<p>In a few weeks, my son will begin his senior year of college. I could use some suggestions/ideas on how to help in this major transition. Currently, he is unsure of his next step (life after graduation) and I am looking for ways to provide guidance as an adult speaking to an adult, rather than as a parent advising a child. He will be taking the LSAT this fall, but law school 2007 is not definite. He is a thoughtful, level-headed, cautious individual; a person who does not make quick choices/decisions. How can I provide support without being a pushy parent?</p>
<p>Does his school have a career counseling office? Does he have any faculty mentors? This is from one college website’s parent section…maybe it will give you a few ideas about how to nudge the situation along. Good luck.
<a href=“http://www.williams.edu/home/parents/resources_03SP.php[/url]”>http://www.williams.edu/home/parents/resources_03SP.php</a></p>
<p>driver - His school does have a career center and I know he has used it for internships. He also has a faculty advisor that he meets with as needed. I guess my concern is finding the right balance between nudging and nagging. The Williams link was useful in that I think I am already doing those good “parental” things. So, I guess we are on the right track. Thanks!</p>
<p>Oh god, it never occurred to me that I had to be supportive while I was actually thrilled to bits that I was almost done paying tuition!</p>
<p>On a more serious note, S is considering graduate school and actually may have a professor willing to pay for it, and D is applying for a theater internship… and I’ve sent them to the career center… and offered to let them live at home while they look for jobs here. I’ve pointed out that they already know how to make lattes and thus have great potential with Starbucks. What more should I do?</p>
<p>I sent emails with links to articles on how to find a job
I send emails reminding her about dates to consolidate loans
and “helpful” books on * so… what can you do with a biology degree?*</p>
<p>but seriously I just crossed my fingers and hoped she didn’t decide to change her major</p>
<p>Just make it clear that moving back home is not an acceptable option.</p>
<p>are you kidding?
Portland is the * new * Seattle
;)</p>
<p>One thing not to do:</p>
<p>Do not blissfully ignore all the companies or other employers who think your school is worthwhile visiting to hire someone (and especially do not do this and then call your executive buddy at the company next April, May or June to see if he can “do something” for your child. He won’t be happy)</p>
<p>I disagree with Barrons. I think a level-headed kid who lives at home while getting his/her feet on the ground, jobseeking, getting some savings together, etc, is fine. Maybe you don’t think yours would ever leave, but many of us know that the setting off is not seamless, and a base to start from doesn’t mean they’ll stay forever. My D lived at home the first year, found a job, saved a lot of money, moved to NYC, didn’t find a worthwhile job, and is now back in the area, at the original one, living in an apartment, still maintaining the savings she started out with. I don’t quite get why that should have been avoided at all costs. It was an acceptable option for us.</p>
<p>i know a lot of people who moved home after school… myself included… I don’t see what the problem is. i don’t like the idea of paying a zillion dollars per month in rent when i can live here for way less than that… and i do my own laundry and cooking and stuff like that. my parents don’t bother me and i don’t bother them, we simply coexist… i’m working on saving up money right now and then i’ll find an awesome place to live. before i do that i’d like to pay off my car which will free up that income towards my place. my job is about 40 minutes away from here so i will be moving closer once i find a decent place to stay. i check the apartment listings all the time but i haven’t found an affordable place in a nice neighborhood yet, so i’m taking my time and saving more money. i’m kind of hoping i’ll find someone at work that wants to split a place with me :)</p>