Random Advice for College Graduates

Don’t. No, seriously, find a minor. Study abroad. Take classes for fun.

Graduating from college is a no man’s land, a time of ambivalence. Sure, there are presents. But, there is also nothingness. Of course, many graduates already have a job lined up or head to some form of graduate school. But, the others? Reality.

A child’s life is pretty well organized. Every year, one methodically moves up the educational food chain, memorizing useless data and hopefully learning something. Then, college graduation arrives and tomorrow is undecided. Sure, you always had summer vacation, but this time, there is nothing on the other end. And a lot of people just do not know how to deal with it. So, go back. Acquire a skill. Find a mentor. If it’s too late, here are five rules to follow as you wade into this awkward period of your life.

1. If you’re not early, you’re late. Seriously, if you have an interview and you show up late, you are not getting hired. The real world takes this seriously. If I learned anything from my father, it’s this axiom (or turn off the lights if you are not in the room). 

2. Decide what you love to do and do it. You graduate from college and now you have to start paying back loans. Your parents cut you off. One of your friends manages to land some financial gig paying six figures. You go back home and all anyone seems to talk about is how much money they make. Our society is driven by money and people are defined by their careers. However, as Henry David Thoreau said, “The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation.” Do what you love and income is less relevant. Most people are consumed and defined by their occupation; may as well enjoy the hours of effort.