Ep.144– Unsolicited Advice for Everyone About to Graduate
Welcome to a special "Emotional Balance Sheet" graduation episode where we're diving into real-world advice for all the fresh graduates. Congratulations on this incredible milestone in your life! Now, let's talk about what comes next.
While the world often echoes Steve Jobs' famous 2005 Stanford speech urging graduates to follow their passion, today, we will shake things up and challenge that narrative. Instead, I encourage you to pursue what you enjoy and what can sustain you financially because passion alone doesn't pay the bills.
To help get you started with this next phase of life, I have brought in one of my favorite writers, Morgan Housel. Morgan wrote an article that provides unsolicited advice to recent college grads, which I wanted to share with you today, sprinkled in with a few thoughts of my own.
The beauty of this advice in typical Morgan fashion is that it applies to adults who could be in the prime of their careers.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE
1 Big Idea to Think About
The conventional wisdom of "follow your passion" might not always lead to success. Instead, consider pursuing what you enjoy and what others are willing to pay for.
1 Way You Can Apply This
When making career decisions, prioritize finding a balance between personal fulfillment and market demand. Explore industries or roles that align with your interests while also considering their practicality in terms of financial stability and job prospects.
1 Question to Ask
How can you proactively seek opportunities to align your passions with emerging market demands or societal needs, ensuring both personal fulfillment and professional success?
Key Moments From the Show
[00:00:03] Introduction to graduation season and the discussion about Steve Jobs' commencement speech.
[00:01:56] Introduction to Morgan Housel's article on advice for graduates.
[00:02:47] Discussion about honesty in job interviews and finding the right fit in a company.
[00:03:48] Advice on embracing career changes and the realization that it's okay not to have everything figured out early in life.
[00:04:54] Importance of considering commute time for overall happiness and well-being.
[00:06:06] Emphasis on impressing bosses with good work rather than insincere flattery.
[00:07:27] Encouragement to be open-minded and adaptable to changing facts and circumstances.
[00:08:19] Practical advice on managing student loans, learning Excel, and avoiding unproductive arguments about politics.
[00:09:22] Caution against making major decisions when in emotional states and recognizing the influence of personal experiences on individual perspectives.