Many of us are starting this year on a bit of a bumpy note. Having lived in Los Angeles for almost 30 years, I feel deeply connected to the tragedy of the fires there. Scores of others are also still recovering from other weather-related and other setbacks. However, we can always begin anew—a good principle to apply to life. This perspective aligns with a ‘growth mindset,’ which suggests that when faced with challenges, we have the option to recognize our resistance and learn from the experience, or we can remain stuck in our feelings of ‘no’ and resistance. Grieving and feeling sadness are non-negotiable; I believe in experiencing our emotions fully, and self-compassion is an essential companion throughout.

In September, I underwent rotator cuff surgery, which left me sidelined for months. I had slipped on some water at my yoga studio, where I had been a regular for years, and my shoulder bore the brunt of the fall. After trying to heal on my own for months, an MRI revealed a severe tear. Now, five months later, I’m back at the gym, and playing tennis and pickleball with friends—activities that have kept me balanced and happy for years. I plan to resume yoga soon. I mention this because I was inexperienced in dealing with injury. In the weeks after surgery, while managing pain with medication and ice, I couldn’t envision returning to my previous level of activity. I initially wallowed in the loss of my active life. As a very self-sufficient person, I couldn’t drive or even shower independently for weeks.

However, I followed my physical therapist’s advice and eased into this challenging period in my life, ultimately emerging whole. This process reflects what many of us go through in various forms when faced with loss, life changes, or unexpected shifts. Life often does not go according to plan, especially when we are unclear about what we want to achieve!

Lately, I’ve read numerous articles about Generation Z and the struggles they face in life and their careers. In my work with many individuals in their mid-20s to mid-30s, I see firsthand the difficulties they encounter in the job market and the increasingly expensive world they must navigate. I realize that many experience challenges finding work, particularly when they aren’t sure what they want to do. As I work with clients, we clarify their interests, expectations, and goals—all of which are foundational to making progress. Sometimes, there is resistance to taking necessary actions, but remaining in that resistance is a conscious choice. I am here to help them move beyond that resistance.

In response to the challenges many young people face, I’ve compiled a list of action items to keep in mind. This guide is intended for parents and young adults to set up a successful transition into careers after high school and college. You might not need this, but hopefully, you know someone who will find it helpful. Please feel free to share.

Setting Your Kid (or Yourself) Up for a Good Career Launch

1. Informational Interviews: While in high school or college, encourage your child to connect with professionals who can discuss their careers. This is known as an informational interview. Based on your child’s potential interests, set up brief meetings with adults who can provide insights on how they began their careers, what they enjoy or dislike about their work, and share useful resources. This approach can provide clarity and a sense of realism regarding career options.

2. Internships: During college or even high school, participate in or create an internship each summer or during the school year. Gaining exposure to various workplaces and building a resume of work experience is invaluable. Aim for positions that offer office experience, as this will help your child become familiar with daily workplace dynamics. Even if the work isn’t particularly exciting, the exposure is good for understanding what others do in a professional setting and can help establish connections for future networking. For example, I discovered in my first job that I struggled with phone systems and office equipment, which guided me toward exploring other career paths.

3. Gap Year Skills Development: If taking a gap year, it’s crucial to develop skills that can translate into valuable experience later on.

4. Technical Skills Classes: If not engaged in an internship over the summer, plan to take an intensive class or two to acquire technical skills not typically covered in college. I have encountered too many recent graduates who earn their degrees without learning essential workplace skills, such as data analytics, which are crucial for many entry-level positions. Gaining proficiency in tools like AI, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Suite, SQL, R, Python, and data science can give candidates an added advantage.

5. On-Campus Recruitment: Utilize the senior year to engage in on-campus recruitment opportunities, ensuring you maximize your potential for securing a job post-graduation. Even if you don’t score a job this way, you can attend informational sessions and meet alumni and others at events to follow up with. 

6. Other Options are Possible!

If ‘regular’ office jobs aren’t appealing and you or your child enjoys learning by doing and being outside of an office, consider exploring technical or skilled trades. Careers such as firefighting, radiological technology, dental hygiene, landscaping, construction, plumbing, and electrical work are worth considering. Training programs are available, providing pathways to advance into lucrative careers.

• If graduate school is on the horizon, do some early research to understand the admission requirements. If specific work experience is necessary, you’ll want to start on that as soon as possible.

An Important Note on The New Normal of Coming Home:

Many parents support their kids after graduation by having them move home or live with friends while they figure things out. This can be incredibly helpful! However, it’s important to clarify upfront what everyone agrees to in this arrangement. Understanding what ‘strings are attached’ to your support will benefit everyone involved. If your child isn’t paying rent to save for the future, ensure they are truly saving! This is not the time to spend money on dinners out or expensive luxury items and services. It’s a time to develop budgeting and financial literacy skills will help them successfully transition into an independent life. Prolonged periods at home or living with friends while being fully supported but without achieving personal career goals can lead to lower self-esteem and depression. I’ve seen it happen before. Set clear expectations from the start, and adhere to them, will be beneficial for everyone.

The 20s can be challenging for most people. 

Regardless of appearances, many (most) twenty-somethings are trying to discover their identities, define what they truly want, and learn how to live independently. Life shifts in your 30s and beyond as you gain a deeper understanding of life and yourself, develop new skills and build more connections. Don’t let fears from your 20s prevent you from seizing new opportunities and developing interesting skills. And know that people make new career choices and changes throughout life as new ideas, technologies, and life situations change. Lifelong learning makes life interesting and full of opportunity to thrive!

By following these steps, young adults can more effectively navigate their career launches and achieve their professional goals.  The bumps are part of the process. Expect them!