods of these young adults were marked by intersectionality of rural community, geography and gender. The geography of a coastal region privileged men in having coastal/marine careers whereas many women played supportive roles in their spouse's/brother's coastal livelihood. The fewer women engaged in paid work were employed in education, banking/finance, and nursing sectors. Implications for career guidance programmes for the rural population are discussed.