This is Margaret's story.
It incorporates several essential tips for parents struggling to support their young adult children through the reality of leaving the cushy world of academia to the very real world of today's working world.
And, I was, of course, proud to be part of it all.
Ian was, in fact, ready to be "saved.
" He embraced the "work", and the comprehensive self-assessment process he explored opened him up to receiving his mom's help, love and support.
I know as a parent it is sometimes a challenge to get through to your kids so they can receive that support.
I think working with me took the pressure off Margaret so she could be there in the most impactful way possible.
You know how they say "it takes a village" to raise a child.
It can sometimes "take a village" to get your friends and loved ones to stay on track to finding satisfying work.
Here is her story.
"My son went into work on the 4th of July and called me to pick him up a few minutes later.
I swung back on to the freeway and when I got there, he was standing on the sidewalk looking like he'd been punched in the stomach.
He was in shock as he got back in the car and couldn't really talk for a while.
The truth is that was HIS emancipation day too.
Now he was free from work that had been degrading and abusive toward him, and free from the fruitless job seeking he had been doing in his off hours.
Free from the rejection and self doubt caused by not doing what he loved, and certainly not doing what he hoped he would be doing after college.
Ian graduated with a degree in creative writing, and is a stand up comic at heart.
Ian began career counseling the very next day and was continually challenged when he needed it.
This process motivated him when he felt like giving up, and kept him on track with great books and tools.
He was taught how to do informational interviews and was encouraged to schedule them and keep going when he wanted to just settle for the next job that came along.
After four months of hard work, coupled with career counseling using the tools and expertise available, Ian got his dream job.
He's now working for a company which was voted the best place to work in Seattle, two years in a row.
He's doing creative writing every day, learning a tremendous amount about his industry, internet marketing, and the world of work.
He earns a good wage, has excellent benefits, and a boss he really likes.
He is valued by his company and continues to grow in his new job.
He went from dejected college grad doubting himself to successfully employed in a job using his passion for creative writing.
" The caveat to this story is that Margaret was able to assess her son's need for Her particular brand of support - that of a mom (a wise one, for sure).
Communications with one's adult children can sometimes be strained as it is.
Yet when he/she are in the throws of navigating the world of work, it can be an even touchier subject.
If you are going through this process yourself, please do communicate these tips to those that are supporting you.
And here is the key - ASK.
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to have the support of those who have an investment in seeing you succeed.
However, this is an imperfect process, so please find ways to channel frustrations in a healthy way so as not to direct them to your supporters.
Here are some tips to consider if you are on either end of the spectrum.
TIPS FOR OFFERING and RECEIVING SUPPORT DURING THE JOB HUNT: Be there to just listen without judgment The first hint of judgment could be disastrous - stay the course, and don't beat yourself up if you want to give advice that is not heard.
Try not to give advice unless requested.
Try to maintain contact on a daily basis.
A simple check in.
Discuss how they are feeling and keep them focused on the positive.
Any small step they've made, even reading a few pages in a career-related book.
Provide emotional support.
You might be the only one holding the belief in the possibilities of a good job for them at a time when they can't.
Stay connected.
This process can bring some rejection, and therefore, self-doubt.
You are the one to always know and remind them of how really great they are.
Celebrate wins - no matter how seemingly small.
This will help your son or daughter mark their successes.
Avoid taking on their frustrations.
Remember it is not about you.
What they are experiencing is very real.