Crime has for many years been a major social problem despite the great and daily efforts of both authorities and organizations. It has created great insecurity in society, where violence is both heard and seen on the streets. Fighting crime is a major challenge because it is often introduced at an early age, a time when individuals are often searching for their identity. It has been shown that many children choose to commit criminal acts but it is only a group of individuals who actually choose a career based on crime. The study examines reasons why young people choose to commit criminal acts and why individuals choose a career based on crime. The study is based on previous research and interviews with an authority and a lifestyle criminal. Based on previous research and the results from the interviews, it is emphasized that growing up is a major factor in why young people commit criminal acts. With the help of theories such as stigmatization, the learning theory and Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime, an interpretation of the interviewees' answers has been connected with the previous research.