Failure to Launch Help for Young Adults

Some young adults move from school to work to independence without much trouble. Many others get stuck: living at home, between jobs or classes, unsure where to start and losing confidence the longer it lasts. People sometimes call this failure to launch. Blackburn Mentoring pairs a young adult with one dedicated mentor who meets with them by video weekly or several times a week, with text and phone contact in between and helps them take the next real step, then the one after that.

Signs a young adult may be stuck

Days without much structure or purpose
Starting jobs, classes or plans and not finishing them
Avoiding applications, calls or appointments
Relying on parents for most daily responsibilities
Feeling behind peers and not knowing how to catch up

How mentoring helps

A plan built in small, specific steps, starting where the person actually is
A daily and weekly routine that gives days shape
Practical help with jobs, school, money and independent living
A mentor who checks in between sessions, so momentum builds
Confidence that comes from doing, not from being told

For parents

Parents in this situation often feel caught between pushing too hard and not pushing at all. A mentor takes on the coaching role in a way young adults are often more open to, and with their permission keeps you updated. If there are signs of depression, substance use or another health concern, a licensed professional should be part of the picture, and a mentor can work alongside them.

How to start

Take a short assessment. Tell us about the student or yourself and the goals. It takes about five minutes.
Have a free intro call. Our team reviews it personally and sets up a short call.
Meet the mentor. We match each person with a mentor whose experience and style fit.
Start the plan. 30 or 60 minute video sessions on a weekly or monthly plan, scheduled in your local time.

Questions about young adults who feel stuck

What is failure to launch?

It is an informal term for young adults who are having trouble moving into independent adult life, such as finding steady work or school, managing responsibilities or living on their own.

What if my young adult does not want help?

Mentoring works best when the young adult is willing to take part. We include them in the intro call so they have a say in the goals.

Is mentoring available outside Los Angeles?

Yes. Mentoring happens by video anywhere in the United States.

Get started

Is someone in your family feeling stuck? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.

Help for Young Adults Who Feel Stuck