How to Have Empowering, Low-Stress Career Conversations with Your Teen

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For many young people, family conversations about the future can feel more stressful than supportive. But with the right approach, parents can help their children explore strengths, values, and real options—without piling on the pressure.

Why These Conversations Matter

77% of young people in the UK

have said family expectations are a source of stress about their future. (Youth Employment UK, 2023)

Over half of young people

now take non-university routes after 18, yet 40% feel “looked down on” for this choice. (UCAS, 2024; Sutton Trust, 2023)

One in three neurodivergent

young people avoid talking to family about careers, fearing they’ll be pushed into unsuitable paths. (National Autistic Society, 2022)

What really helps isn’t having a perfect plan, but creating a safe space to talk, reflect, and grow.

5 Empowering Questions to Open Up the Conversation

Research shows that open, strengths-focused questions help young people think clearly about work, beyond grades or job titles. Try these:

What do you enjoy doing that makes you lose track of time?

Spotlights natural strengths and interests.

When have you felt proud of something you did—even if it wasn’t about school?

Builds confidence and highlights hidden skills.

What kind of problems do you like solving?

Shifts focus from job titles to real-world skills and preferences.

What does a ‘good day’ look like for you?

Uncovers values and preferred work styles.

If you could try any job for a week, what would you pick and why?

Sparks imagination and reveals genuine interests.

Conversation Do’s & Don’ts (by Age)

At Age 16

Do: Ask about their interests, not just what they’re “good at.” Encourage curiosity and exploration.

Don’t: Push for a single “right” answer or compare them to others.

At Age 18

Do: Focus on values and discuss all possible paths (work, apprenticeships, gap years).

Don’t: Judge choices by salary or status, or assume university is the only option.

At Age 21

Do: Recognise growth, talk about skills and experiences, and encourage networking.

Don’t: Expect a finished plan, careers are rarely linear!

Have Your Say: Parent Poll

Want to help shape better support for families in your area? Take our quick poll below, your feedback will help highlight what matters most to parents right now, and guide the development of future resources.

What’s the hardest part about talking to your child about their future?
Submit My Choice

Myth-Busting: What Really Matters When Having Empowering Career Conversations

You don’t need a degree to get a good job.

More than half of young people now take non-university routes, and most employers value real experience and skills.

Neurodivergent young people can thrive.

When families focus on strengths, interests, and preferred environments, everyone wins.

You don’t have to know it all by 18.

Most people’s careers zig-zag. Changing direction is normal.

Neurodivergent Young People: Career Conversations & Barriers

Top barriers: lack of tailored advice, assumptions about what they “can’t do,” and an over-focus on academic results rather than strengths or interests.

Only 22% of autistic adults

are in any kind of paid employment in the UK.

(ONS, 2023)

70% of neurodivergent young people 

(autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.) report feeling misunderstood or unsupported in traditional career advice settings.

(Ambitious about Autism, 2022)

One in three neurodivergent

say they avoid talking to family about careers because they fear being pushed into unsuitable paths.

(National Autistic Society, 2022)

Neurodivergent youth are more likely to thrive when families and advisors focus on their interests, sensory preferences, and preferred communication styles. This means not just grades or “typical” jobs. Practical, strengths-based questions (like those above) are especially effective for opening up supportive conversations.

Non-University Routes: Stats & Trends

Most young people choosing non-uni routes cite “learning on the job,” “avoiding debt,” and “getting a head start in work” as top reasons.

Top barriers: 40% of non-university-bound youth feel “looked down on” by family or teachers for not pursuing higher education. (Sutton Trust, 2023)

Over 50%

of young people in the UK now choose not to go to university after age 18.

(UCAS, 2024)

Apprenticeships

In 2024, there were over 740,000 active apprenticeships in England alone.

(Gov.uk)

Employability

79% of employers say they value practical experience and skills as much as, or more than, degrees.

(CBI/Pearson, 2024)

Family conversations that validate these routes and explore real-world skills, interests, and local opportunities help young people feel more confident and less judged.

Family Conversations, Pressure, and Career Choices

77% of UK young people (16–24) say family expectations are a source of stress about their future.
1 in 3 young people feel their parents don’t understand modern career options.
Over 60% report that conversations at home focus more on grades and “secure” jobs than on strengths, skills, or interests.

Top career motivations

“Doing something meaningful” and “having a flexible lifestyle” consistently outrank “earning a high salary.”


(inyourroots® survey, 2025; Youth Employment UK)

Open Questions

(vs. “What job do you want?”) help young people clarify values and make more confident choices.


(National Careers Service, 2024)

Positive parental support

 (listening, not judging, focusing on strengths) is linked to higher self-confidence and more proactive career exploration.

(Careers & Enterprise Company, 2022)

Barriers

Most common reasons for feeling discouraged from a career path include:
“I was told it’s not a real job”
“It doesn’t pay well”
“I don’t know how to get started”

Want More Support?

If you’d like more practical tips on having empowering career conversations, printable resources, or links to trusted career advice, keep an eye on our parent support hub, we’ll be adding more parent-friendly guides and tools soon.

Remember: The best thing you can do is listen, stay curious, and celebrate your young person’s unique journey.

SOURCES:

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