Raising children in our increasingly crazy world….

In my years of providing educational counseling to parents and students, I have observed an uptick in anxiety among those interested in college counseling. There are likely several reasons:

1.) Real Economic Disruption

I started this work in 2000, mostly focused on SAT prep and then began college counseling a few years later.

The Great Recession seems a bit distant now, but it was devastating.

After 2008, Americans, even in prosperous states like Connecticut, lost so much wealth that, in a literal sense, most are not as economically secure as they were back in 2008. For parents, this created a tangible challenge due to the extraordinary costs of college.

Since 2008, wealth has crept back, but then COVID-19 came and its effects created a roller coaster.

2.) Perceived Psychological Effect

Post Great Recession, Americans, particularly those who were affected by job loss like those in Southeastern, CT after Pfizer left, have felt jittery about the future.  For parents of college bound students, this created an increased sense of unease about the post-college employment prospects of the future.

Post Covid same.

Post stable economy… many are scared

3.) The economy has changed – radically

In my last book, Career Path of Abundance, I describe in greater detail how the economy has changed and how that will affect those entering the workforce and those being disrupted by job change.

Understandably, these forces have created anxiety for Connecticut parents as they think about how to best prepare their children for much more competitive world than they faced.

I am an optimist by nature.  I really do believe the new world of work will present many wonderful opportunities for those who are prepared.  Nonetheless, I understand that parents will face anxiety as their children head off to college.

The solution: Take action.  Take massive action to help ensure your children are ready for the increasingly crazy world.