“Mom, Dad… I don’t know what I want to do with my life.”
Those words hit like a ton of bricks.
Your son or daughter is standing at the edge of adulthood, staring at a road with too many choices—and none of them feel quite right.
You want to help. You want to steer them toward a stable, fulfilling future. But how?
For years, society has drummed one message into our heads: Go to college, or you’ll struggle in life.
But what if that’s not the right path for your child?
The Hidden Crisis: Why So Many Young Adults Feel Lost
Let’s talk about what’s really happening.
đź“Ś Over 40% of college students drop out before completing their degree. Many leave with thousands in debt and no clear direction.
📌 One-third of college grads end up in jobs that don’t even require a degree. They’re working retail, food service, or low-wage office jobs, wondering why they spent four years in school.
📌 Meanwhile, the skilled trades are in desperate need of workers. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, welders—these jobs pay exceptionally well, offer long-term security, and allow people to build a career without drowning in debt.
And yet… most young people aren’t even considering this option.
Why?
Because no one is talking to them about it.
Meet Jake: A Story Every Parent Should Hear
Jake was a bright kid. He got decent grades, enjoyed working with his hands, and had no interest in sitting in a classroom for four more years.
But when senior year rolled around, the pressure hit hard.
“You have to go to college, Jake. It’s the only way to make a good living.”
That’s what his teachers told him. His guidance counselor. Even some of his friends.
Feeling like he had no choice, Jake enrolled in a four-year program, racked up $28,000 in student debt, and dropped out halfway through because it wasn’t for him.
That’s when he stumbled across an HVAC apprenticeship program. In two years, he was making $75,000 a year—more than some of his friends with degrees. By 25, he bought his first home.
Jake’s story isn’t unique.
Thousands of young adults are pushed into a system that doesn’t fit them, while high-paying, in-demand careers in the trades sit wide open.
How to Have “The Talk” With Your Son or Daughter
If your child is struggling with career decisions, here’s how you can help them make an informed choice—without pressure or guilt.
1. Start with Their Goals, Not Just Their Education
Instead of asking, “Where do you want to go to college?” ask:
✅ “What kind of life do you want to build?”
✅ “Do you want to work with your hands or in an office?”
✅ “Do you want a career with stability and high earning potential?”
Reframing the conversation opens up possibilities they may not have considered.
2. Bust the Myths About Skilled Trades
Many parents still believe outdated myths like:
❌ Trade jobs don’t pay well → False. Many skilled trades professionals earn $80K+ within a few years, with zero college debt.
❌ It’s just a backup plan → Wrong. The trades offer stable, respected careers with opportunities to start businesses and grow into leadership roles.
❌ You can’t make six figures → Not true. Master electricians, welders, and HVAC techs can easily earn six figures—and some business owners in the trades make even more.
3. Encourage Hands-On Experience
If your child is on the fence, help them explore by:
🔹 Visiting local trade schools and apprenticeship programs
🔹 Arranging job shadowing with a skilled professional
🔹 Watching real-life success stories of tradespeople thriving in their careers
Sometimes, seeing is believing.
The Future is Wide Open—Help Them See It
Your child deserves a future that excites them. A career that fits them. A path that leads to success—without unnecessary debt or regret.
If college is the right choice, great. But if it’s not, the skilled trades offer a real, respected, and high-paying alternative.
The key is to give them all the options—then support them in choosing the best one for them.
💬 Want more guidance? Join our online community where parents and trades professionals share their experiences. Let’s help the next generation build a future they love. CLICK HERE
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