As of tomorrow, I will have been out of college for four
years. I have been working full-time since my graduation (believe me, I am
grateful to have been employed this whole time), making decisions for myself,
paying my own way, and learning how to live within my means. I know I still
have a lot of luxuries as a single person with no dependents, but I think I am
at a point where I now where I'm starting to relate more to the adults than to the college kids.
The four year mark is also significant for me because it
means that I have been out in the real world for just as long as I was in
college. I am coming to terms with the fact that this is my life now, and the
only changes that come from this point forward are ones that I initiate myself.
So in line with all the blogs and news sites that are giving advice to struggling college grads, here’s my advice to you:
Make the most of every opportunity provided to you.
Don’t hold out for your ideal, because it might never come. If you find a new
path that looks interesting to you, explore it.
Skills are important, but your ability to adapt
is probably more important. Change can be a good thing. It can lead you to more
opportunities, more friends, and new career paths. Never be afraid to explore
something new, even if it means putting your current dreams on hold.
Higher education isn’t for everyone. My dad is
still desperately holding out hope that one day I will decide to go to grad
school, but I am working in a field where job experience is more valuable (and
profitable) than schooling. If you can find ways to expand your knowledge base
and build your resume without dishing out $100k in tuition, then you should
probably reconsider applying to grad school.
The prestige of your university isn’t always
important. Are you looking to going into a career in academia? If not, then
whether or not your school is prestigious might not be that important. Having
the degree is the biggest value. If you can get a comparable education at a
cheaper, less prestigious school, do it.
Your job is not your life. It should be
fulfilling, and you should enjoy it, but it shouldn’t consume your every waking
moment. There is a whole big world outside the office walls. Get out, meet people, enjoy the time you have.
Learn to be selfish. Our parents taught us not
to be greedy, but all that time they were looking out for us, making sure we
weren’t being taken advantage of. In adulthood, we have to look out for
ourselves, both in our personal lives and in our careers. Never be afraid to fight for your own well being.
i need to bookmark this! Seems like advice one would return to over and over.
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