Helping Your Teen Figure Out Their Future (Without the Pressure)

Across the world, surveys show most teens cluster around the same few careers. In an OECD study of 79 countries, nearly half of students expected to work in one of just 10 jobs, usually doctor, lawyer, engineer, teacher, athlete, or something in media.

In Canada, the trend is similar. Most high schoolers picture themselves going to university and pursuing traditional professional roles, while fewer consider trades or newer career paths. Yet, by age 25, over a third of young adults have changed their career expectations, and many are still undecided.

This shows two important truths:

1. Teens usually pick a career path from what they see and know.

2. It’s normal for those choices to shift, sometimes dramatically, as they get more exposure.

Practical Ways to Help Your Teen Explore

1. Turn Volunteer Hours Into Career Experiments

Most Canadian teens need to complete 40 hours of community service to graduate. Instead of treating this as a box to check, frame it as a career lab:

• Connect the hours to skills or industries your teen is curious about.

• Advocate for roles that let them contribute meaningfully, not just file papers.

• After each experience, ask: What did you enjoy? What drained you? Would you want to do this again?

By the end, you’ll have valuable insights into what might (or might not) spark their future.

2. Encourage Entrepreneurship

Many local business centres offer student entrepreneurship programs in the summer. Even a small business, like reselling, lawn care, or digital design, can help teens build confidence and adaptability.

• At the end of the summer, reflect together: What came naturally? What was challenging?

• The lessons often matter more than the money earned.

3. Set Up Job Shadowing or Career Chats

Sometimes, a 15-minute conversation with a professional is more eye-opening than a year of school.

• Help your teen brainstorm people they could reach out to (friends, relatives, local business owners).

• Draft a few questions: What’s a day like in your role? What’s your favorite part of the job? What skills matter most?

• Emphasize this isn’t about landing a job, it’s about learning what’s possible.

4. Work With a Career Consultant or Try Assessments

Career consultants can guide teens with activities and assessments that uncover their strengths and values. One of my favorite tools is the Challenge Cards by Spark Path. Instead of asking, “What job do you want?” they ask, “What problem do you want to solve?”

This approach keeps teens adaptable. Jobs change and technology evolves, but learning to connect their skills to challenges will always matter.

Releasing the Pressure

Here’s the biggest mindset shift for both parents and teens: they don’t need to choose a career for life. They just need to choose their next step.

Adaptability is one of the most important skills your teen can develop. Exposure, reflection, and trying different things will prepare them far more than locking in a single career path at 16.

As parents, our role is to provide opportunities, ask thoughtful questions, and remind them that it’s okay not to have it all figured out. Career exploration is not about perfection, it’s about curiosity, courage, and growth.

Final thought: Instead of asking your teen “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, try asking, “What do you want to try next?”