Your teen’s high school days seem to be flying by. And like me, you’re probably wondering, when will they decide what to do after high school? What will they major in?
It can be hard to choose a college major if your teen has no idea what career they want. Yet to pick the right college, choosing a career path is an important step. A recent study found that two-thirds of college students struggle to launch their careers after graduation. The third that were successful knew their major when they applied to college.
Here are four questions to help your teen start thinking about their future now:
- What are you interested in? Your teen shouldn’t rely on what their friends or others want to do. They should focus on what truly interests them – in school, life, and extracurricular activities.
- What talent, skill, or knowledge makes you stand out from others? Do they tutor their friends in math because it comes naturally to them? Have they won awards in high school that could point them toward a possible career?
- What are your dreams and aspirations? What is their dream job? What goals do they have? What kind of life do they want to live? Do they want to own a house? Where do they want to live? Do they want to travel?
- Where do you see yourself in ten years? Yes, it’s a common question in job interviews, but it should really get them thinking. Owning their own business, running for political office, working in a laboratory helping to develop a cure for cancer?
Keep in mind, I don’t advise interrogating your teen with these questions. This will just lead to anxiety, arguing, and pressure for you and your teen. Here are some options:
- Have your teen put these questions in a journal. They can look at the questions daily or weekly and add their answers as ideas come to mind.
- Write the questions on blank pieces of paper and post them in their room. They can draw or write words and phrases to answer the questions.
- Set aside a weekly or monthly lunch or coffee time with your teen to talk about these questions. Take them to their favorite place where they will feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Sometimes our teens feel more comfortable talking about their future with someone other than their parents. Often, they will say what they believe we want to hear. As an alternative, you could ask a relative or family friend to help guide your teen.
If you need a “neutral party” to chat with your teen about their future, schedule a complimentary call with me. I would be happy to help. Click here to choose a time that works best.