I always assumed that my three smart children would grow up, go to college, and find a successful career like their parents did. The reality is turning out to be a bit different, and I'm realizing that I need to be planning not only for my future but getting more involved in theirs as well. So I'm here looking for advice.
In a nutshell, they all have issues (which I will detail in a moment) which affect employment. Add to that graduating into a terrible job market, plus the frightening prospect of the decline of many blue collar jobs (example: the largest job category for US men involves driving-cabs, trucks etc- a category that will disappear with automated vehicles in the next ten years) and I'm quite concerned about their prospects. I'm hoping for your input on careers I might direct them to, or businesses I might help them start.
One has mild Aspergers, graduated from a prestigious colllege with a pretty useless history degree. He's extroverted but socially awkward, suffers from anxiety, not a self starter but good with routine jobs with clear expectations.
One is working on a social work degree which should ensure modest but reliable employment despite transgender status.
One has just two years of community college, has anxiety, OCD, depression, mild Tourette's. Doesn't want to go back to college until he has a good idea of why he's there. Artsy, not science oriented, but good with music and design on computers.
All three are quite brilliant. I'd like to help the first and third find sustaining careers. I've even thought of helping them start some kind of business, but not sure what small businesses have a good future and decent income potential?
Alternatively, any suggestions for in demand job skills they could learn?
Also, I would be willing to work a few more years to fund a business or further training if the payoff was good.