This is my first post, but I've been lurking ever since my youngest DD started applying to colleges. She's now a very happy sophomore at a small East Coast LAC, studying chemistry and English. H and I couldn't be prouder, but the mama bear in me is worried as she has been stressing over career planning a lot lately.
DD has always been a very strong student and enjoys science. She's been encouraged by many people to pursue medical school, but doesn't feel led in that direction as she would like to have a job with better work-life balance. She's thought about pharmacy and dentistry. One path that she does feel quite drawn to is education-- being a high school chemistry or biology teacher. She works as a math tutor and just loves it.
I will admit that I would prefer for DD not to become a teacher-- not because of salary or prestige, but because we have many relatives who are teachers and are frustrated with their jobs. The burnout rate for new teachers is scary. DD herself is uncertain and doesn't really know how to go about narrowing down options, as she has spent time shadowing different professionals and can see herself pursuing lots of paths.
For those of you who have "launched" kids already, how can I help support her as she goes through this exciting but scary time? What advice did you give your children? I know everything will work out in the end, but it's so bewildering in the meantime! :(
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