StOP TELLING YOUR TEEN TO PICK A CAREER
We've all done it.
If you have ever had a teenager in your home, you undoubtedly asked them a version of this question.
What do you want to do with your life?
It doesn't matter if it is those exact words — but I guarantee you have talked with them about their future plans.
By the time a teenager is in high school, it's a topic they're asked — A LOT.
It is also one of their least favorite questions ever.
Some teens have an idea or even a detailed plan. Of course, that's a good thing, but many make up an answer to get adults to stop asking. The cooler it sounds, the better.
So what are we supposed to do? Hope it all works out??
Absolutely NOT.
Our role as adults IS to help direct our teen choices for their future. We just need to change our approach.
Here are three simple ways to better help.
First, abandon that question — forever.
Instead of asking what THEY want to do, try bringing up questions that make life less about them. God did not put us here on earth to fulfill our wants and desires. We all were created for a greater purpose to love and serve others.
Try questions that are more like this;
How can you use your gifts & abilities for the good of others?
How can you contribute to the needs of this world?
Second, help them focus on building value now.
Sometimes, we focus too much on the future. Help students see that they should practice opportunities to build characteristics NOW that add value such as hard work, soft skills, and selflessness to any career.
Third, encourage more experiences.
Talking about options is okay, but our approach is often backward. As adults, we have context regarding the different types of work available - they don't. Encourage getting a wide variety of experiences first. Direct them to get a job, try an internship, volunteer, build with their hands, or serve in different environments.
It may not answer what they should do, but it will better serve them in their journey.
Teenagers can find clarity in their path when we direct their thinking to contemplate the right questions, focus on building value, and acquire insightful experience.
If you are interested in a learning about an impactful method to help guide your teen in these ways, check out Made4More’s marketplace internships and how they instill a faith-driven purpose for their life.
Jordan Mayer
Founder
If you have ever had a teenager in your home, you undoubtedly asked them a version of this question.
What do you want to do with your life?
It doesn't matter if it is those exact words — but I guarantee you have talked with them about their future plans.
By the time a teenager is in high school, it's a topic they're asked — A LOT.
It is also one of their least favorite questions ever.
Some teens have an idea or even a detailed plan. Of course, that's a good thing, but many make up an answer to get adults to stop asking. The cooler it sounds, the better.
So what are we supposed to do? Hope it all works out??
Absolutely NOT.
Our role as adults IS to help direct our teen choices for their future. We just need to change our approach.
Here are three simple ways to better help.
First, abandon that question — forever.
Instead of asking what THEY want to do, try bringing up questions that make life less about them. God did not put us here on earth to fulfill our wants and desires. We all were created for a greater purpose to love and serve others.
Try questions that are more like this;
How can you use your gifts & abilities for the good of others?
How can you contribute to the needs of this world?
Second, help them focus on building value now.
Sometimes, we focus too much on the future. Help students see that they should practice opportunities to build characteristics NOW that add value such as hard work, soft skills, and selflessness to any career.
Third, encourage more experiences.
Talking about options is okay, but our approach is often backward. As adults, we have context regarding the different types of work available - they don't. Encourage getting a wide variety of experiences first. Direct them to get a job, try an internship, volunteer, build with their hands, or serve in different environments.
It may not answer what they should do, but it will better serve them in their journey.
Teenagers can find clarity in their path when we direct their thinking to contemplate the right questions, focus on building value, and acquire insightful experience.
If you are interested in a learning about an impactful method to help guide your teen in these ways, check out Made4More’s marketplace internships and how they instill a faith-driven purpose for their life.
Jordan Mayer
Founder