<p>CTDad2010–I am going to memorize your spiel and then nonchalantly spout it off like it were my own, LOL. Even though this is basically what I have been trying to ingrain into my kids for the last few years!
MidwestMom- Yes, I agree that he plugs away at some CS classes while still pursuing writing opportunities.
I have read and re-read all your generous comments; I really appreciate this kindness of strangers!
Son had a recent temporary job testing a new generation of video games, he got paid well and enjoyed it, of course . He is also investigating UCSC’s new-ish video game design program . The combo of programming and intricate story telling intrigues him.
I did omit a major factor that has made this process so tortuous—son was diagnosed with severe depression in September. It was a shock to us all (he had been in Japan all summer.) He is getting back on the right track with frequent therapy. It is hard to know if he got depressed after futile job seeking or if his depression is preventing him from being hired (as in he may not appear to be an enthusiastic candidate.) It’s a conundrum that we are trying to unravel. It just compounds all the anxiety over an uncertain future and his angst has affected our whole family.</p>