When I work with young people at Child Therapy Telford, particularly those who are in college or in their final year of secondary school, we often discuss their future aspirations. A common theme emerges during these conversations! The sheer variety of options available can be overwhelming for both teenagers and their parents. Additionally, the pressure of expectations may cause teens to feel compelled to make the “perfect” choice, often resulting in increased anxiety.

What did you want to be when you grew up? A superhero? An astronaut? Or perhaps the next big pop star? (being a social media influencer or blogger didn’t even exist back when I was at school) Fast forward a few years, and here we are, with teenagers faced with the monumental task of choosing a career. It’s a bit like being a kid in a sweet shop – except the sweets are potential careers, and the shopkeeper is your bewildered parent.

The Changing Landscape of Careers 👩🏽‍⚕️👨🏽‍🏫👮🏽‍♂️👩🏼‍💼

In the past, career paths were often straightforward. You worked where you lived, and job options were limited to what the local economy could offer. Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has changed dramatically. According to recent statistics, 62% of teenagers in the UK are now considering careers in tech-related fields, while 45% express interest in creative industries (Source: UK Careers Service). This explosion of choice can lead to confusion and, dare I say, a touch of anxiety.

Factors to Consider

So, how can teenagers navigate this confusing maze?

1. Experience Matters: Has your teenager had any work experience? If their time spent in a potential career was enjoyable, they might be onto something. Did they feel like a productive bee buzzing around the office, or more like a tortoise trying to cross a busy road?

2. Academic Choices: Reflect on their previous academic options. Did they choose subjects that sparked joy or just ones that sounded good on paper?
Remember, enjoying a subject like Spanish doesn’t mean they’ll be the next Javier Bardem, but it could lead to exciting opportunities in international relations or travel.

3. Future Academic Options: If your teen needs additional tuition or university fees to pursue their dream job, how will that be funded? Sometimes, an apprenticeship could be a more realistic and rewarding route, especially for hands-on careers.

4. Identifying Strengths: What skills do they excel at? Perhaps they have a knack for organising events or a talent for technology. These strengths can provide clues about suitable career paths.

5. Passions and Interests: What do they enjoy doing? If they spend their time laughing and joking with friends, they might thrive in a collaborative role rather than a solitary one. Are they the one who always takes charge of planning social gatherings? That could indicate strong leadership qualities!

The Importance of Self-Reflection🪞

The best advice for teenagers is to focus on who they are right now rather than fixating on who they want to become. Encourage them to explore their interests and strengths, building a career path that reflects their true selves. After all, if they’re passionate about what they do, work will feel less like a chore and more like an adventure – perhaps even one worthy of a legend!

NLP Strategies for Career Decision-Making

For those grappling with anxiety about their future, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) strategies can be incredibly helpful. Here are a few techniques:

• 👀Visualisation: Encourage them to picture their ideal career. What does a day in that life look like? This can help clarify their goals and reduce anxiety.

• 🖼️Reframing: Teach them to reframe negative thoughts about their abilities. Instead of thinking, “I’ll never get that job,” they can say, “I’m developing the skills I need to succeed.”

• 🥅 Goal Setting: Help them set small, achievable goals related to their career exploration. This can transform the overwhelming process into manageable steps.

Choosing a career is a significant decision that can lead to both excitement and anxiety. With the right support, guidance teenagers can move into this journey with confidence. Remember, it’s all about finding a career that aligns with who they are today, not just who they aspire to be.

If you would like to learn more about Child Therapy Telford and how I help children, teens, and young people understand their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions, please book a 15-minute discovery call here. https://louisa-nlp4kids.youcanbook.me

Child Therapy Telford

📞07966 819194
📧 louisa@nlp4kids.org”

The original version of this article was written by Gemma Bailey, director of www.NLP4Kids.org. It was republished and rebuilt with additional content by Louisa Gauld-Crichton – Child Therapy Telford.