Helping Your Son Launch: Finding the Right Path After High School or College
Many parents struggle with how to best support their son as he transitions into adulthood. Holding his hand through every step of the journey isn’t always what he needs—sometimes, the best thing for him is to step outside his comfort zone and take ownership of his path. Launching isn’t always linear, and in many cases, the nontraditional routes lead to the greatest growth and success.
Breaking Free from the Familiar
After I graduated from college, I wasn’t ready to dive straight into a career. Instead of forcing myself into a job I wasn’t prepared for, I bought a one-way ticket to South America. I took buses and hitchhiked from Ecuador to Patagonia, climbing mountains, backpacking, and surfing along the way. It was an experience that challenged me in ways no job ever could. I learned independence, problem-solving, and resilience—things no classroom or traditional career path could have taught me.
That adventure set the foundation for how I approached work and life. When I returned, my first job was as a dishwasher. While some might see that as a step backward, it was one of the most valuable jobs I ever had. It taught me the meaning of hard work, discipline, and the importance of valuing the work itself—not just the paycheck. That experience ultimately helped me land my first engineering job because I had developed a strong work ethic and a sense of purpose.
Exploring Nonlinear Paths
Many young men struggle with the pressure to have everything figured out by the time they graduate. But success doesn’t always follow a straight path. Some of the best ways to help your son launch include:
Travel and Exploration: Encouraging him to explore different parts of the world, immerse himself in new cultures, and develop independence.
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships: Not everyone thrives in a traditional college setting. Trades like welding, carpentry, or electrical work offer lucrative and fulfilling careers.
Entrepreneurship: If he has a passion or a skill, starting a small business or side hustle can teach him valuable lessons about resilience and creativity.
Military or Service Programs: Programs like the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or the military provide structure, discipline, and leadership experience.
Gap Years with Purpose: A structured gap year—whether it’s working, volunteering, or traveling—can give him the clarity and confidence to move forward with his next step.
Encouraging Growth and Resilience
The key to launching successfully isn’t about choosing the “right” path—it’s about choosing a path and committing to it. Young men often need to struggle, adapt, and push through discomfort to develop confidence and self-reliance. As parents, the best support you can offer is to let go of the fear that he might fail. Growth often comes from setbacks, and those setbacks are what prepare him for real success in life.
Encourage your son to step into the unknown, take risks, and embrace the journey—because that’s where real transformation happens.
