Coping in Careers
What is one coping skill you already use when school feels stressful? How might this help in a future job?
Identify a coping skill (deep breaths) and relate it to a job (too many deadlines and not enough time)
What does self-efficacy mean?
Believing in your ability to do hard things and solve problems.
What is self-care? Give one example.
Taking care of your mental, emotional, or physical health. Example: sleeping well, setting boundaries, exercising.
Name one quality of a healthy friendship.
Trust, respect, honesty, kindness, support.
What’s something you care deeply about (a cause, topic, or value)?
Examples: animals, fairness, justice, helping others, creativity, the planet.
A chef burns a dish right before dinner service. What coping skill could they use to stay calm and keep going?
Answer may vary. Example could be to take a deep breath and try to make the dish again
Name one time this year when you believed in yourself—even if you weren’t sure you’d succeed.
Answers will vary: presenting in class, trying out for a team, taking a test without feeling ready.
True or False: Self-care is only bubble baths and naps.
False. Other types: saying no, journaling, getting help, drinking water, positive self-talk, spending time with loved ones.
How can strong relationships help you do well in a future career?
Encouragement, teamwork, collaboration, emotional support, learning from others.
Name a job that matches one of your passions.
Love animals: veterinarian. Love fairness: lawyer. Love creativity: designer. Love helping: nurse or teacher.
Name a job where people need to manage stress well. What coping skills might they use?
Answer may vary. Example could be teachers need to manage stress through ignoring, taking a deep breath, exercise, etc.
A student wants to be a lawyer but isn’t confident in writing. What’s a way they can build self-efficacy over time?
Practice writing, get feedback, celebrate small improvements, stay motivated by visualizing success.
You’re training for a big performance or sports event. What types of self-care might help your body and mind?
Physical: sleep, hydration, stretching.
Mental: calming nerves, focusing thoughts, encouraging self-talk.
A co-worker is being unkind to you. What’s a healthy way to respond?
Set boundaries, stay calm, talk privately, ask for help if needed, use “I” statements.
If creativity is one of your strengths, list 2 jobs where you could use that strength.
Graphic designer, artist, writer, marketing specialist, architect, game developer.
Imagine your dream job. What is one stressful part of that job, and how could you cope with it?
Answers may vary. Example could be an EMT. A stressful part could be managing emergencies where people are hurt. Coping could look like having a therapist or someone to talk to
Finish the sentence: “If I believe in myself, I can…”
Answers will vary: "...speak up more", "...pass my classes", "...become a scientist", etc.
How can emotional self-care help you be better at a job like teaching, healthcare, or firefighting?
Keeps you calm and resilient under pressure, prevents burnout, helps you support others effectively.
What’s one relationship in your life now that helps you grow or feel strong? How might a future mentor or friend do the same?
Answers will vary: a coach, teacher, friend, sibling. Mentors can offer advice, encouragement, and perspective.
“I love helping people and solving problems.” Name 2 careers that fit this description.
Counselor, teacher, therapist, doctor, EMT, social worker, customer service.
You’re a nurse having a hard day and someone is rude to you. Describe 2 healthy coping strategies you could use that don’t hurt anyone else.
Answers may vary. Taking a deep breath, don't take it personally, walk away (if appropriate), state the boundary, etc.
How does practicing self-efficacy now help you in your future job or life goals?
Builds confidence to try new things, face challenges, and keep growing—essential for career success.
Create a mini “Future Me” self-care plan: What are 3 things you’ll do to take care of yourself as an adult?
Answers vary: going to therapy, taking breaks from work, eating healthy, making time for hobbies, staying active.
What does it mean to “set boundaries” in relationships, and how can that help you at school or work?
Saying what’s okay and what’s not. Helps prevent being overwhelmed, protects your energy, and improves respect.
Think of a job that pays a lot but doesn’t match your values. Would you take it? Why or why not?
Answers will vary. Key: Students reflect on what matters most—meaning, enjoyment, purpose, or money—and defend their reasoning.