Special messages
Although you’re still several years away from making career decisions, now is a great time to start exploring what makes you unique and how the world of work might fit into your future. Here’s why this can be exciting: Think about how much your thoughts and priorities have changed since you were 10 or 12. Back then, what mattered to you might feel miles away from what you care about today. That’s because, as you’ve probably noticed, your focus shifts as you grow older. In just a few years, your thoughts will shift again, and life will start nudging you to think about what’s next—work-life, career, and more education and training. Many people wait for that nudge to figure out their career path, and that’s totally fine. But you also have the option to get a head start by choosing to spend some time now exploring what excites you and thinking about the possibilities ahead. Give it some thought. If you feel ready to take this first step, talk to your parent(s) about career guidance—it might just open doors you hadn’t imagined yet!
A Special message to teens
You’re entering an exciting stage of life where many opportunities and decisions await. Now is the perfect time to take charge of your future by exploring who you are, how the world of work operates, and the diverse educational and training pathways that can help you reach your goals. Here’s why this matters: By now, you’ve likely gained some clarity about your interests, strengths, and aspirations. Perhaps you’ve worked a part-time job, worked a few full-time jobs during and/or since high school, pursued studies and training, or discovered passions that give you a sense of direction. Still, understanding your potential and identifying a fulfilling career path is not always straightforward. A career guidance program can help you uncover insights about yourself—your aptitudes, skills, temperament, work habits, values, and personality traits—and how these align with opportunities in the working world. The world of work is much broader than what we encounter through media, TV, or movies. There are thousands of occupations out there, many of which you may have never heard of, yet they might align perfectly with your unique qualities. This program is designed to expand your horizons, introducing you to a wide array of career options and the educational and training pathways that lead to them. Whether you’re considering college, technical training, an apprenticeship, or diving straight into the workforce, understanding the connections between education, training, and career opportunities is essential. This isn’t just about making a decision for today; it’s about setting a foundation for a lifetime of growth, achievement, and satisfaction. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your future, a career guidance program can help you make informed decisions with confidence. It’s your life, your journey—let’s work together.
Special Message to Young Adults
We often hear the phrase, “He or she is the type of person who...” This familiar expression is typically used in conversation to quickly convey a notable quality or characteristic about someone unknown to our listener. It’s a shorthand that helps us communicate efficiently and often affectionately. For example: “Sally is the type of person who won’t take no for an answer.” “Bill is the type of person who never meets a stranger.” “Mary is the type of person who loves working with animals.” Each of us could easily be described this way by someone else. While every person is a unique blend of traits, tendencies, and behaviors, we share enough in common with others that it’s possible to be “typed” for the sake of convenient communication. This categorization isn’t inherently a bad thing—it’s often useful. But when it comes to career planning and decision-making, certain “types” face unique challenges. Among them, idealists and artists deserve a special call-out. Society’s biases and the obstacles placed in their paths can make their journeys particularly daunting. Idealists are driven by values, principles, and a vision of how things could be. They often prioritize meaning over material gain, seeking careers that align with their ideals and contribute to the greater good. Similarly, artists—whether visual, performing, or literary—are fueled by a deep desire to create, express, and connect. For both groups, their work isn’t just about making a living; it’s about fulfilling a calling. Unfortunately, societal norms and biases often undervalue these pursuits. For idealists, there’s the constant refrain: “You can’t change the world.” They’re told their goals are too lofty, their expectations unrealistic, and their aspirations impractical. The idea of pursuing a career centered on ethical or humanitarian principles is often dismissed as naïve or unsustainable. For artists, the struggle is equally pronounced. The stereotype of the “starving artist” looms large, accompanied by warnings that their passion won’t pay the bills. Creative fields are often seen as risky, indulgent, or secondary to more “serious” careers. These biases create a double-edged challenge: not only must idealists and artists navigate the inherent uncertainties of their paths, but they must also push back against societal pressures to conform to more conventional roles. WHY IDEALISTS AND ARTISTS FACE SPECIAL CHALLENGES The truth is, the world needs idealists and artists. Their contributions enrich our lives, challenge our thinking, and inspire change. Instead of dismissing their ambitions as impractical, we should celebrate their courage to pursue what many would shy away from. For idealists, their vision has the power to transform industries, communities, and even entire societies. Think of leaders like environmentalists championing sustainability, social entrepreneurs addressing systemic inequities, or teachers inspiring the next generation. These careers may not always follow traditional paths, but their impact is profound and lasting. For artists, their work connects us to our shared humanity. Whether through a painting, a novel, a film, or a song, they evoke emotions, spark conversations, and open our eyes to new perspectives. Creative fields may be challenging, but they are also endlessly rewarding and essential to the cultural fabric of society. To idealists and artists: the world may not always make it easy for you to pursue your dreams, but that doesn’t make those dreams any less worth chasing. You bring something rare and invaluable to the table—vision, creativity, and a commitment to something greater than yourself. Your path may not be conventional, but it is undeniably important. Idealists are driven by values, principles, and a vision of how things could be. They often prioritize meaning over material gain, seeking careers that align with their ideals and contribute to the greater good. Similarly, artists—whether visual, performing, or literary—are fueled by a deep desire to create, express, and connect. For both groups, their work isn’t just about making a living; it’s about fulfilling a calling. Unfortunately, societal norms and biases often undervalue these pursuits. For idealists, there’s the constant refrain: “You can’t change the world.” They’re told their goals are too lofty, their expectations unrealistic, and their aspirations impractical. The idea of pursuing a career centered on ethical or humanitarian principles is often dismissed as naïve or unsustainable. For artists, the struggle is equally pronounced. The stereotype of the “starving artist” looms large, accompanied by warnings that their passion won’t pay the bills. Creative fields are often seen as risky, indulgent, or secondary to more “serious” careers. These biases create a double-edged challenge: not only must idealists and artists navigate the inherent uncertainties of their paths, but they must also push back against societal pressures to conform to more conventional roles.
Special Message to Idealists and Artists (of Any Age)
As parents, we all want our children to find careers that provide both financial security and personal satisfaction . Offering advice and guidance to help them achieve this is a natural expression of our love and care. However, being a career advisor to your teen can be challenging. The world of work is constantly evolving, with thousands of occupations—many unfamiliar to most—and countless educational and training pathways. On top of that, the process of choosing a career requires self-reflection, which takes time and effort from your teen. For busy, full-time parents balancing many responsibilities, including their own careers, it’s understandable if stepping into the role of a career counselor feels daunting. Furthermore, teens also don’t always interpret parental advice as it’s intended. While parents are often the keenest observers of their children’s talents, abilities, and personality, teens may sometimes view their input as subjective or biased, making it harder to fully embrace. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. Gently and without pressure, share the idea of career guidance with your teen. If they’re open to it, encourage them to explore this website. Should their interest grow, consider suggesting to them the opportunity of a “Discovery Session” with Dr. Janus where hear more about the program, ask questions, raise concerns. By introducing your teen to a career guidance program, you’re giving them access to resources that complement your invaluable support. As they build and execute their career plan, your role as their champion and sounding board will remain pivotal in helping them achieve their goals. Supporting your teen’s journey of self-discovery and career readiness is a wonderful gift. With professional guidance and your unwavering support, they’ll begin to uncover tools, insights, and channels tailored to their unique strengths, thereby preparing them to navigate their future with increased confidence and clarity.
a special message to parents
Special Message to Individuals Reassessing Their Careers
You’ve been on your career journey for some time now, actively or perhaps unintentionally choosing a path that seemed right at the moment. Along the way, you’ve gained valuable skills, knowledge, and experience. But now, you’re finding that your work no longer feels like it fits who you are or what you want in life. The nature of the work, the environment it occurs in, the lifestyle it promotes, or the people it brings into your daily routine feel misaligned with your values, interests, or aspirations. This is not about a specific manager or coworker—that’s an employer issue. What you’re feeling goes deeper: it’s about your career itself. And that realization can be both unsettling and empowering. It’s a signal that you’re ready to reassess, refocus, and realign your work with your identity, values, and vision for the future. The good news? You’re not starting over. You already bring a wealth of experience and self-awareness to the table. A career guidance program can help you take stock of where you are and where you want to go. By exploring your aptitudes, skills, temperament, work habits, values, and personality traits, you can uncover what truly makes you tick and how that aligns with the vast opportunities in the working world. The world of work is far more diverse and dynamic than most people realize. There are thousands of occupations, many of which you might not even know exist—yet one of them could be the perfect fit for your unique qualities and goals. Are your existing skills and competencies transferable to another field? A career guidance program is designed to help you explore these possibilities, expand your horizons, and understand the pathways—educational, training, or experiential—that can help you transition into a role that feels right. This isn’t just about finding another job. It’s about crafting a career that aligns with who you are now and who you want to become. It’s about discovering work that energizes you, fits your values, and contributes to a fulfilling life. If you’re ready to redefine your career and take control of your future, this is the time to invest in yourself. Let’s work together to make your next chapter the best yet.