School's finished, so now what?

I have four children who are outstanding citizens without ever having been outstanding scholars.

Here are a few words of encouragement to matriculants not lucky enough to go to university or college, or who don't have an uncle who can give them a job.

There are lots of gaps in the job market - it just takes patience, persistence and perseverance to find them. Successful entrepreneurs will tell you their careers began in the basement.

Getting a foot in the door means eating humble pie and doing voluntary work in return for training and a small stipend to cover living costs. Getting into the industry of your choice can begin by sweeping floors, filing or making tea. Gaining experience means hard work.

Parents need to be prepared for unexpected reactions from their teens now that school days are over. Leaving school can be compared to a first retrenchment or rejection slip. Even though your teen couldn't wait to leave school, he or she may suddenly be apprehensive about leaving the comfort zone now that it's happened.

The school curriculum, ambitious teachers and protective parents can't always prepare teens for the harsh realities of the real world.

What can parents do?

• Don't nag;
• Encourage teens to focus on their talents and passions;
• Let teens call the shots;
• Start local - scan community newspapers and notice boards for job opportunities;
• Make use of church NGOs offering free basic training workshops;
• If teens WFF (work for free) it gives them the chance to make contacts with the right people;
• Encourage creative ideas; and
• Look for waitron work - this can be lucrative but shouldn't be seen as permanent.

Don't break their spirit. Don't keep saying "I told you". Listen to your teens. If their idea sounds crazy, listen with sealed lips. Once teens make up their minds there's no stopping them - even if it's only to prove you wrong.

They will mature, get their driver's licence, open a savings account, become responsible and gain confidence.