In today’s episode, I have two special guests joining me. One is my son, Ethan. He’s 16 years old and a junior in high school. Also joining me is Jay DuSold. Jay has spent decades working with teens and their parents as a speaker, writer, learning experience designer, mentor, and coach. His work as a career guide began in 2014 while helping his own son figure out what to do after high school. He now works with teens around the world, helping them discover their career DNA and identifying careers that they love and stick with so they don’t waste their time, money, or life. Jay has become a great friend and we’re going to talk through his process and how it helps teens learn more about themselves. It’s never too early to start talking with your teens about their future!
Disclaimer: I was a little bit skeptical about whether or not Jay would be able to help Ethan. In the past, when Ethan and I have had conversations about what he wants to do or what he wants his life to look like after high school, I was often met with I don’t know or I don’t know where to begin. Some people will say that you can’t talk to a 16-year-old about careers and their life. I beg to differ. I think it’s really important to have these conversations while they’re younger, so they can start thinking about their path. Jay was kind enough to invite Ethan to go through his process and we’re going to talk all about it during this episode.
About Jay DuSold
Jay DuSold lives in Pennsylvania and has been married for 26 years. He has two sons, now ages 22 and 20. When Jay’s oldest son was a junior in high school, he was trying to figure out what to do as far as a career. That thrust Jay into a whole new life work scenario, which is helping young people now figure out what to do, through his group, Life After 12th. Jay is a teen career guide and he specializes in helping young people figure out a career that they’ll love and stick with.
About Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell is Betsy’s son. He is 16 years old and a junior in high school. Jay made a very kind offer to have Ethan become his client and go through the process. Betsy was a bit skeptical al at first, even though she is a huge proponent of helping our kids explore early about what they want to do and what their life looks like. When Jay told Betsy about Map In Me and the fact that teenagers could come out of it knowing pretty clearly how they’re wired and what direction they should take, Betsy wasn’t sure about it. But now that Ethan has completed the program, Betsy is blown away by the progress that was made.
Episode Highlights
- About Jay’s Map In Me program
- The value of an evidence-based assessment tool
- Finding patterns in the details
- Motivated Abilities Pattern (MAP)
- A deeper dive into career research
- Finding a career that fits
- Career exploration skills that teens can use throughout their lives
- Jay’s advice for parents
- Ethan’s advice for teens