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Dear High School Graduate…


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.

 
Dearest high school graduate, I cannot promise you that there will always be a job for you in your life, but I can offer you the wisdom of years of workforce development. I can only offer you the best advice to put that first foot on the path of your career.  I hope you that you find a career, one that makes you happy. I wish you great success in life and more than I have ever known, but above all I wish you happiness on your journey.

 

 

Comments, questions, and suggestions are always appreciated. I can be reached at kcirincione@gmail.com. ~ Karen Cirincione

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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