It’s a question I hear all the time — from parents, teachers, and young adults themselves:
“Why do so many young people feel so lost after school?”

They finish Year 12… and suddenly hit a wall.
No timetable. No clear next step. Just this overwhelming pressure to figure out what’s next — fast.

And the truth is?
It’s not because they’re lazy, unmotivated, or don’t care.

It’s because we’ve built a system that doesn’t actually prepare them for what comes next.

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1. School Doesn’t Teach Real-World Skills

Most students leave school knowing how to write an essay…
But not how to:

• Budget or manage their money
• Apply for jobs or create a resume
• Navigate Centrelink or the workforce
• Set goals or manage time
• Cope with stress, uncertainty, or failure

Without these essential life skills, it’s no wonder they feel overwhelmed.

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2. They’ve Always Followed a System

For over a decade, their life is mapped out — bells, timetables, assessments.

Then school ends, and that structure disappears.
Now they’re expected to suddenly be self-directed… with no roadmap.

But no one’s really taught them how to take the wheel.

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3. There’s Pressure to “Figure It All Out”

As soon as Year 12 ends, the questions start:

• “What’s next?”
• “Are you going to uni?”
• “Have you got a job?”

Young adults are expected to choose a path that will shape their future — before they’ve had the chance to explore who they are.

That pressure can lead to panic, avoidance, or burnout.

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4. They’re Afraid of Getting It Wrong

Many young people believe there’s one right choice.
One job. One course. One path to success.

But the truth?
Most of us zigzag. We pivot, try things out, fail, grow, restart.

And that’s normal. The fear of failure just makes it harder to try.

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5. No One’s Asked What They Want

Young adults are often used to doing what’s expected.
What their parents suggest. What their school pushes. What their peers are doing.

But when it comes time to choose for themselves?
They don’t always know what they want — because they haven’t been given space to explore it.

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What They Really Need: Support, Not Pressure

What helps isn’t more pressure to pick a perfect path.
It’s support to explore.

They need:

• Tools to build confidence and decision-making skills
• Safe spaces to ask questions and reflect
• Encouragement to discover their values, strengths, and goals

That’s where coaching can make a difference.

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If You’re a Young Adult Feeling Lost (Or Know Someone Who Is)…

You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re just at the beginning.

I work with young adults who are unsure of their next step — whether that’s uni, work, a gap year, or something else entirely. Together, we figure out what matters to you and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.