Teenage grandson seems somewhat lost as to his future

Two of my grandchildren are at uni and when I ask them what they want to do they really have no idea. One of them graduates next year in commerce and business studies. Still has no idea! The only one who seems to have a clue is my other grandson who is doing a medical degree but he is not sure what to specialise in afterwards, either. They change jobs a lot these days, don’t they ?

all the more reason to do something out of his comfort zone.. it sounds like he has been rather indulged..

Thank you, everyone. Some interesting tales here. My GS has done quite a bit of travelling to different countries with both of his parents and also with some friends (relatives live overseas). Although this is great I do think it might have made him one of those people who does not get excited about much as he has already done such a lot - too much to mention on here. He once wanted to be a sportsman but realised he wasn't good enough which disappointed him. He also realises how difficult self-employment is. He is easily bored and I am so afraid that he will become disillusioned at a young age and would like to be able to instill some enthusiasm into him. On the plus side, he does have a part-time job which brings him in spending money and also is good experience in the world of work. I know we worry about them but most of them end up okay in the end I suppose but worrying is just part of being a grandparent.

My youngest son was in a similar position. He excelled at the A levels he loved, ie Business Studies and Sociology, but didn’t make much effort with History.
He started out at Uni, doing Business Studies, but to be honest he wasn’t totally convinced it was for him and dropped out after only a few months. Then he applied for apprenticeships, he was fortunate and got himself onto an apprenticeship almost immediately, and he’s never looked back. I’ve never seen him so enthusiastic about anything, the feedback from his employer is amazing.
Don’t lose hope, but they don’t all want to go down the same route.

Need suggestions for my g'son, once an A grade Academic, now lost heart with job prospects in Nth Qld.. what to do. Very concerned!!!

One of mine was like this with A levels, I think they find it tough still being at school. I’d just concentrate on him getting through this year and seeing results. Mine didn’t want to go to uni but applied at the last minute and did a foundation year which really boosted their confidence and then absolutely flew through a very difficult degree. Sometimes they surprise you but as everyone says, it’s normal and there are so many different avenues to go down that are completely different to A levels (and generally more fun)

I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do at 18 years of age, who really does? Had a place at Bristol University to study law, but didn't take it up. Eventually worked in mental health, great career.

I too have a much loved grandson who has absolutely no initiative or willingness to try hard despite being in his A level year. His parents are making it clear that sitting around at home will not be an option and he will need to find some form of employment, however lowly. As an adopted child he doesn’t have his father’s intellect or drive but he is a nice, but lazy, young man. I really don’t know what the answer is going to be as any suggestions are met with a tolerant shrug of the shoulders!

As I am also called Catherine I felt I had to give you a suggestion although you have been given a lot already.
As he is still at school he is bound to feel this way and I am sure will sort himself out in the end.
When my two were in their last few years of their junior school I put them on various clubs, like the junior sailing club another one that took them on a Swallow & Amerzon trip for a week etc.
Then when aged 14 they both went on an Outward Bound Course which completely made them think ahead witout any concern etc. Even though you mention your grandson is around 17 yrs of age they do take in people of all ages.

i have two grandsons starting A levels both very different one thinks he is a failure the other is very confident both lovely young men and they do talk to each other, uni isnt for everyone and they are so young to be decideing what they want to do i know how concerned you mist be i just listen dont really give advice sometimes they want to get things off their chest wishing him all the best and you take care x

Some very good ideas here which I will certainly drop into conversation. Thank you, GNetters. I can always rely on good advice on this site.

Apprenticeship? Then he could have his own plumbing (or whatever) business in the future

Sago

pascal30

Has anyone thought of him doing voluntary work abroad? He would be well supervised, living with other young people, doing something useful and learning a lot of new skills whilst he matures a bit more.. I expect all the participants would talk about life choices together.. and he could have a fantastic experience..

Our son said university wasn’t for him.
At 18 he went and worked for a charity in India then Central Asia.
He came home and applied to university but an overseas university.
He literally went away a boy and came home a man.
I think travel and good work experience is worth so much.

wonderful Sago.. and I bet he is super compassionate now..

pascal30

Has anyone thought of him doing voluntary work abroad? He would be well supervised, living with other young people, doing something useful and learning a lot of new skills whilst he matures a bit more.. I expect all the participants would talk about life choices together.. and he could have a fantastic experience..

Our son said university wasn’t for him.
At 18 he went and worked for a charity in India then Central Asia.
He came home and applied to university but an overseas university.
He literally went away a boy and came home a man.
I think travel and good work experience is worth so much.

Has anyone thought of him doing voluntary work abroad? He would be well supervised, living with other young people, doing something useful and learning a lot of new skills whilst he matures a bit more.. I expect all the participants would talk about life choices together.. and he could have a fantastic experience..

Would it help to suggest that getting a job in a small business would help him to observe the world of work and the issues around running a business?
One of the best jobs is to work in a pub / small restaurant / cafe. You see all the minutiae of running a business, you hear a lot of what influences people to spend, or not spend money. These jobs are usually fairly easy to come by. It doesn't matter that you might not have an interest in food & drink, it's that they are accessible businesses. The hours also lend themselves to part-time & flexible working.
Good luck!

Being self-employed can be pretty stressful & if you employ people you have a whole other set of hostages to fortune to feel responsible for. My parents were & my husband is, really cos they are/ were in areas where it's the accepted career path, but I've always wanted to be employed & go home at the end of the day & have a seperate life from work.

off not of. sorry.

As in , it make kick start something he might want to start a business in.
Or head of in a different direction entirely.

Advise him to get Careers books out of the library.

If he has any hobbies that he enjoys he could look careers that might hold an element of that hobby.
There is nothing wrong with being self employed and lots of variety.
I wouldn't mention that you don't think he is clever enough to run a business.

Does he have any hobbies? Perhaps something associated with one of them.

I'm still trying to decide what to do when I grow up and I'm in my 70's .

No job is guaranteed these days, and I think the idea of writing a list of what interests you is a good way to start. It's surprising how many ideas can spring from one personal interest.

Nowadays people rarely stay on one job for life, maybe not even one profession.
Eg My daughter started in banking( trainee manager) then had a total change and went to university to study law. After some years as a solicitor she became self- employed, with income from various sources.
Her son, in Year 12, is thinking of a degree apprenticeship. He might get one with a firm where he did some work experience.

There are no obvious answers and things can change. Does his school/ college have any careers guidance?

It is normal for a teenager to be unsure his/her future

"My only advice has been to get a job with a big company where there are prospects to move up the ladder. "

There are so many more career opportunities these days than joining your suggestion, luckily

Do you know how hard and cuttthroat is to get promoted? Avoid layoffs? How political it is?