Helping Young Adults Make a Difference

I spent a week with my family over Christmas. One of the things I loved was being able to talk to my cousin's daughter, who I think of as a niece, and my brother's sons. My niece and three nephews are in their early 20s. One nephew is in his 30s and well established with his own business.

The universal theme for the 4 in their early 20s was trying to figure out what kind of careers they wanted. Or, for two who know their area of interest- sustainability- they are trying to figure out the specific job they want in that field and how to get started. It reminded me of how sucky it was being in, or just graduated from college and feeling the pressure of needing to know what you wanted to BE when you grow up, but not having any clear avenues to figure that out.

I know there are some lucky few who know from an early age, exactly what they want to do and they never waiver. I always envied their certainty. But this isn't the case for most kids. I know when I graduated I didn't know. I had a hard enough time trying to figure out my major. I wish someone had told me to not worry about deciding so quickly and to spend time exploring and experimenting so I could discover what I was really interested or passionate about. How can they know what they want, without going out and exploring and experimenting; without scanning possibilities?

I know many kids are influenced by their own or their friends parents. They get the exposure to what they are doing and get interested in it, or decide they want to avoid that field at all costs. My brother was influenced by a neighbor who was a successful developer. I ended up meeting someone by happenstance who was doing something that sounded really interesting- organization development. Even though it was a new field and I knew very little about it or how to get into it, I decided it's what I wanted to do. It took several years and another fortuitous happenstance before a door opened. Before that opening, I felt a lot of pressure, frustration and some despondency.

I wish someone had told me to relax. I wish someone had said you don't have to decide right now. You don't even have enough information. Follow your curiosity. Go explore and experiment. Discover what holds interest and passion for you. I wish someone had told me how to navigate through that uncertainty; how, for example to do informational interviews which I learned on my own after I quit one job cold turkey. It was a very empowering process that put me and potential employers on equal ground.

I have given my niece and nephews the best advice I can. But I wonder, what would others advise? This is not just a rhetorical question. These four young adults are very bright and dedicated people. Their energy, skills and abilities are precious resources, needed for our future. I would hate to see that resource, or their hope and commitment squandered.

So, really, what would you say to a young adult in their 20's, who wants to make a contribution and is trying to learn how to successfully navigate the world of work today? I would really appreciate your comments and will gladly summarize them if I get a plethora of suggestions; which I hope I do.

A beautiful expression of graditude

I hope you all have a warm and joyous holiday.
Please enjoy this beautiful expression of graditude shared by Brother David Steindl-Rast.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zl9puhwiyw