Influencing our Children's Careers by Setting an Example

Good Morning!
I had the pleasure and opportunity to present closing remarks to parents of girls attending the 5th Annual Expand Your Horizons conference this weekend at University of San Diego. The conference is for middle and high school girls and offers hands-on explorations in science, engineering, math and technology designed to spark curiosity and interest in the sciences.

In the parents’ closing session, I described today’s workplace with the latest statistics and trends and how quickly it’s all changing. I recommended steps they take with their daughters to prepare for it. As you might guess, Step #1 is helping her find out who she is and where her talents and strengths lie so she can build a career she’ll be successful and deeply satisfied with. I also emphasized the importance of having goals and writing them down and taking action steps toward achieving them.

The next topic I broached was about setting an example with their own careers. I asked if they were in the 6% who “love” their jobs, or the 50%+ who “hate” their jobs; if they dread Monday mornings and say so; and what their other thoughts and behaviors about work tell their daughters. By managing their own careers and making it into something they are proud of and find meaningful, they in turn improve their overall lives and share something wonderful with their kids.

How about you? What are you telling and showing the young people in your life about the work world? Non-verbal messages can speak volumes. It’s never too late to make a not-so-great situation better. Here are some suggestions I offered this group of parents:
Evaluate your own career – does it match your strengths, values, goals? Is it time for an adjustment or even a transition to something else?
Be adaptable to change – stay current with classes, cross-training, become a mentor or find one for yourself, and reading. The only constant in life is change!
Activate your network – become well-rounded with other interests and activities, and build relationships with people outside of your workplace. When you need fresh ideas and referrals, these people are there to help.
Assess Life-Work balance – are you using your vacation time? Leaving work at work so you’re fully with your family and enjoying them during off-hours?

By planning and making conscious decisions, you can have the life you want and one you’re proud to share with your children. Help them move confidently in the direction of their dreams by taking steps to do this for yourself!

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
-- Henry David Thoreau

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