Episode Summary

There’s a moment every parent dreams about—when your kid turns to you and says, “What should I do with my life?” And in that moment, most of us freeze. Even the pros (like Scott Schimmel, who literally does this for a living) mess it up.

This episode is a real-time reflection on how we talk with our kids about their future. But instead of diving into majors and jobs right away, Scott makes the case that we need to back up and ask a much deeper question: What is work even for?

If you want to help your kid build a meaningful life, start by examining how you talk about your own work. Because guess what? They’re paying attention. Every offhand comment, every sigh, every joke about “working for the man”—it’s all shaping their perspective on what work means.

This episode will help you reset that foundation.

Your kid is already forming beliefs about work—and most of it is coming from you.

Not school.
Not social media.
Not their part-time job.

You.

The question is: Are you helping them see work as meaningful... or miserable?

Best Quotes

“Our kids are learning about work from us—whether we like it or not.”

“You’ve got to look at what story you’re telling about work. Because they’re watching. They’re absorbing it all.”

“We want to give advice when they ask about majors or careers, but if we skip the philosophy, we miss the whole point.”

“What if the purpose of work isn’t just to make money or survive—but to make a contribution that matters?”

Episode Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 – The Moment Every Parent Hopes For
Scott shares the recent story of his kid finally asking for career advice—and how he fumbled the moment.

02:10 – Why Work Conversations Often Fall Flat
Parents rush to give advice, but skip over the most foundational questions: What is work for?

04:30 – Your Kid’s Work Philosophy Starts With You
The way you talk about your job—the little phrases and offhand remarks—becomes their framework for understanding work.

07:15 – 3 Ways Kids Absorb Your Attitude About Work

1. The phrases you repeat

2. The characters in your work stories

3. The choices you make around work-life balance

12:00 – Reflecting on the Work Story You’re Telling
Are you painting work as drudgery or purpose? Sacrifice or contribution?

15:00 – A Better Conversation With Your Kid
Before you give career advice, ask your kid: What do you think work is for?

Call to Action

This episode is paired with a companion article that goes even deeper into this idea.

👉 Read it now: https://www.theyouschool.com/blog/guiding-your-kids-to-their-good-life-a-redemptive-perspective-about-work 

Let this be your reminder: You’re not just helping your kid pick a job—you’re helping them build a philosophy of work.

Start there.

And next time they ask for your advice, you won’t fumble it.