“What are you going to do next year?”
Issue: Implies there is one correct, fixed answer

What should I say instead?
“What options are you thinking about at the moment?”
“What career do you want?”
Issue: Assumes long-term clarity is expected now

What should I say instead?
“What kinds of things are you curious about right now?”
“Have you decided yet?”
Issue: Creates urgency and anxiety

What should I say instead?
“Where are you up to in your thinking?”
“Why don’t you just pick something?”
Issue: Minimises uncertainty and exploration

What should I say instead?
“What information would help make the next step clearer?”
“What will that lead to?”
Issue: Can sound judgmental if outcomes seem unclear

What should I say instead?
“What does this option give you for now?”
“Isn’t that risky?”
Issue: Heightens fear and discourages exploration

What should I say instead?
“What feels manageable about this option, and what feels challenging?”
“What if it doesn’t work out?”
Issue: Focuses on failure

What should I say instead?
“If you changed your mind later, what options would still be open?”