My grand daughter Mary and I talked about her future today, she is at a crossroads. She doesn’t know if she should go to school or get a job. During high school she took cosmetology. At first Mary was pleased with it but eventually she didn’t feel a passion for what she was doing, and she knew it was time to move on. She is now forced to reconsider her options and evaluate her life. We talked more about cosmetology and she knows it’s always there to fall back on if needed.

I asked Mary what felt better, the thought of going to school or getting a job and beginning a career. Whichever she chooses she has to look into her heart and try to feel what will motivate her to get up in the morning and follow the same routine every single day. I speak to so many people today who despise their jobs. It’s a jail that they go to every day of their lives suggesting your job or career decisions will impact your happiness and your future. So as we continued probing I asked her not to move quickly, think about what you want, be honest and true to you and even if it takes a few times don’t give up, and don’t be discouraged. Mary is young and will never know what career will be fulfilling unless she tries. As Mary and I continued to talk, I assured her that she had the support of our family to run thoughts by and our experience to ask questions and get opinions from. It’s important to get it right and because we are a diverse family there are opportunities she can draw from. She has a lot of choices she can choose from. We’re here as a family to help her find her true path and assist her as she makes choices.

What Mary is going through is not unique to most of us. We choose a profession so that we are able to earn a living, which allows us to acquire and experience all the things life has to offer. Rarely do people think about planning an occupation. Sometimes they get their jobs by accident and their working where there is no passion at all. So take time to see what motivates and inspires your child and see how it relates to something they can do. Whether it’s writing, where you might consider journalism; drama, where you might think about becoming an actor; or you may enjoy numbers and you may want to become an accountant. It doesn’t matter because you can do whatever you want, its’ your life. What’s sad is when you don’t take the time to see what really motivates you and your career is less then satisfying. I know there’s help for students while going to school. Counselors can help them learn what’s out there in the fields they show interest or excel in during school. Meet with the counselors yourself and ask them what you can do to help your children.

Observe your child’s hobbies. They may like looking at the stars. They may be fascinated by the weather or even playing the computer games today, can signify a talent relating to computers. If you see something interesting in your children’s life investigate the feelings they are having and encourage them to learn everything they can about the subject. Suggest this could turn out to be a college major or even something they want to do for a living. If the reaction is positive give they support. Don’t force them or assume this is the job they’ll do forever. Let them know it’s an adventure your there for. Discuss, wander, investigate and see. Otherwise onward and to the next passage, stressing you want to be there to guide and advice them.

They make the choices you bring the opportunities. This is what our family is doing with Mary and it’s been fun. Yes, we’re concerned we get her started in the right direction. So we’re focusing on teaching good habits, honor, being on time, keeping commitments she makes. Recognizing this won’t be easy and many days it isn’t fun. Stressing she are not doing this alone we’re in this together.

Its working Mary is thinking and trying to be cooperative with our suggestions. For us it’s important to remember it’s not our careers…rather hers and so our influence should be support not trying to talk Mary into something we think is best… That’s a difficult when you have a family as opinionated as ours. So as I wish you luck with your children and their futures, I hope we do what’s right for our Mary, giving her choices and direction to a successful career. We’ll keep you posted…its looking good…

3 Responses to “Grandmas talk about grandchildrens careers and their future”

1. jobs on February 5th, 2008 at 1:27 pm

   I know many people who went through many years of school and are working nnormal paying jobs that they dont really enjoy. I also know a few folks that did not graduate from even high school that are making incrdible livings on Wall Street or at high tech companies. I say, simply follow your heart.

2. Kellyanne Davis on February 6th, 2008 at 4:22 pm

   Great advice Dorthothy! Let her take her time and find her nitch.
   What I tell my nieces and nephew is a line out of a song. “No matter what road you choose, I’m right behind you win or lose.

   Kellyanne Davis

3. grammolo on February 6th, 2008 at 8:49 pm

   These are two great responses. I’m so glad it seems like we’re on the right track and we will do this together…hope you will too..wherever you can help…kids finding their way.

   My best….Dorothy