“The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” ― Mark Twain

• Over half of recent college graduates report that they would not work at a place that did not offer a work-life balance.
• 64% believe that 5-day work weeks are outdated
• 67% think that 9-5 working hours are a thing of the past
• 59% report that having to relocate for a job is an antiquated practice
• Recent college graduates have higher rates of underemployment (working in jobs that don’t require college degree) when compared with all college graduates

This is the end of the semester. Arrives just like Christmas every year. There is a buzz of anticipation for those preparing to graduate and launch into the next chapter. Some into the mysterious job market. Others planning more learning with graduate school. There are also first year students with that look of relief – they’ve made it off “survivor island” and most have figured it out. The big lesson was figuring themselve out. Sometimes it takes several years to learn that lesson. It did for me. What about you?

It’s my impression that college graduates today are starting life with several critical obstacles:

• They have difficulty reading for understanding
• Social skills with groups are especially challenging
• Writing in ways that express critical thinking is even more unpracticed – an AI can do it for you…

Last week I performed a wedding for a recent graduate. He’s now a police officer here in Houston. His new wife is a nurse. Talk about starting life with stressful occupations. You’d never know it as they were beaming the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen that evening. All the mess and stress just disappeared as they started their happiness. I always encourage their family and friends sitting back watching to jump in and not leave the new couple hanging. Help them succeed and but know when to get out of the way as they launch their new lives.

I’m always trying to coach college students with advice, small and big about their futures – even when to show up for the final. I didn’t get any when I was their age and really made a mess so often. When I graduated from college I also got married. Life changed dramatically all at once. I was like a zombie that someone (my wife) was pointing in the right direction. That’s what makes me feel an obligation to do something for young people these days. I sure could have used some wise words from further down the road.

“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.” ― Umberto Eco

Sometimes parents don’t want to give advice to young couples. That’s not smart. You just need to learn how to do it the right way – your spouse can help you manage your delivery. I always require new couples to go through counseling before they get married. Their forever future is worth the work and effort. Don’t you think starting out your marriage and/or career with a supportive network can be crucial to survival? My advice is always to get connected with a group in your local church. There are so many ways others can help save your life when the boat starts to sink.

“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.” ― Meister Eckhart

If you could go back in time and give advice to that younger you, what would it be? Would you even listen when you were that age? Some lessons need to be experienced – you can’t hear about it from others. There are hardships in life that could and should be avoided if we just knew better. Seems like people just starting out should learn about:

• Managing your money
• Marriage/relationship mistakes
• Making good/bad impressions when it matters
• The right/wrong people in your life matter

What would you add to the list? Now that you’ve launched in so many ways, what has experience taught you? What can you pass on to someone else in your circle?