The honeymoon must be over. Within the last few days, I’ve had three parents contact me regarding their beautiful children. All three of these children come from middle-class families (maybe even upper-middle class) and have recently graduated from college. The kids are having the time of their lives this summer, even if they aren’t working in their field of study. So what’s the problem?
Their parents are concerned that their children are doing little if anything to look for work. I can’t say I blame their parents for worrying. Summer quickly turns into Fall. At least it does here in New England. It’s been nice having the kids home, but it looks like some of them are already wearing out their welcome. In an economy where jobs are tight, it’s unlikely that doing little will result in job offers rolling in the door. So what’s a parent to do?
Be firm – Establish a date that you will no longer provide financial support to your child. If history repeats itself, (and this did work in the seventies) you will be amazed how quickly your child jumps off the couch as the date nears.
Get off their backs – Nagging didn’t work when they were little and it won’t work now. Trust me when I tell you that they will be motivated when they either don’t have a place to stay, run out of money or watch their friends move on with their lives, while they still live in the bedroom they grew up in.
Lend a hand – Most likely you are not an expert in job searching in the new economy. If you can still remember typing out individual cover letters and putting postage on the envelopes that contained your resume then it’s time to bring in the experts.
You have two choices. Contact the alumni placement office at your child’s former school (better yet, let them call) and inquire about the types of services that are available to your child. Or give your child a departing gift. One that will last them a lifetime. Hire a Job Search Mentor or Coach to move them along in their search. Think it’s too much money? Run the numbers. Food, laundry, new couch, rent etc. This will be the best gift you give yourself. The gift of peace of mind.
