In partnership with

Your kid shrugs when you ask what they want to do after high school—and goes back to scrolling.

You’re stuck between wanting them to dream big… and worrying they might dismiss real, valuable jobs all around them.

Here’s a stat that might surprise both of you: more people work at Walmart than in all U.S. auto factories combined (Harvard Business Review, 2025).

That’s not a downgrade. It’s a signal.

🌱 This is Future-Ready Parents—where we turn parenting worries into small, practical wins that build confident, tech-savvy kids (and calm, capable parents).

🔎 WHAT TO EXPECT TODAY

Today you’ll get a 3-question guide to help your teen rethink what “a good job” really means—beyond titles or degrees. Less pressure, more clarity.

💡 WHY THIS MATTERS

It’s easy to default to the college path. A degree, a desk, a steady paycheck. That’s the script many of us grew up with.

But what if your kid doesn’t see themselves living and working in that kind of world? Or, what if they think any job without a fancy title isn’t worth doing?

Is that actually a “bad” thing?

Well, let’s take a look at what’s actually growing in numbers: care jobs, food work, repair roles.

Basically, we can summarize that up like this—Human work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, four of the top five fastest-growing jobs through 2033 require flexibility, empathy, and presence—things robots can’t replicate.

And when these jobs are structured well, they aren’t dead ends. Companies like QuikTrip offer six-figure store manager roles. Costco’s average hourly pay tops many manufacturing jobs.

Still, if teens can’t see dignity in this kind of work, they’re left with two choices: chase prestige that doesn’t fit, or feel lost.

The questions below might help shift that mindset.

🛠 THE TOOL: THE DIGNITY-FIRST CAREER CONVERSATION

These aren’t trick questions. They’re conversation starters. Use them during a drive, over dinner, or while unloading groceries. You’re not trying to “solve” anything. Just open the door.

(Works well for ages 12–18)

1. “What’s a job you’ve seen someone do really well?”
→ It could be a bus driver, a cafeteria worker, or a mechanic. This helps them notice effort, not status.

2. “What would make you feel respected at work—besides money?”
→ Think tone of voice, flexibility, autonomy. Kids may never have been asked this before. Let them think it through.

3. “What kind of work feels useful or meaningful to you?”
→ Some teens want to help people. Some like solving problems. Some just want structure and predictability. All valid.

Try answering one yourself.
You could say: “When I stocked shelves at 17, I didn’t love it—but I did love being good at it. I got fast. I figured out the system. It mattered.”

Keep in mind, these conversations don’t lock in a career path. They help your teen build a compass. One that points to respect, not just resume one-liners.

Stay up-to-date with AI

The Rundown is the most trusted AI newsletter in the world, with 1,000,000+ readers and exclusive interviews with AI leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Demis Hassibis, Mustafa Suleyman, and more.

Their expert research team spends all day learning what’s new in AI and talking with industry experts, then distills the most important developments into one free email every morning.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.

BEFORE YOU GO…

Career talk doesn’t have to mean pressure, plans, or panic. It can just be the start of seeing work differently—and helping your kid do the same.

Until next time,
James Brauer
Founder, Future-Ready Parents