Career Advice for High School & College Graduates

Encouragement to share with your daughter or son

I was 21 years old — and fresh out of college — when I started my first “real” job.

The night before my first day of work, my parents shared solid advice.

“Work harder than you’re paid,” my father said, “and save up 6 months of living expenses. That way, if your boss ever asks you to do something illegal or immoral, you can say, ‘I quit’ and walk away not owing them anything.”

My mom told me, “Stay out of office politics. So many people hold themselves back by getting caught up in office gossip or taking sides in a dispute.”

Now that I’m older, I appreciate their wisdom more. I’ve seen people stay in jobs they hate because they have no Plan B — or because they’re in a “golden handcuffs” situation where they can’t afford to leave without sacrificing a lifestyle that makes them live from paycheck to paycheck.

Regarding office politics, I’ve seen talented people lose opportunities because they burned bridges, had a bad attitude, or spent more time gossiping and playing games than producing quality work.

When we know better, we do better. And while some lessons are learned the hard way, other lessons come as we listen to people who are older and wiser than us.

With my oldest daughter finishing college soon (and starting OT school), I’m thinking more about career advice. I’m noting what I see as her friends weigh different offers. Here are 5 insights to help our daughters and sons succeed in this stage of life.