Do you have to nag your teen to complete their schoolwork, do the laundry, or get up in the morning? If so, this podcast is one you both need to hear. What are those prerequisites for a long-lasting and satisfying career? Tune in to find out.

Welcome to Vintage Homeschool Moms, I’m your host, Felice Gerwitz, and today we’re continuing our discussion on AI, Tech Jobs, and Blue-Collar Workers with part two: exploring the prerequisites for a long-lasting and satisfying career. As homeschool families grounded in faith, we know the value of preparing our children not just academically, but with the character and skills that honor God’s design for work as a form of stewardship. Sometimes we feel that we are lacking, but with God all things are possible! Including the impossible. If you had a child like mine who lost their math book each day (at least once), you may wonder if she would grow up to be a welcome member of society. The good news is yes. The child in question is a college grad (in three years) and now a very organized homeschool mom of nine children who co-authored three books with me as a homeschooled teen.

My husband jokingly says that work is what you do, and it does not necessarily need to be something you love. Before college, where he received a full-ride baseball scholarship, he sold all of his carpentry tools, telling his family he would never do that again! Fast forward to post-college, and two years later, he was married to me, and he started his own construction business. He decided it was the fastest way to make a good income, so I could stay home with our children when we had them. I had a degree in education and taught middle school for two years, and I was ready to “retire.” Little did I know that I would not go back (as was the plan when I had school-aged children), and instead, I homeschooled all five children. My husband and I believe that often, a job, even if it’s not a dream job, is designed for an income to support a family. As homeschoolers, many of us moms and some dads are living in a single-income family, and with that comes budgeting and decisions on job selection based on the idea of mom staying home. As a side note, he prayed that the Lord would take away his dislike for the job and instead fill his heart with gratitude. And, God did!

Today, our topic focuses on some of the attributes necessary to find and keep a job. I believe this is something not often discussed regarding blue-collar workers, and they are every bit as important if you are considering this field as a possibility. These are the skills you need before deciding what job you might want to know more about, going on a job hunt, or even starting a job, whether it is a blue-collar or white-collar job.

This is important in any career choice. (Employers look for personnel who actually show up for work, vs. those who are slack.) The person who has to be woken up to do their schoolwork or nagged to complete chores is not going to last long in a competitive job field.

Many teens and tweens use readily available, free do-it-yourself videos to get started on career selection while still homeschooling and in high school.

This is one of the best ways, and it is so important when trying out a job idea, to see if you are a good fit.

How much can you make in the near future, and what is the pay increase in your field? How is this going to set you up in the future to support a family or contribute to the family income?

Many jobs require flexibility, as things don’t always go right.

Are you teachable? This is very important, especially when working for other people. No one wants to hire a “know-it-all,” especially one who is extra talkative or wants to boss other people around. If you are new to the job, listen, take outside cues and learn. You may have your chance to be the boss at some point. Entry level is not that chance.

Not everyone needs to be your best friend, but getting along with others is essential in any job setting.

Do you have the ability to stick with or the motivation to try something and do it to the best of your ability?

Trying your hardest doesn’t always mean success. Understanding your capabilities and knowing when a job is not a good fit for you.

Have faith in yourself that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to, even if it is difficult and everyone else says you can’t. Ignore them and press on IF this is really what you want to do.

For more on building these skills, check out our Vintage Homeschool Moms episodes like “Life Skills 101 – Life and Career Skills for Homeschoolers” and “Work Ethic with Cindy La Joy”, which offer faith-friendly insights into preparing for meaningful work.

Thanks for joining me on Vintage Homeschool Moms. Visit ultimateradioshow.com for more episodes. Until next time, take care, God bless and I’ll talk to you soon!

Listen on:

Listen to Part 1: AI, Tech Jobs, and Blue-Collar Workers

The post Preparing Teens for Purpose: The Real Prerequisites for a Meaningful Career appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.