Author’s Note:
This blog is dedicated to my son, the high school graduate!
As you walk across the stage and
receive your diploma, so many things may be crossing your mind. The joy of
achieving a life milestone, fear of the unknown, hope for the future, and of
course the sadness of leaving the only world you have ever known behind. I cannot offer you riches, but I can offer
you wisdom as you will be entering life known as adulthood.
Life is full of ups and downs. No one exactly
knows when the scale will tip in either direction, but each parent always wants
their child to achieve only joy and not to know sadness. Like the roller coaster of life your
professional life will be the same, so I offer you these tips for starting out
your career.
Figuring it Out
Sometimes you think you know what you want
to do, only to find out it is not the best thing. Other times you do not have a
clue. There will be many times like this in your life. Not just at that moment
following high school graduation. Sometimes in order to figure out what is the
best road, is to try different things. It’s ok to not know everything at age 18
and admit that you don’t.
Show
Up and Step Up
Every millionaire started somewhere in
life. It doesn’t matter if your first job is digging ditches or flipping
hamburgers. Everyone started somewhere. The first thing you will need to do is
to get a job, show up, and learn how to work. Once you are working, make sure
to step up your game and take pride in your work. Dig the deepest hole, make
the perfect hamburger, be highly engaging with customers, and always follow the
directions of your bosses.
Speaking
of Bosses
Unfortunately not every boss you have will
be a good one. It doesn’t matter. Do your job to the best of your ability. Make
your boss look good. It is bonus in life
if you like your boss, if your boss challenges you and makes you feel like you
are part of something bigger. Many times this will be the case and someday many
years from now, you will know why Dilbert is funny.
Finding
a Job
You will not receive the first job you
apply for. You will not receive the job that you thought was perfect for you.
In order to find a job, you will need to apply for many jobs. There is
competition on each level, the entry level, as well as the management
level. When you are serious about
finding a job, you will understand that finding a job is a full time job.
A
friend of your Dad’s…
Once you are looking for work, call upon
that village that raised you and reach out to people. Maybe someone you know,
relative, family friend, old teacher, etc. will have a lead for you or knows
where you can find a job. That weird uncle might just be the best person to
connect with for employment.
Life
is like High School
Once you are working you will learn that
life is like high school. Workplaces have cliques too and learning to navigate
the world you work in is part of being an adult. Hang around will the high achievers, the over
producers, and the people with great ideas. Avoid the people that lie, cheat,
and steal. Sometimes bad decisions at work can have legal consequences. Life is
like high school, hang around with losers and you become one.
Once
you get to work…
Once you get to work, make sure that you act
professional for the job that you have. You may not wear a suit and tie, but
whether it is a uniform or jeans and a tee shirt, make sure you are always neat
and clean. Always communicate
professionally verbally and in writing. Avoid slang, swearing, and any
offensive subjects. When you write, use the language taught in school and not
language of texting. Make sure to put
your devices away and do the job you were assigned to do.
Learn
Always
When you were in school, you wanted to
graduate, but just because you have entered the world of work, learning does
not stop. Whether college is just around the corner, you will work your way
through school, or you will wait and pursue education or vocation later, make
sure that you learn something new every day. Read constantly to gain new
information. It may be useful to your
job or to get a better job. Take professional
development courses whenever they are offered.
You will not know the value of education and knowledge until you have
hit the place where you realize the only way to get to where you want to be is
to get that degree.
Comments, questions, and suggestions are
always appreciated. I can be reached at kcirincione@gmail.com.
~ Karen Cirincione
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