Why “I Don’t Know” Is Actually a Great Starting Point for Career Planning

Even in June, it’s not too late to help your teen find clarity

“What do you want to do after high school?”

This is the question nearly every parent asks at some point—and if your teen’s response is a blank stare or a shrug followed by “I don’t know,” you’re not alone.

Now that it’s June, that answer might feel especially unsettling. Whether your teen is a rising junior, a soon-to-be senior, or just walked across the graduation stage, hearing “I don’t know” can trigger a wave of panic.

Shouldn’t they know by now?

The truth is: No. “I don’t know” doesn’t mean they’re behind—it means they’re at the beginning. And this can be one of the most productive starting points for meaningful career planning—if we respond to it with curiosity instead of pressure.

Let’s walk through what that looks like.

What “I Don’t Know” Actually Signals

When teens say they don’t know, it’s rarely because they’re apathetic. More often, it means:

• “I’m overwhelmed by choices and expectations.”

• “I don’t want to make the wrong decision.”

• “I haven’t had the chance to really explore what’s out there.”

• “No one’s helped me connect what I care about to real-life possibilities.”

Your teen may be wrestling with uncertainty—not because they lack potential, but because they haven’t been given the tools or time to figure things out.

That’s where you come in.

Reframe "I don't Know" into a Starting Point for Career Planning using these 3 Ways to Help Your Teen Start Building Clarity.

Here are three low-pressure, high-impact strategies you can use this summer to help your teen move forward—even if they’re starting from square one.

1. Shift from Careers to Core Values

Teens often shut down when asked, “What job do you want?”

Instead, start with questions that tap into who they are:

• “What matters most to you right now?”

• “What kind of lifestyle do you imagine?”

• “What does success mean to you?”

  
  

When teens clarify what they care about, they gain a foundation for exploring work that aligns with those values. It becomes less about picking a job and more about building a life.

2. Encourage Low-Stakes Exploration

Many teens freeze up because they think any choice has to be the choice. Reassure them that now is the time to experiment.

Try:

• Watching YouTube videos that explain “a day in the life” of different careers

• Shadowing a family friend for a few hours

• Visiting a local trade school, community college, or apprenticeship program

• Looking into part-time work or volunteering in an area of interest

The goal isn’t to make a decision—it’s to gather data. Let them test-drive possibilities without locking into a direction.

3. Use “What If” Questions to Spark Creativity

“What if” opens the door to possibility and bypasses fear.

Some favorites:

• “What if you could try any job for a month—what would you pick?”

• “What if you could design your perfect day—what would it include?”

• “What if you didn’t need to know what you want to do forever—just what you want to explore next?”

  
  

These questions make the future feel less like a trap and more like an opportunity.

A Word for the Parent Feeling the June Jitters

If you’re worried it’s too late to get a plan in place—take a breath.

There is still time. Your teen is not behind.

In fact, summer is one of the best times to slow down, reflect, and intentionally explore what comes next. Without schoolwork and activities pulling their attention, many teens are more open to thinking about their future—especially when it’s framed as discovery, not decision-making.

You don’t need to have the answers. You just need to help your teen ask the right questions—and support them as they find their way forward.

Ready to Take This Off Your Shoulders?

You don’t have to carry the weight of your teen’s future planning alone.

The World Changers Academy Summer Cohort gives your teen the structure, guidance, and support they need—so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Over six weeks, your teen will:

• Clarify what matters to them most

• Explore real-world career and education options

• Build a personalized post-high school plan they actually feel good about

• Receive weekly 1:1 coaching and access to a flexible, self-paced online course

And you’ll finally breathe easier knowing there’s a plan in motion—and someone in your corner helping them follow through.

Only 12 spots are available, and enrollment closes soon. Click here to learn more and reserve your teen’s spot