How To Help Your Child Find A 21st Century Career
So you have a child who’s about to graduate from high school. Congratulations! They're on the brink of adulthood. And with adulthood, comes the question of what they want to do with their lives. It's a daunting task, especially if you didn't have them in mind.
There are many obstacles for your child to overcome before securing an interesting and enjoyable career. First, your child may not be the best at academics. It doesn't matter though — there are plenty of industries that make use of those who excel in certain subjects instead of those who don’t. Second, they might not know what field they want to pursue yet. Maybe they want to try a few things before deciding on one that fits.
Third, your child may be too lazy to find a job. This isn't good, but it's understandable. Their minds are still young and saturated with all the mindless garbage that our society feeds them — ‘Playstation’ and ‘Facebook’ come to mind.
Finally, your child may be confined within the walls of the traditional working environment; this means going to work at 9, returning home at 5 and working weekends. Not anymore! The age of cubicle farms has passed.
The 21st Century workplace is more flexible and free. Gone are the days of employees sitting behind tiny desk space all day. Instead, employees work in a much more comfortable atmosphere; perhaps by the beach, at a cafe in town or even in their bedroom — where they can be home with their family every night. It’s not an uncommon future thanks to technology.
So how do you help your child find such a career? It’s possible if you understand what kind of job they want and then show them the ropes! Look into some college-level courses in business, communications and computers. They may learn these skills while they're in high school; if they don't, they can still find a job through their skills. If they find a passion for computers, there are many jobs that pay well and provide plenty of free time!
There's also the possibility of getting a part-time job to help them get started. Or even a full-time job that allows them to start at the bottom and work their way up! It's up to you and your child what kind of career path you want for them, but remember — careers don't have to be boring!
Now more than ever, our children need guidance. They need jobs that are beneficial not only to them but to their family as well. If you're looking for a career for your child, treat them like a person instead of an object. They want to be seen and feel valued — be their guide.
It’s your job to keep them safe and provide them with the best possible care. Does that mean they have to work in the traditional working environment? For most people, they can’t afford it! But then again, who has the money when their parents are dealing with medical bills? That's why you should consider becoming a ‘nanny-business owner’ instead — even if it means finding another way to make money! The key is that it’s flexible enough for when your child needs it most.
You need to do your research to understand what kind of career will work best for them and then show them the ropes! This is extremely important because if you don’t, your child could end up one of those people who hates their job but can’t find another because they have no idea how to change their situation. It’s not an easy path, but if you push for it, you'll be rewarded in the end. You will find a way.
Yes, it will take time and effort on your part, but it’s well worth your time. To help you out as you go, there are many options. There are websites like CareertoolMaker that can help you create a unique and polished CV for your child to show prospective employers. In fact, if you have a child with a disability, there's even more support to show them the ropes!
Another helpful website is DiverseCareers; this site offers ‘career advice for students with learning disabilities’ and helps those who understand how important these jobs are. If you're struggling to find something your child will enjoy, this is the perfect place!
Of course, there are many other websites that can help you. Search around and pick one that suits your needs. When creating a resume, remember to keep it short and crisp; they don’t have time to read long documents! Most people say that resume shouldn't be longer than a page; keep that in mind.
What areas do you hope your child will work in? Let us know in the comments below!
Ahmad Aly Rizvi is an Islamic activist, author and filmmaker best known for his ground-breaking documentary "Islam: A Religion of Peace.” He has given lectures at universities, conferences and Islamic centers throughout the world. Rizvi is also the founder of Qisas, an Islamic legal consultancy that specializes in Sharia litigation and arbitration. He co-wrote and co-directed a feature-length film about Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl shot in the head by the Taliban for speaking out against them. Rizvi was born in Birmingham to parents from Pakistan; his father is an Imam who runs a mosque in Michigan.
Aly is currently working on another documentary titled “A Critical Look at Extremism: The Truth About ISIS,” which will explore what led to the creation of ISIS. The film will proceed to show that ISIS is not the "Islamic State" that Muslims claim it to be and that it does not represent Islam or the majority of Muslims. Aly is scheduled to premiere the film at the United Nations on December 2, 2016.
You can connect with Rizvi on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
*Image used under Creative Commons from Emmanuel Suliman's photostream on Instagram.
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Conclusion: Now more than ever, our children need guidance. They need jobs that are beneficial not only to them but to their family as well. If you're looking for a career for your child, treat them like a person instead of an object. They want to be seen and feel valued — be their guide.
It’s your job to keep them safe and provide them with the best possible care.