Helping young adult kids

[ReaMorgan70]

Hoping for some advice - really struggling with my 22 and 18 year old - one is a graduate - the other one works in a bar -they are adults of course - but struggling to help them find motivation- for work ( they both work but not in anything they want to do ). Without enabling and telling / nagging - has anyone got any tips on how to try and motivate them - recruitment agencies for grads etc - my eldest just seems to have no clue ( graduated a year ago ). Or should I just step right back - many thanks - slightly anxious to say the least and know it’s not doing me any good - they both live with us .

The job market is really tough for young people- the university careers service should be able to offer help to your young grad. Check their website.
what work experience do they have? Any connections who could offer to talk to them/ mentor them/ offer them work shadowing etc? always better coming from a non parent.
And it’s really hard on you- please look after yourself, keep suggesting things for them until they find their own momentum. Volunteering is good to build skills.

My son didn’t go to uni and at 22 has been at his current work place for five years (part time while at college, now full time). It’s a boutique men’s shop with owner, assistant manager and two sales people - one being my son. So no progression available like if he was at M&S or equivalent. He likes it and is good at it though not want he really wants to do, so is not really interested in moving to another bigger company.
But I have discovered that me suggesting XYZ lands on deaf ears. A big part is confidence- you can’t fail at something (a new job, a new direction) if you don’t try. And his confidence took a complete nose dive during Covid for a variety of reasons. The current job market doesn’t help, at times it’s good he has any job at all. But he lives hand to mouth and it hurts (he lives on his own). I don’t know what to do - really what can I do? The motivation must come from within. The risk must be taken by him. I (and you) can’t hand him a good job. It is part of growing up to find the strength within themselves to take the leap. If they haven’t yet, maybe they just aren’t ready.
I hope you are not doing their laundry and cooking all their meals etc - that they have responsibilities within the house.