Equip your teen for the future! Julia Jinks shares how career exploration builds clarity, confidence, and real-world skills in high school.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

How do you help your teen discover a career path that actually fits who they are—and saves them years of wasted time and money? In this episode, I sit down with Julia Jinks to talk about the power of intentional career exploration during the high school years.

Julia shares why one short meeting with a career counselor can’t compare to a semester-long class that gives teens the tools, resources, and space to dig into their strengths, interests, and values. We discuss:

✅ Why most students can only name a handful of jobs—and how that limits their options ✅ Using tools like Myers-Briggs and the Holland Code to uncover hidden strengths and career matches ✅ Helping teens think about lifestyle goals alongside career choices ✅ Preparing students for jobs that don’t even exist yet (hello, 4th Industrial Revolution!) ✅ The value of job shadowing, informational interviews, and digital portfolios ✅ How entrepreneurship, emerging economies, and soft skills all play into future readiness

Julia also walks us through how her class equips teens with real-world skills—like resume writing, professional interviews, and self-leadership—that prepare them for whatever comes next.

If you’ve ever worried about your teen “figuring it out” too late in the game, this episode will give you both hope and a practical roadmap for meaningful career exploration.

🎧 Listen in and start the conversation with your teen today!

 

Episode Summary

College is a path—but it’s no longer the only path to a thriving future. In this episode, host Lisa Nehring breaks down why skilled trades (think welding, plumbing, HVAC, coding, and more) are exploding in demand and offer solid pay, zero college debt, and AI-proof job security. You’ll hear real-world salary numbers, success stories, and how True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track can launch teens straight from high school into meaningful, well-paid work.

Quick Listen Guide Timestamp Segment 0:00 Welcome & episode tease—“the trades are calling” 0:55 Sponsor Break: Medical Transcription work-from-home opportunity (email [email protected]) 2:15 Why skilled trades beat the outdated “college or bust” mindset 2:34 Josh’s story—$60K HVAC salary vs. debt-heavy communications degree 3:09 Eye-opening stats: 40 % college dropout rate, 650K+ trade openings 3:41 Salary snapshot: electricians $60K, plumbers $63K, HVAC $55–85K, welders $50–90K, diesel mechanics $57K, elevator installers $88K 4:07 “Golden Age of Trades”: why AI can’t crawl under a house to reroute a sewer line 5:03 Cost & timeline to certify (many in 6–12 months; paid apprenticeships available) 6:05 Inside True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track—two-year fast track, cognia-accredited diploma, hands-on academics 6:47 Ava’s story—19-year-old welder earning $58K and saving to start her own shop 7:31 Signs your teen might be born for the trades (and how to support them) 7:47 Call to action: Learn more at https://truenorthhomeschool.academy/true-north-trade-tech-diploma/  8:07 Closing encouragement & share request   Key Takeaways

• Trades are booming: 650,000+ skilled-trade jobs are open in the U.S., many with starting salaries above $50K and strong growth projections.

• Faster, cheaper path: Most certifications take < 1 year; many employers pay you to learn via apprenticeships.

• AI-proof careers: Robots can draft an email, but they can’t fix a diesel engine or install solar panels on your roof.

• Debt-free launch: Skip six years of college and tens of thousands in loans—start earning while your peers are still in lecture halls.

• True North Academy solution: The Trades & Tech Track pairs accredited academics with hands-on trade exploration, preparing students for immediate entry into high-demand fields or further certification/associate degrees.

Links & Resources

• 🔧 True North Academy Trades & Tech Track:  https://truenorthhomeschool.academy/true-north-trade-tech-diploma/ 

• 📚 Mike Rowe Works Foundation Scholarships: https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/ 

• 🗓️ Free Webinar—Medical Transcription from Home: email [email protected] for details

Connect With Us

• Website: https://NotThatHardToHomeschool.com

• Facebook Group: It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool High School

• Instagram: @NotThatHardToHomeschool

If this episode challenged your thinking, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more homeschool families discover fresh paths to success!

Keywords: trades education, skilled trades careers, homeschool high school, alternative to college, True North Academy, welding salary, HVAC apprenticeship, AI-proof jobs, homeschool podcast

Episode Sponsor

CTC Math – The no-prep, self-paced homeschool math curriculum that takes the pressure off parents and actually makes sense to kids. Try it free at ctcmath.com.

Episode Snapshot

College costs are soaring, ideological climates are shifting, and more students than ever are graduating late—or not at all—with mountains of debt. In this candid info-session, Lisa Nehring (director of True North Academy) unpacks the “college dilemma” and lays out two practical alternatives:

1. Dual Degree High School – earn an accredited bachelor’s while you finish high school.

2. Tech & Trades Diploma – a two-year fast-track that marries solid academics with apprenticeship-ready skills.

Along the way she tackles FAFSA headaches, the national trades shortage, protecting your teen’s faith on campus, and how True North’s advising team walks families through every step.

Key Takeaways

• Sticker Shock: College tuition up 20 % in 10 years; textbooks up 400 %. Average in-state cost now ~$28K/yr; many privates top $65K.

• Debt Trap: U.S. student-loan debt = $1.1 trillion; deregulated lenders can capitalize unpaid interest during forbearance, ballooning balances.

• Completion Crisis: Average time to a bachelor’s is 6 years; >50 % of freshmen never finish.

• Ideological Pressure: 70 % of incoming evangelical students renounce faith by Thanksgiving of freshman year; many never return.

• Trades Opportunity: 7 million skilled-trade openings now; projected shortfall of 2 million more by 2030. Starting wages often $18–$30/hr with zero college debt.

• True North Solutions:

  • Dual Degree: 120 credits + high-school diploma, fully Cognia-accredited, ESA/and may be 529-eligible, no debt.

  • Tech & Trades: 22 HS credits in two years, core academics + life & soft-skills, direct links to vetted apprenticeships (HVAC, electrical, auto, welding & more).

  • Mix-and-Match: Students can start with trades and layer on the dual degree—or vice versa—based on goals.

• Support Built In: Dedicated advisors, robust LMS “virtual campus,” study-guide-plus-exam model (re-takeable), and a Christ-centered worldview throughout.

Timestamp Guide Time Segment 00:00 Sponsor message – CTC Math 01:05 Lisa’s intro & credentials (5 graduate degrees + 30 yrs homeschooling) 05:20 What’s changed since 2020: rising costs & ideological shift 10:40 The true price tag: tuition, textbooks, student-loan traps 17:15 Why so many students need remediation & still drop out 22:50 Faith on campus: statistics that should sober parents 27:30 Trades shortage by the numbers – and why it matters 31:45 Dual Degree vs. Dual Credit: critical differences 36:10 Inside True North’s Dual Degree structure (10 classes/yr) 42:05 Tech & Trades Diploma overview & first-year core 46:30 Q&A: transferring credits, finding apprenticeships, combining paths 53:10 Next steps & free advising call  

(Times are approximate – use your podcast player’s chapter markers.)

Memorable Quote

“Why pay for extra years of school when your teen can graduate with no debt, real-world skills, and a degree in hand before their peers even move into the dorms?”

Resources & Links

• True North Academy Dual Degree Program – Details, sample course map, FAQs

• Tech & Trades Diploma – Curriculum snapshot & tuition info

• Free PDF: College Dilemma Checklist (QR code shared during the info meeting)

• Schedule a 15-minute advising call (no cost)

• Book recommendation: The Defining Decade by Dr. Meg Jay

• Dave Ramsey video on student-loan forbearance pitfalls

(All links available in the episode description.)

Ready to explore a dual-degree or trades track for your teen? Book a free advising session with True North Academy today and discover a path that fits your family’s budget, timeline, and values.

🎬 Episode Title: Thinking About Homeschooling? Freedom + Accreditation with True North Academy

Sponsored by CTC Math The Math Homeschool Families Love.

🔔 Description

Ready to homeschool without the fear of “messing it all up”? Lisa Nehring, Director of True North Academy, shares how an accredited online program can give you:

1. Cognia accreditation – the safety net that validates credits for colleges & ESAs.

2. Expert teachers – small, interactive classes with real-time feedback (no late-night algebra grading for you).

3. Future-ready, faith-driven learning – electives & dual-degree options that prep teens for the 4th Industrial Revolution.

👉 Spots are filling fast. Check out accredited bundles & book a free 15-min advising call: https://truenorthhomeschoolacademy.com

⏱️ Timestamps makefile CopyEdit 00:00 Why homeschooling feels scary 00:46 Safety net: what Cognia accreditation means 03:05 We handle transcripts & credits 04:15 Rock-star teachers + small class sizes 07:20 Real-time feedback vs. practicing bad habits 09:00 Future-ready & faith-driven focus 11:18 Dual-Degree Program (earn a BA in high school) 13:00 Marketable-skill electives 14:10 Next steps & free advising link 🔗 Links & Resources

• Free 15-min advising call → https://truenorthhomeschoolacademy.com

🙌 Connect

📧 [email protected]

Enjoyed this podcast? Like, subscribe & hit the bell for weekly homeschooling insights!

Overview: This workshop outlines how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)—defined by rapid advancements in AI, robotics, biotech, and digital technologies—is disrupting every aspect of life, including education and work. As homeschooling parents, we have a powerful opportunity to prepare our children not just for a diploma, but for an adaptable, resilient, and purpose-driven life.

🏭 The Four Industrial Revolutions

1. 1st IR (1760–1840): Steam and mechanization revolutionized travel and work.

2. 2nd IR (1870–1914): Mass production and electricity; origins of the factory-model education system.

3. 3rd IR (1969–2000s): Computers and automation changed everything again.

4. 4th IR (2010–Present): Driven by AI, IoT, robotics, biotech, and a global gig economy.

📉 Disruption in Higher Education

• College closures are increasing due to demographic decline and declining enrollment.

• Over 50% of students drop out of college.

• Online education grew from a $2.1B industry in 2020 to $800B+ and counting.

• Ivy League and higher ed models are under pressure, redefining “college readiness.”

🧠 Rising Economies & Fastest-Growing Jobs

Six Emerging Fields:

1. AI & Machine Learning

2. Precision Medicine & Biotechnology

3. Emotional Intelligence & Human-Centered Design

4. Renewable Energy & Smart Infrastructure

5. Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics

6. Digital Economy & Cybersecurity

Future Jobs:

• AI Ethics Officer

• Digital Detox Consultant

• Cybersecurity Analyst

• Green Energy Tech

• Virtual Habitat Designer

• Time Management Coach for AI-Augmented Workers …and more

🎓 What This Means for Homeschooling

We must shift from:

• 📚 “College-Ready” → 🎯 “Future-Ready”

• 🏫 Factory-model academics → 🛠️ Skill-based, personalized education

Focus Areas for Homeschooling Success:

• Critical Thinking

• Creativity (with structured practice)

• Communication (written & verbal persuasion)

• Collaboration (in a global gig economy)

• Autodidactic Learning

• Entrepreneurial Mindset

💡 Best Practices for Parents

• Encourage hands-on projects and cross-disciplinary learning.

• Teach kids how to learn, not just what to learn.

• Create opportunities for real-world skills and responsibility.

• Develop digital and human skills.

• Delay tech exposure until foundational habits and values are established.

• Instill integrity, resilience, and leadership grounded in purpose and faith.

💬 Key Takeaways

• Don’t panic—prepare.

• Future-ready kids are thinkers, creators, and collaborators.

• The best way to predict the future is to help your child create it.

We’re living in disruptive times—and our kids need to understand the world to understand what’s going on. In this powerful episode, Lisa Nehring dives into why world geography isn’t just a school subject—it’s essential for critical thinking, global citizenship, and navigating today’s news.

From the headlines in the Middle East to global gig economies and biblical prophecy, we unpack how understanding place and culture helps our students build discernment and purpose. Plus, Lisa shares favorite geography resources, how to talk to your kids about current events, and why True North Academy’s World Geography class is a timely, practical solution.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the world feels increasingly chaotic—and how to ground your kids in truth

• How studying geography sharpens critical thinking and cultural awareness

• What it really means to research and develop discernment

• Why geography matters in light of global politics, prophecy, and the future of work

• Simple ways to start teaching geography at home (even if you feel behind)

• Why Julia Jinks’ World Geography class at True North Academy is a smart choice for high schoolers

Resources & Mentions:

• 🗺️ World Geography at True North Academy

• 📘 The Five Common Topics (Not So Common Anymore) eBook – Download it here

• 🌍 Mapping the World with Art

• 📚 Memoria Press Geography (for younger grades)

Join the Conversation: Have questions about teaching geography, choosing curriculum, or building discernment in your homeschool? DM Lisa on Instagram at Not That Hard to Homeschool

Subscribe and Leave a Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more families navigating these wild times with truth and courage.

🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers

Podcast: It's Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring  Sponsored by: CTC Math

🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode, Lisa Nehring encourages homeschool parents to rethink the college experience and consider smarter, more affordable alternatives that align with their students' values, goals, and future career prospects.

Lisa shares why the traditional 4-year college pathway is no longer the default and how families can save thousands by combining dual enrollment, CLEP, and strategic degree planning—all while preparing students with real-world, marketable skills for the digital economy.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• 📉 The College Shift: Post-pandemic, many colleges have lost value, raised prices, and shifted away from skills-based education and community-building.

• 💸 Cost vs. ROI: Most students graduate in 6 years with $30K+ in debt. Without a clear vocational plan, this can be a poor investment.

• 🎯 Smarter Strategy: Use dual enrollment + CLEP exams to earn transferable college credits early.

• 🧾 Gen Ed Blueprint: Focus on Composition I/II, College Algebra, Intro Sciences, Social Sciences, and Diversity classes.

• 🏛️ CLEP-Friendly Colleges: Consider “The Big Three” — Thomas Edison, Excelsior, Charter Oak — for flexible, affordable, accredited degrees.

• 💡 Alternative Paths: Entrepreneurship, online business, and skills-based certifications offer legitimate, lower-cost career readiness.

💻 Tools + Programs from True NorthAcademy

• 🎓 Dual Enrollment + Free Academic Advising

• 🔎 Career Exploration Course

• 🛠️ High school electives with real-world skills: Entrepreneurship, Photoshop, Video Editing, and more.

• 📚 Young Professionals Series – career-track guides (law, mental health, health occupations, and more)

📌 Quotes to Remember

“College should be pursued with clarity, focus, and financial wisdom—not just because it’s what everyone else is doing.”

“Help your kids develop ‘otherness’—unique skills and experiences that stand out on applications and in life.”

“It's time to rethink college as one of many viable paths, not the only ticket to success.”

 

 

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review for It's Not That Hard to Homeschool. Every share helps us grow and continue providing high-impact support for homeschool families.

Sponsor Shout-Out: Homeschooling math doesn’t have to end in tears—yours or your kids'. Our favorite math solution? CTC Math. With short, clear video lessons and a self-paced, no-prep format, it’s the curriculum we wish we’d started with sooner. Try it free at ctcmath.com – and breathe easier.

Episode Summary: In this lively episode, Lisa and Gina—your trusty admin team from It's Not That Hard to Homeschool—tackle a big question that’s come up often in our community: How do you teach your kids how to learn?

The answer? The Five Common Topics—a powerful, flexible tool you can use across all grade levels and subjects to help your kids think critically and learn independently. Whether you’re homeschooling one child or ten, this method is a game changer.

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ What are the Five Common Topics? Originating from classical education and rooted in Aristotelian thought, these are:

  1. Definition – Start by clarifying terms to prevent miscommunication and build deeper understanding.

  2. Comparison – Explore similarities and differences to build critical thinking muscles.

  3. Relationship – Examine how people, places, and ideas relate.

  4. Circumstance – Understand context: time, place, and surrounding events.

  5. Authority – Identify where truth or information is coming from—and why it matters.

• 🎓 Gina shares how this tool naturally aligned with her Principle Approach to homeschooling and became central to teaching her kids to reason biblically and think independently.

• 📚 Real-world application examples: from WWI history to college debate frustrations, to understanding family dynamics and even dinner-table conversations.

• 🔁 Lisa gives practical ideas for using the Five Common Topics to make textbook learning deeper and more personalized—even with a unit study on trebuchets!

Resources Mentioned:

• 🛠️ Grab the eBook: Five Common Topics: Not So Common Anymore – available at True North Homeschool Academy

• 💡 CTC Math Free Trial: ctcmath.com

Final Encouragement: The Five Common Topics aren't just for school—they're life tools. Equip your kids to think, reason, and engage with the world around them. And don't be surprised when these conversations continue into adulthood!

💬 Got questions or feedback? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

📋 Show Notes:

Teens today are facing a full-blown identity crisis. As parents, we’re watching our kids grow up in a world where anxiety, confusion, and cultural chaos are becoming the norm. But there is a solution—and it may be simpler than you think.

In this episode, Lisa Nehring breaks down how solid academic foundations and intentional education can restore a teen’s sense of identity, purpose, and direction. She explains why our tweens and teens are feeling so lost—and how classical tools like reading, writing, critical thinking, and worldview exploration can ground them in truth and resilience.

This is an episode for any parent who’s watching their child struggle and wondering, “What can I actually do about this?”

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• Why content consumption now outranks parents in shaping identity

• The devastating mental health trends linked to social media use

• How a lack of historical and literary understanding leads to despair

• Why classical liberal arts education builds agency, confidence, and hope

• What academic integrity looks like in today’s curriculum-saturated world

• How to spot solid academic pedagogy—and why it matters

• Tools and classes from True North that help teens build resilience, purpose, and skill

• How to prepare your child for a global gig economy while safeguarding their soul

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• True North Homeschool Academy

• Ask about our Dual Degree Program (graduate with a college degree + high school diploma!)

• Explore our classes in literature, dystopian studies, Bible, foreign language, career exploration, and more

🧠 For Parents Who:

• Feel like their teen is drifting or disengaged

• Want to understand how education influences identity

• Are seeking a meaningful, faith-based academic path

• Need real tools to guide their child through post-2020 uncertainty

📝 Show Notes:

What if you had a simple, flexible, powerful tool that could teach your kids to think deeply about anything?

In this episode, Lisa Nehring and Gina Glenn dive into the Five Common Topics—an ancient method (thank you, Aristotle!) that works beautifully in modern homeschooling. Whether you’re classically inclined or just want a stronger framework for conversation and learning, this method is your go-to for developing thinking, reasoning, and relational skills in your kids.

It’s not a curriculum. It’s a mindset shift—and one that works across ages, subjects, and life itself.

🔑 In This Episode:

• What the Five Common Topics are (and how to use them across any subject)

• Why “define your terms” may be the most underrated thinking tool of all time

• How to talk about worldview, authority, and context without heated debates

• The difference between relationship and circumstance (and why your teen needs both)

• Why comparing and contrasting builds deep understanding—not just trivia

• How to start applying these topics today, even if you’re using textbooks, printables, or unit studies

• How to help your kids become resilient thinkers, not just good test takers

• Stories from real homeschooling moms who’ve used these tools successfully

📚 Want to Go Deeper?

Check out our mini guide: Five Common Topics: Not So Common Anymore (co-authored by Lisa and her son—a great family project!) Use it to create conversations, unit studies, and critical thinking moments across your homeschool.