Supporting a Friend with Limited Work Experience and Unwilling Family

It can be incredibly challenging when you want to help a friend who is facing numerous obstacles, especially when those obstacles are deeply rooted in their family's system. Knowing what to do and how to approach the situation can be daunting. This article provides guidance on how to support a friend who is 23, has little to no work experience, only one test away from completing her GED, and whose family refuses to let her start her life.

Understanding the Situation

First, it is essential to understand your friend's situation fully. A 23-year-old with limited work experience and a looming GED test is likely feeling stuck and uncertain about her future. Her family’s refusal to let her move forward can make the situation even more complex. There could be various underlying issues that need to be addressed:

Did she not complete high school due to personal challenges such as drug use, involvement in gangs, or teenage pregnancy? Is she simply disengaged and not striving for a better future? Is she being held captive by her family, or are they preventing her from making her own decisions?

It is crucial to have a conversation with your friend to understand her thoughts and feelings regarding her future. Often, once someone feels heard and supported, they are more willing to take steps towards change.

Offering Support and Encouragement

One of the most significant steps you can take is to offer your support. Here’s how you can help:

Provide a Safe Space

Offer her a place to live. Stability can be a game-changer for someone who is struggling. This gives her the opportunity to focus on her GED and other life goals without the added stress of housing.

Encourage Educational Goals

Help her study for her GED. This not only provides her with a sense of accomplishment but also opens up educational pathways. Encourage her to understand that finishing her GED is a stepping stone to further education and better job prospects.

Explore Legal Options

If her family is preventing her from living her life, consider suggesting that she consult with an attorney. There might be legal grounds for challenging the family’s actions, particularly if they are preventing her from making decisions in her own life. An attorney can guide her on how to proceed and what options are available.

Encourage Long-term Planning

Encourage her to set long-term goals, such as attending college or joining a vocational training program. Completing a short-term program can build her self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. This, in turn, can inspire her to pursue more education.

Addressing Family Dynamics

The primary challenge in this situation is the family dynamics and their interference in her life. Here are some steps you can take:

Talk to Her Extended Family

Encourage your friend to speak clearly with her extended family about her plans and objectives. If the family is unwilling to help, suggest that they take responsibility for her brother instead. This approach can shift the burden off of her and allow her to focus on her education and personal development.

Highlight Her Personal Growth

Remind her that her life is her own and that living based on her family’s expectations is not beneficial in the long term. Encourage her to take her future into her own hands, which can be empowering and lead to personal growth.

Conclusion

Supporting a friend who is facing such obstacles requires empathy, understanding, and practical actions. By offering a safe space, encouraging educational goals, and addressing family dynamics, you can help her move towards a more promising future. Remember, the key is to empower her to take control of her life and make decisions that align with her aspirations.

Keywords: GED, family pressure, college education