Talking to Your Parents about Your Career Plan
Like most young people, you probably spend a fair amount of time thinking about what you want to do with your life. You may have considered post-secondary options or looked into work ideas that interest you.
At some point you will want to discuss these plans with your parents. That’s not always easy. Your ideas and their ideas may not be the same. But you may need your parents to help with costs, whether you live at home or away. You also know your parents will have questions, and they will expect you to have answers.
Prepare for the conversation
You don’t need a final career plan to start talking about it with your parents. They want to know what you are thinking about doing after high school. It makes sense to prepare for the conversation and think about the best way to talk to your parents about your ideas.
Here are some suggestions for a positive conversation:
- Suggest a convenient time and a comfortable place where you and your parents can talk privately.
- Plan what you want to say. Think about what your parents may say and ask. Be ready to answer their questions and don’t be surprised if many of their questions are the same as your own.
- Think about your parents and their career plans. What did they want to be when they were your age? Are they happy with their choices? Your parents will be thinking about their own experiences when you have your conversation, so be prepared for those memories to shape their response.
- Don’t expect your parents to make a commitment to supporting your career plan right now. Give them time if they need it.
You also need to think about your options if your parents can’t or don’t support your career choice. Researching your career and educational goals may mean thinking about alternatives and accessing different types of student funding.
Work on your career plan
Before you talk with your parents, do some work on your career plan. Ask yourself questions like the following:
- Is this really what I want to do?
- How did I decide on this career?
- Will I be happy with this career?
Find out what kind of work matches your interests and priorities. If you haven’t done so, start by checking out CAREERinsite. You can register to follow an interactive guide through the 4 essential steps of career planning:
- know yourself
- explore options
- get ready
- take action
If you want your parents to know you are serious about your career plans, you will need to be confident that you have a good understanding of how your skills, interests and abilities align with the opportunities in the world of work and in your preferred occupation.
Understand your job options
The nature of work is changing. In your career, you will probably have many different jobs—and maybe different occupations as well. That may not be true for your parents.
Think in terms of related occupations that need the skill sets you want to develop. Remember, if you are qualified for a variety of different occupations, you will be less affected by potential job shortages or by choosing an occupation that becomes obsolete.
Ask yourself questions like the following:
- What job can I get once I graduate?
- If I can’t get that job, are there alternative jobs I’d be qualified for?
- What do those jobs pay?
Understanding your job options can help you answer questions like those. Visit OCCinfo to research more than 550 occupations in our province. Each occupation profile includes information on the employment outlook, average wages and personal characteristics required for the occupation. Be sure to note the occupation’s educational requirements.
If you are interested in the trades, visit TradeSecrets to learn about Alberta’s designated trades and occupations. Each trade profile includes information on the trade’s duties, working conditions, training requirements, required skills and abilities, average wages, and much more.
Learn more about whatever choice you make by job shadowing someone who has already done the job, or setting up an information interview. Talk to people who have done the job you are interested in for first-hand information about what it’s really like.
Know your education options
Chances are you will need some form of education or training to reach your career goals. Before talking with your parents, know what your education options are.
Ask yourself questions like the following:
- What education program do I need to achieve my career goals?
- What post-secondary schools offer the program I need?
- Where do I want to go to school?
- What will my education or training cost?
- How can I help pay for it?
Here are some resources that can help you answer those questions:
- Visit OCCinfo to explore Alberta’s post-secondary programs and schools. You can find information on admission requirements, tuition, the credential you will earn and much more. Check out each institution’s website to find out more.
- Figure out a budget so you know what your education will cost.
- Be ready to share a plan of what you can do to help pay for your education.
- Investigate other possible sources of funding that you may be able to access.
Ready to talk
Following the suggestions in this article will make it easier to talk with your parents about your career plan. By demonstrating that you understand the career choice you’re making, you’ll be able to have a more constructive conversation. You are giving them a lot to think about and your parents may or may not be as enthusiastic as you are about your career plan, but they will know you’ve done your homework and come to them prepared.
Relevant Tips (alis.alberta.ca/tips)
- Career Coaching Your Teens: Exploring Possibilities
- Career Planning – An Overview
- Communicating With Confidence
- Financing Your Education
- Let Your Dreams Shape Your Career
Additional Reading (alis.alberta.ca/publications)
- Money 101: Budgeting Basics for Further Education
- My Choices, My Work, My Life
- This is Your Life
Additional Information