Job Shadow from Home
One benefit of COVID-19 has been the opportunity that increasing numbers of parents have to work from home. For many, the new arrangement could be permanent. Entrepreneur published a story on 17 big companies now allowing extended or even permanent flexible work arrangements, including Google, Twitter, Uber, Square, Zillow, and REI. Certainly, working from home has its challenges, especially for those with very young children. But according to a recent Gallup poll, 59% of Americans still want to continue to work remotely “as much as possible” after the pandemic is over.
If this describes what you want, by the way, and you’re not currently in a position to work from home, check out this resource from our partners at iReviews highlighting the top remote work websites for new opportunities.
The average American spends a third of his or her life at work; work is important, but the sad truth is that a lot of kids enter the working world or college having absolutely no idea what work they are best suited for. Working from home can be an incredible opportunity for parents to invite their children into their work world, giving a lot of kids a better idea of what it is they themselves might want to do for a living one day.
If you create something (writer, marketer, craftsman, cook, etc.), show your child your creation. Invite him or her into the process of making that particular thing, as you’re able. If you’re a carpenter, take your child along on a short job. Teach your kids your own trade or craft or skill as much as possible. They may very well not want to be that, but learning one thing they don’t want to do when they grow up is also helpful, and they’ll probably learn some transferable skills along the way.
An added perk of teaching your kids your skill set is that you can observe their own skills and gifts. Your son may not be able to frost a cupcake in your bakery, but wow, is he ever a charming salesman. Your daughter may not enjoy learning about your graphic design skills, but you notice that her eye and artwork are pretty good for a seven-year-old. And once you better understand their skills, you can also start pointing out those skills to them. “Wow, Susan, your lego-building is really good, sweetie. You seem to really enjoy putting things together.” “Jake, buddy, you did such a great job helping your little brother with his math homework. You’re an excellent teacher, and good at math, too!”
A recent story highlights that more than half of Americans are unhappy at work, partly because of a lack of “quality jobs.” Another study demonstrates that “job mismatch”—when an individual’s skills and interests don’t match the job he or she actually holds—has been on the rise for decades in the U.S., and a recent poll showed that across all income levels, American employees feel that “having a sense of purpose” is hugely important, that “they don’t want ‘just a job.’” In work, as in the rest of life, purpose is key. And helping your children discover their skill sets, their gifts, is a huge first step toward helping them find their purpose, and avoiding job mismatch. Include your kids in the work that you do, in the work your family does, and prepare them for a lifelong positive relationship with work.