Additional Coverage:
- After watching me work from home, my teen got his own clients and made $5,000 in one summer. It helped him find his career path. (businessinsider.com)
Teen’s Summer Boredom Blossoms into Budding Design Career
It all started with the familiar refrain of a bored teenager during summer break. “I’m bored!”
echoed through the house as my 13-year-old son restlessly searched for something to occupy his time. Working from my home office, managing my digital marketing and branding agency, I was used to his interruptions.
However, this time was different. His question, “What are you actually doing in here all day?”, held a genuine curiosity that piqued my interest.
Instead of dismissing him, I offered an invitation: “Want to see?”
That simple gesture sparked an unexpected journey. As I worked on a client’s website, explaining my process, my son’s insightful questions surprised me.
He was fascinated by the intricacies of design – from font choices to color palettes and the psychology of click-worthy buttons. What began as a temporary distraction quickly evolved into a daily ritual.
He became my shadow, observing, questioning, and soon, offering surprisingly astute suggestions. His fresh perspective offered valuable insights, prompting tweaks to logos and color schemes that elevated my work.
Encouraged by his keen eye, I entrusted him with a small logo design project. The result was remarkable – a clean, creative design that exceeded my expectations and delighted the client.
This success ignited a spark in him. He wondered, “Can I try to find my own clients?”
Hesitant at first, I eventually agreed, figuring it would be a valuable learning experience.
Starting with pro bono work for local businesses, he quickly built a portfolio showcasing his talent. Word of mouth spread like wildfire, and soon, his phone was ringing with potential clients.
By summer’s end, he had earned $5,000 and even had his design featured on a billboard – a moment of undeniable pride. More importantly, he discovered a passion and a natural talent he never knew he possessed.
Now, years later, that bored teenager is a college student studying film and marketing, still running his design business on the side. What began as a summer diversion has blossomed into a promising career path. He plans to launch a creative agency after graduation, a testament to the power of a simple invitation and a curious mind.
This experience underscored the value of integrating our work lives with our family lives. By offering our children a glimpse into our professional world, we provide them with invaluable learning opportunities.
The rise of remote work has made this even easier, allowing children to witness problem-solving, creativity, and the day-to-day realities of various careers. Sometimes, the most profound education happens organically, outside the confines of a classroom.
My son’s story is a perfect example – a testament to the unexpected lessons that can unfold when we simply open our doors and share our passions with the next generation.