Life has many lessons to teach us, some more painful than others — and some we’d just as soon be spared. Regardless, if you have a graduate — or if you ARE a graduate, here are some insights I’ve picked up along the way…
When it seems too good to be true, it’s generally neither good, nor true.
Because you’re young(er), people are going to assume you know things you don’t — and assume you don’t know things you do.
Everything you’ve heard about your elders isn’t true. But some of it is.
Never say you’ll never… (at least not out loud).
If the only time your boss hears from you is when there’s trouble, don’t be surprised if they don’t look forward to your visits.
The people who say “it’s not about the money” generally already have some.
If you’re always the smartest person in the room, you’re probably in the wrong room.
Before hitting “Reply All,” take a walk.
A good reputation takes years to build and about five minutes to lose.
Nobody really knows what they’re doing at first. Some are just more confident about it.
Read the room before trying to lead the room.
If you find yourself saying “no offense,” reconsider the next sentence.
ASAP rarely means the same thing to the person requesting it as it does to you.
Emails (generally) don’t have to be answered right this minute. Particularly those that arrive on the weekend (p.s. don’t get mad at your elders who send those — it’s probably habit, not an intentional intrusion into your personal space).
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. Just remember: your employer may not fall neatly into either category.
There actually ARE stupid questions. Usually the ones you ask after ignoring the instructions.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it pays to read the fine print.
A meeting without an agenda is like a boat without a rudder. You may get somewhere, but it won’t be easy, it might not wind up where you need to be — and it will take longer to get there.
Comments that begin “with all due respect” generally aren’t.
When all else fails, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone.
There is an inverse relationship between the number of people in a meeting and its productive output. Ditto the number of individuals copied on an email.
Generalizations are (almost) never accurate.
Never let your schooling stand in the way of your education.
Sometimes the grass on the other side looks greener because of the amount of fertilizer applied.
Never miss an opportunity to say, “thank you.”
The longer you wait to start saving for retirement, the longer you’ll need to be saving for retirement.
That 401(k) match isn’t really “free” money — but it won’t cost you a thing.
Retirement may seem a long way off — but then, not so long ago, so did graduation.
Congratulations to all the graduates out there. We’re (all) proud of you!
- Nevin E. Adams, JD
p.s.: Got any advice to add to this list? Share it in the comment section below!
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