Germiston life coach shares tips to guide teens in choosing their career

Choosing a career is one of the biggest and most daunting decisions a teenager can make.

For many, it feels like a choice that will define the rest of their lives, often weighed down by pressure from school, society and even family.

The Germiston City News sat down with life coach Cathy Mphirima from the Prodigy Bootcamp, who emphasised that parents’ role is not to dictate their children’s future but to guide, support and nurture them.

“It starts by understanding that your child is not a replica of you. They are a unique individual with their own passions, talents and dreams,” said Mphirima.

Understanding their uniqueness

Mphirima advised parents to take time to observe and understand their child’s strengths, interests and hobbies.

Whether a child is passionate about art, science, working with people or fixing things, those early signs are not random; they are clues to what might bring lasting fulfilment.

“When parents embrace this uniqueness, they avoid the trap of imposing their unfulfilled dreams or societal expectations. Not every child will become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, and that’s okay,” she said.

The challenges teens face
Teens often struggle under a storm of pressure and uncertainty when making career choices.
Mphirima outlined some of the key challenges:

• Pressure to impress: The belief that they must choose “prestigious” careers to gain approval;
• Fear of failure: Anxiety over making the “wrong” decision;
• Limited exposure: Many know only a few careers and are unaware of other opportunities;
• Parental expectations: The weight of tradition or family legacy;
• Lack of self-awareness: Many are still discovering who they are.

How parents can help

Mphirima encouraged regular, open conversations with teens about their dreams and interests.

“Ask why a particular career excites them, and notice how their face lights up when they talk about it,” she said.

She also recommended letting teens job shadow, attend career expos and visit tertiary institutions.

“Exposure builds understanding, and understanding leads to confident decisions,” she explained.

“Even if your child’s chosen path doesn’t align with your expectations, respect and support their decision. “Career fulfilment comes from passion, not prestige,” she added.

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Introduce life coaches
Much like a sports coach helps athletes reach their potential, a life coach can guide teens to uncover their strengths, overcome doubts and set goals.
“Life coaches are accountability partners. We help teens build emotional intelligence, ask powerful questions and provide guidance with empathy and without judgement.”
She encouraged parents to let teens take online personality or aptitude tests. These tools help them better understand themselves and explore suitable career options. If you’ve raised them to be responsible, trust them to make their own choices. Your job now is to guide, not control,” she said.
Let go of outdated expectations
Mphirima urged parents to break the cycle of societal pressure.

“We must stop pushing teens to follow family traditions or pursue the most socially acceptable careers. The world of work has evolved; many careers available today didn’t exist a decade ago.”

Ultimately, helping a teen choose a career isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, listening without judgment, and walking the journey together.

“With the right tools, support and emotional guidance, a young person can make an informed, confident and joyful decision about their future,” she concluded.
For more information or assistance, call Mphirima on 084 525 6500.