A Parent’s Wake-Up Call

When Stella’s 16-year-old son told her he wanted to become a “professional gamer,” she smiled—until she realized he wasn’t joking. He was serious. Passionate, even. But was it realistic? Was it sustainable? What did a “career in gaming” even look like? Stella didn’t want to crush his dreams. But like many parents, she felt stuck between supporting his interests and wanting the best for his future. The truth is, moments like these are exactly why career guidance matters—and why it must start earlier than most of us think.

Why Career Guidance Should Start Early

“You can’t build a strong future on uncertain direction.”

Career guidance isn’t about pushing kids into a box—it’s about helping them understand:

• Who they are
• What they’re good at
• And what’s out there beyond what they see on social media

When kids start learning about their strengths, interests, and the world of work before making big decisions (like picking a career choice), they gain clarity, confidence, and direction.

What Happens Without Guidance?

Too often, teens:

• Choose careers based on trends, not fit
• Pick college majors they later regret
• Feel lost or anxious about the future

According to research, 1 in 3 students change majors at least once, and many never fully understand their career options.

What Happens With Guidance?

With the right support, kids:

• Discover their strengths and passions early
• Understand modern careers, from data science to artificial intelligence
• Make smarter decisions about education and training
• Feel empowered, not overwhelmed, by their future

“When kids know who they are, they make choices that align with their potential.”

How Parents Can Make the Difference

Parents are the first—and often most influential—career coaches. Here’s how you can start:

1. Ask your child what problems they want to solve in the world
2. Expose them to different fields (STEM, creative, entrepreneurship)
3. Encourage self-discovery through career assessments and guided conversations
4. Enroll them in future-readiness programs like FutureWise Lab’s career guidance course “Start Your Career Journey“

Final Thought

Your child doesn’t need to have it all figured out at 10 or 16—but they do need someone to help them ask better questions and see what’s possible.

Because career clarity isn’t about choosing a job—it’s about building a future they’ll be proud of.