Category Archives: career planning

Alternatives to College, career planning, careers, Resources

Alternatives to College: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Choose the Right Path

February 10, 2026 Suzanne Shaffer Leave a comment

Parents of high school students are increasingly searching for alternatives to college, career training options, and practical pathways that align with their teen’s strengths. The goal isn’t to steer teens away from higher education, it’s to guide them toward the right educational and career path for their individual learning style, interests, and readiness.

For decades, parents were told that a traditional four-year college degree was the clearest path to success. But today’s career landscape tells a more nuanced story. While college remains an excellent option for many students, it is not the best fit for every teen, and recognizing that can open doors to rewarding, financially stable careers.

If your teen is unsure about a traditional college route, this is not a failure, it’s an opportunity for thoughtful exploration.

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career planning, careers, college majors, Resources

College Majors and Their Average Salaries After Graduation

January 19, 2026 Suzanne Shaffer 1 Comment

Choosing a college major is one of the most important and stressful decisions families face during the college planning process. Parents often ask the same question: which majors really pay off after graduation?

Common College Majors with Average Earning Potential

While salary shouldn’t be the sole factor in decision-making, understanding average starting salaries and long-term earning potential can help families make informed choices. Below is a breakdown of the most common college majors in the U.S., what graduates typically earn immediately after college, and how those degrees can lead to future career opportunities.

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career planning, careers

Why Choose a Trade School

December 8, 2025 Suzanne Shaffer

Many parents (and students) still assume that a 4-year college is the default “successful” path. But trade (or vocational) schools offer real advantages that, depending on your child’s interests and goals, can lead to well-paying, stable, and fulfilling careers.

Why trade school deserves serious consideration

Shorter training, faster entry into the workforce. A typical trade-school program lasts 6 months to 2 years, compared with 4 years (or more) for a bachelor’s degree.
Lower cost, less debt. Trade school tuition tends to be much lower than a full four-year degree, meaning your child can start working with little to no student-loan debt.
Hands-on, career-focused training. Rather than four years of general education + specialization, trade programs emphasize practical skills that directly apply to a job.
Strong demand and growing acceptance. Many trades continue to have high demand for qualified workers. As labor markets shift and tuition costs climb, more families are recognizing trades as legitimate, respectable career paths.

In short, trade school can offer a more direct, affordable, and efficient route into a stable career, especially for students who prefer hands-on work, want to avoid heavy debt, or want to start earning sooner.

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career planning, college planning, graduate degrees, online learning

Why Consider Letting Your Child Pursue an Online Master’s Degree

November 3, 2025 Suzanne Shaffer

Many parents hesitate when their child expresses interest in pursuing an online master’s degree. The idea often raises concerns about quality, discipline, and real-world experience.

However, the truth is, online graduate programs have evolved into robust, interactive learning environments that often match or even surpass traditional classrooms. With flexible schedules, diverse course offerings, and access to global faculty, they can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

So, why exactly should you consider letting your child pursue an online master’s degree?

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career planning, careers, college guidance, college majors, college planning

How to Guide Your Teen in Choosing a College Major

November 3, 2025 Suzanne Shaffer

Helping your teen decide on a college major can feel like walking a fine line between offering advice and allowing independence. Many parents worry about whether their child’s choice will lead to a stable career or personal fulfillment.

Parents often feel pressure to help their teens make the “right” choice, especially when the decision can shape future opportunities. However, this stage is as much about personal growth as it is about academics.

Teens are learning to connect their interests with a sense of purpose, and this process takes time. A thoughtful approach encourages curiosity, self-awareness, and confidence, qualities that matter far more than settling on a perfect major from the start. The goal is to create space for exploration while offering the kind of guidance that helps them make thoughtful decisions.

This article explores how parents can help their children choose a meaningful major in college.

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career planning, careers, college guidance, college majors

What Parents Should Know About the Changing Job Market for College Grads

November 3, 2025 Suzanne Shaffer

The old story went like this: study hard, get into a good college, graduate, and the world opens up. For decades, that narrative shaped how parents and students viewed success. But the ground beneath that story is shifting as graduates face a changing job market.

A Business Insider report found that over 41% of graduates in their early and mid-twenties are underemployed. Many are working in jobs that don’t even require a degree. The diploma that once promised security is no longer a golden ticket. Instead, it’s a starting point in a world that rewards adaptability, creativity, and skill over simple credentials.

So what does this mean for the next generation and for the parents guiding them? Let’s look closer.

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career planning, college guidance, college planning, empty nest

How to Survive Going Back to School as an Adult

October 15, 2025 Suzanne Shaffer

You have been helping your teen get ready for college. It all seems so exciting and you might be wondering what it would be like to go back to school.

If you’ve got a dream that’s been sitting quietly in the back of your mind, maybe going back to school or college has crossed your mind a few times. Whether you want to finish a degree, change careers, or just learn something new for yourself, returning to education can feel like a big step. You might be excited one minute and doubting yourself the next. That’s completely normal. The good thing is, plenty of people do it every year and make it work. You absolutely can too.

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admissions, career planning, college prep, financial aid, independence

The Top 7 Conversations Parents Have During College Prep

September 2, 2025 Suzanne Shaffer 2 Comments

Top conversations parents have during college prep

If you’re the parent of a high school student preparing for college, chances are you’re having many of the same conversations as other families going through this journey. The process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Here are the top conversations parents have during college prep:

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career planning, college prep, extracurricular activities

The Benefits of Extracurriculars

June 7, 2025 Suzanne Shaffer

For students, the benefits of extracurriculars include enhancing their college resume and helping them explore other interests. There are numerous career opportunities available, but unfortunately, not everything discussed in school is covered beyond the school curriculum.

That’s why extracurriculars are important for student success, especially if some students don’t really find much enjoyment in learning what’s being taught in the classroom.

With that in mind, here are some of the benefits of extracurricular activities that help with student success at any age.

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career planning, careers, college guidance

Essential Skills Every College Student Needs for a Successful Career

January 30, 2025 Suzanne Shaffer

When young adults are in college, they are learning and parsing their way through rigorous academic processes. They are understanding social and emotional nuances and broadening their horizons in ways that they did not previously consider.

They aim to graduate and get a job or start a successful career. If you are on that path, you need some skills for a successful career, including education and moving beyond the boundaries of academia. College students can navigate the transition from college to the workforce with this small collection of competencies.

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