When I was in college, I didn’t fully appreciate how good that time was. Sure, engineering classes were tough with exams and projects, but the stress and responsibilities were nothing compared to the real world.
Back then, I only had myself to worry about — no bills to pay, no deadlines except schoolwork, and my work-study job covered my fun and my motorcycle. My biggest concern was finding a date for the weekend. Life felt good, but I didn’t realize it wasn’t going to last forever.
Parties at our apartment were a regular thing, and I had plenty of friends. We got to attend West Virginia University football and basketball games for free. It was fun, but I knew it wasn’t sustainable.
Some friends decided to stay in school longer for advanced degrees, but for me, it was time to graduate and face the “real world.”
Last week, I wrote about the challenges new graduates face entering adult life. Today, I want to offer some advice to help make that transition smoother.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned comes from Steven Covey’s book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Begin with the end in mind. Everything starts with a dream. Ask yourself: What do you want your life to look like in five years?
What kind of car do you want to drive? Where do you want to live? What kind of relationships do you want? Without a clear dream or goal, it’s like driving without a destination — you’ll never know if you’ve arrived.
I encourage you to dream big. My friend Willie Jolley says, “Low aim is sin.” When you set low goals, you don’t use your full potential. My dad never had a new car, but one of my goals was to buy a new car when I started working.
I wanted my own apartment, planned to pay off student loans, save for a house, and live a comfortable life. I knew what career paths would get me there.
My uncles worked in steel mills, jobs they didn’t enjoy but took because it was necessary. I wanted a career I liked, something that would make a difference and help me meet my financial goals.
Engineering was my starting point, which later led to management, sales, and eventually the marketing business I own today. My advice to all graduates is simple: Choose a career you enjoy — or else you’ll just have a job. And always have a plan to reach your dreams.
Once you set your dream — your destination — everything else falls into place. Want your own apartment or a house? That depends on your income. Your income depends on your job or business, which depends on your education or training. You don’t need college to succeed, but knowing what jobs pay and what qualifications they require will help you make smart choices.
Sometimes, you might discover your chosen career isn’t for you — and that’s okay. Change is possible. I once spoke to a petroleum engineering class at WVU and met a man who was once a dentist but hated it so much he changed careers completely. Now he’s happy in his new field. You don’t have to stick with a job that makes you miserable.
I also remember a high school friend, a straight-A student who went to MIT and was expected to become a scientist. Ten years later, I found out he was a happy carpenter in Boston, loving the work and the life he chose.
One thing is certain: the real world will bring challenges and setbacks. How you respond will show how serious you are about your dreams. Life will knock you down, but your dreams need to be strong enough to get you back up.
For example, the high school soccer team I coach had the same dream for four years: to win the state championship. After a rough start with only one win in seven games, some doubted the dream.
The coach even said, “We don’t have the talent.” I told him, “Then you’ll have to develop it.” The team went undefeated in the last seven games and won the championship. They believed in their dream and worked hard.
Success in the real world also depends on how well you work with people. Treat everyone with respect and dignity. Be a caring leader. Listen before speaking. Smile, laugh, and stay positive.
Whether you’re a new graduate or someone farther along in life, I hope these thoughts help you crack the code of the real world, achieve your dreams, and find happiness and success.
