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Hobby vs. job

Can it be a job?
Can it be a job?
Photo by Keith Tsuji/Getty Images

Is it a hobby or a possible job? When the team sits down to do a transition plan for students this is a question that is often asked. Now we may initially think that an interest can be a just a hobby. Someone may want to be an astronaut and because of some physical issues the dream of being an astronaut may not be obtainable. We may initially think that knowing about space may just be a hobby.

Take a step back before you deem anything “just a hobby”. Ask “What about astronauts does the student like?” When asking that question the team might get a response well, I like Science. The student may not do well in Science, but that will give the team an area of interest to build on. Perhaps they like experiments. Part of doing experience involves doing things hands on so when considering a job the team might consider a job that is hands on.

They might also like to work by themselves as opposed to working with a lot of people (like is often the case with Science). If this is true the team should make a note of the preference and relate it to possible jobs. If they like flying, they may like travel. You get the idea. The team needs to listen. Saying, no that is just a hobby and not a job will just discourage the young adult.