We are now entering Graduation Season. A Rite of Spring that conveys completion, accomplishment and change. So let me say: Congratulations on your graduation. May it be the first step on your way to achieving your goals and dreams!

 

But let’s get real. Whatever your circumstances, whatever your goals, getting where you want to go will take a lot of time and hard work. Few students will get recruited upon graduation by prestigious companies with promises of high salaries and advancement opportunities. Those opportunities are rare. A select group of promising college athletes may get drafted by professional sports teams, maybe even a few from high school, but the percentage of those offered the big-pro bucks is pretty small. Regrettably, not enough graduates get invited to the big corporations that dole out hiring bonuses on top of hefty salaries and benefits.

 

Sure, it happens occasionally, but it’s the exception, not the norm. The majority of you graduates will first have to find a job, put in the time to establish and prove yourselves, all while working hard and long hours. After a while, maybe the advancement of position and salary will become a reality.

 

Hopefully, you have a plan, a direction, a goal? Having a little direction is not a bad idea. But even then, you might wind up going in an entirely different direction. Circumstances and opportunities may present you with a chance to do something unexpected, enticing and exciting. Being the smart, inciteful, new graduate that you are, you’ll make intelligent career and life choices by performing arduous research and seeking help from trusted allies and probably consulting some online search engines before making any life-altering decisions.

 

Once you’re in the workforce, there’s a very high probability that you will make 3 or more career changes before you turn 40. Many of you will have more than 5 major jobs by the time you are 30. When jobs are plentiful and businesses are expanding, it’s much easier to leave one job for another strictly for higher salary, better benefits and more perks, but it’s not always a sound career move. Hopefully you have attained the skills and talent to earn that higher salary before you start jumping around.

 

If you have the makings of a top-notch employee, your patience and desire to work hard will encourage your bosses to recognize your contributions. As a committed worker who will go through the ups and downs at a company, demonstrating your loyalty and hard work, you will be making an investment of your time and energy toward the success of your employer. Employers like that! In time, and with some luck, your commitment will be rewarded.

 

Over the years the employment market has proven itself to be relatively fickle. Sure, there are trends that indicate which industries are hot and hiring, or which are hemorrhaging people and money. There are many factors that companies consider when it comes to hiring or not. This usually translates to: those with the skills needed by the employer, who have the proven track records and most convincing documents will have first dibs on the best available jobs. Everyone else competes for the remaining gigs.

 

No one said life is fair. Certainly not in the search for gainful employment.

 

The life/work skills you’ll need and use the most are ultimately patience and perseverance. In life and work, you will run into a lot of “hurry up and wait” scenarios. Waiting is probably hardest during job search when all you want to do is get started with this next phase of your working self. You’ll need to take lots of long, slow, deep breaths and try to let go of the frustration that comes with waiting for an answer, reply, instruction, or whatever. You’ll have to move forward, continue, strive and thrive, regardless of the outcome of what you were waiting for. Either way, I hope you’ll have lots to do!

 

So where ever you go, whatever roads you pursue, do it with full intention and a full heart. Make your life and effort have meaning, not just for yourself and your family, but also for your community.

 

And if you stumble along the way, know that you aren’t alone. Missteps happen more often than you can imagine and no one is immune to it! Should it happen to you, figure out how to avoid those obstacles next time and keep moving toward your goals.

 

Here’s hoping all your goals are attainable and you know how to get there.

 

Best wishes!

 

 

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