Navigating the Challenge of Unmotivated Adult or Teen Children

Navigating the challenge of unmotivated adult or teen children is becoming more common.  As parents, you are envisioning your children growing into motivated, ambitious individuals who pursue their dreams. However, reality sometimes presents a different picture, where adult or teen children struggle with motivation and direction.

This can be particularly disheartening, but it’s important to approach this challenge with empathy, understanding, and strategic support by a qualified career HR and recruitment professional, with a Master of HRM&IR.

There are some root causes to consider:

• • Overwhelm and Pressure – The pressures of academic and social expectations can be overwhelming, leading to paralysis rather than productivity. Understanding the balance between encouragement and pressure is key

• • Lack of Clear Goals – Without clear and attainable goals, they may feel directionless and that there is no purpose to their efforts

• • Personal Interests and Passions – Sometimes, the lack of motivation stems from pursuing activities that do not align with their interests or passions

• • Mental Health Issues – Conditions such as depression and anxiety can significantly affect motivation and energy levels. It’s essential to be vigilant about any signs of mental health struggles and seek professional help if needed

• • Sometimes you might be pushing too hard – some teens are paralysed by the level of your expectation

• • Sometimes, you have may have been too protective for too long and haven’t pushed hard enough 

 

Strategies for Reigniting Motivation

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies that can help:

• • Open Communication: Foster an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their feelings and struggles without fear of judgment – approach the subject of engaging an external source of support and together, look at Anne McDowell’s website – Anne McDowell, who is a Strategic Career Specialist, and The Positivity and Tranformation Specialist 

• •  Provide Resources and Support: Sometimes, lack of motivation is due to a lack of resources or knowledge. Providing access to tools, courses, or mentors can empower your children to take proactive steps toward their goals

 

The Role of Professional Guidance

Professional guidance can make a significant difference. Career coaches provide specialised support tailored to your adult or teen’s unique needs. Here at Professional Resumes @ Anne McDowell Consulting, we offer a range of services designed to help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential, and sometimes this is truth telling so they hear the realities of the world from an external and non-emotionally-connected person.

Anne is a Strategic Career Specialist, with a Master of HRM&IR, who has a 27+ year varied background across the HR spectrum, including recruitment, talent management and redundancy counselling, so she is experienced at knowing what recruiters are wanting from candidates, both in a Resume and Cover Letter, as well as a candidate’s presentation at interview.  Anne firstly:

• • Sets Realistic Expectations – It’s important to set achievable goals and celebrate small victories which builds confidence

• • Encourages Self-Discovery – Allows them to talk, and explore various interests, skills and capabilities. This can lead to the discovery of passions that can drive motivation and enthusiasm for their future endeavours.

 

Then Anne looks at the key services that an individual will require:

Key Services

• • Career Guidance and Coaching – working through what they really want to do, harnessing their current skill set

• • Professional Resumes – customised toward a specific job/type of job, containing information that is relevant to recruiters 

• • Cover Letters – customised toward the job/type of jobs they are applying for

• • Selection Criteria – evidence-based responses to criteria for all government, higher education and not-for-profit sectors

• • Confidence Boosting – it can be challenging to their self-esteem when they are job hunting – get their confidence back

• • Interview Coaching – learn how to answer behavioural recruitment questions so that they do not get stuck

• • LinkedIn Profiles – essential part of their brand, to let the professional market know who they are

 

Success Stories:  A Beacon of Hope

Consider the story of a young adult who struggled with motivation due to anxiety and a lack of direction.  Through Career Coaching and mentorship, they were able to identify their strengths and interests, leading to the pursuit of a fulfilling career path, transforming their outlook on life and their work.

Another example is a teenager who felt overwhelmed by academic and parental pressures. By working with a professional coach, they learned effective time management and stress relief techniques. This not only improved their academic performance but also boosted their overall well-being and motivation.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Dealing with unmotivated adult or teen children can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s possible to guide them towards a more motivated and fulfilling life. Remember that patience, empathy, and strategic support are key components of this journey, as is a healthy dose of “reality” should they need that extra support.  At Professional Resumes @ Anne McDowell Consulting, Anne is committed to helping individuals and families navigate these challenges and achieve their goals.

For more information and personalised support, visit Anne McDowell Consulting. Investing in professional guidance can be the turning point for your adult or teen’s future, helping them transition from a state of stagnation to one of proactive growth and achievement.

By approaching the issue with a clear strategy and the willingness to seek help when needed, you can make a significant difference in your child’s life. Let’s work together to inspire and motivate the next generation to reach their full potential.

Key Benefits of utilising Anne McDowell, Strategic Career Specialist

• • Career Expert with a Master of HRM&IR, recruitment background across multi-sectors, and 27+ years of experience 

• • Coaching is empathetic, yet mixed with accountability and ownership of the truth

• • Resumes are Tailored to the Australian Job Market: Australian resumes typically differ from those in other countries, and it’s crucial to align with local expectations. Anne ensures Resumes meet these standards, such as the preferred length of Australian resumes versus the Americanised versions you see online, with inclusion of detailed job histories and a few other secret ingredients!

• • Professional Presentation: A professionally written resume significantly increases the chance of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. Anne’s expertise ensures Resume are polished, professional, and compelling 

• • Confidence Building: Beyond document preparation, Anne helps build their confidence through interview coaching and career advice, preparing individuals to make the best impression in every step of the job application process 

For more information or to get started on transforming your adult or teens life and their personal branding for the 21st Century, visit Professional Resumes @ Anne McDowell Consulting

Invest in their future and take the next step towards achieving their career goals today