This is for my son, Taylor, as he graduates college.
You’ve been expensive to feed, clothe, house, entertain, and educate. We don’t dare estimate what we’ve spent preparing to launch you–especially the education part.
As you venture into the world and embark on your journey of independent adulthood, here’s what we would consider payback:
Support yourself. Get a job. You might need two or three jobs. You may not like the work or your boss; it might be boring, but that’s okay. It’s just a job, and you can’t support yourself without it. So get out there, work and don’t waste a lot of energy complaining. Focus on the parts of the work that you like and realize that you may not be happy every day.
Having a roof over your head and food in your belly are reasons to smile.
Be a good employee. Get to work on time, dress appropriately and wear clean clothes. Don’t waste the company’s time or resources, and be respectful to everybody with whom you work.
Don’t call in sick unless you are really sick. While your professors could not fire you for missing class, your boss can fire you for missing work.
Work hard. If you work hard, you will get results. Don’t believe the hype that there are no opportunities for your generation. The point is that we live in a great country, and there are opportunities, but you must seek them out and make the most of them.
Please trust us on this one. Work hard, and we promise you it will pay off. It will not be immediate and your “rewards” may not all be financial in nature.
Live debt-free. Savour the freedom of being debt-free and keep it that way. Live on what you make and you will always have options.
If your friends or colleagues appear to have more money than you, they are likely living on credit.
Don’t be afraid to say, “I can’t afford it.” This is not easy to do, so you’ll need to work hard at it, but you’ll be happier if you are not always worrying about money.
Pay your bills. Pay your bills on time and protect your credit. You’ll need good financial record to buy a car, a place to live, and for most jobs. Remember, one day late is still late.
Create a home for yourself. You don’t have to live like you’re still in college until you can afford the perfect apartment or house. Start now to create a home wherever you are living. Keep it tidy and be a good neighbor.
Eat well, exercise and stay healthy. It’s time to admit that burritos are not a legitimate Food Group. Learn how to cook a few good things and eat at home as much as possible. Make exercise a part of your lifestyle and stay healthy; it’s cheaper and a better way to go through life.
Always pursue your passion. If you can make a living doing what you love, that’s great. If you can’t, pursue your passion on a part-time basis. If you put the work in, you’ll end up where you’re supposed to get.
Sorry if this sounds like a lot of nagging, and if you find some of this information so completely obvious. It made me feel better to know I’ve said it to you. It’s my “helicopter parent” swan song.
You won’t get it right all the time. You’ll make mistakes. That’s normal. Just learn from your mistakes and move forward, and remember to ask for help when you need it.
Congratulations on graduating from college, that is a very big accomplishment and something for which you should be proud. Remember how you feel as you graduate; it feels good to work hard for something and to achieve success.
Good luck. You make us proud. We have faith in you. We love you!
Please don’t ask for any more money. Seriously.
Mom and Dad
Written by: Patti Gregory
Blogger at Come On, That Was Funny and on Facebook.