reading *everything* about his current interest, drawing, and asking bizarre philosophical questions at each crack of dawn...
This just might make the basis of a book someday... or some song lyrics... if he keeps a journal or portfolio of his ideas.
He may need to find something which internally motivates him, and can be monetized. Have you considered introducing him to basic budgeting... whether with an allowance... or a household budget... and possibly the types of jobs identified by the
bureau of labor statistics along with salary info... or a similar presentation of majors and careers from
college board?
Middle school is not too early to begin thinking, planning, preparing for one's future, according to books such as
What High Schools Don't Tell You... and
It's the Student... not the college, and college admissions counselors such as
this one.
