Comments on: Open letter to recent college graduates

By: Moira

Moira — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:32:35 +0000

I really like number 8. “Your life is not a race” is exactly what a good family friend told me a few weeks ago when I was stressing out, trying to decide whether or not to go straight into law school. I’ve decided to take a year to work, relax, live a little… and I’m really excited. If anyone is interested in having more conversations about life after graduation, check out my blog! (collegeseniorcerebrations.blogspot.com)

By: Therese Schwenkler

Therese Schwenkler — Thu, 26 May 2011 22:33:21 +0000

Pam,

Well said. These are all valuable pieces of advice, but my very favorite is this one:

“Your life is not a race. You have plenty of time to experiment and figure out what interests you. You should travel. Volunteer. Try really out really different kinds of jobs and see what lights your fire. There is not a universal timeline for figuring things out, although many will tell you there is. The real questions to ask yourself as you cruise through life are: Are you happy? Are you learning? Are you contributing something positive to the world? Are you interested in others? Are you enthusiastic?”

If I’ve learned one thing since graduating, this would be it. Sometimes being lost for awhile is part of the process. Take the time to explore and to be at ease with not knowing.

Another thing I’ve learned is that a college degreee in itself doesn’t entitle you to anything. If you want to be successful, you’ve gotta have a lot more to back it up. I’ve written more about this here if you’re interested: Why Your College Degree Doesn’t Mean Sh**” http://www.theunlost.com/?portfolio=why-your-college-degree-doesnt-mean-sh

Thanks again

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:58:21 +0000

This list is gold. I think it perfectly complements how I feel.

By: Lew Sauder

Lew Sauder — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 03:03:43 +0000

Great letter Pam. I think #2 – You are always self-employed, is key. If we always thought of ourselves as independent consultants, we would be more productive and self-challenged. We would always be focused on managing our career.

Lew Sauder
Consulting 101

By: Nic

Nic — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:16:26 +0000

In my opinion, people would be wise to take the advice you have published here. And I cannot agree more with considering what you love when you're looking at graduate careers. Practicality is all very well but why would you want that if it's only going to make you miserable? It's important to make sensible choices but your health and happiness is much more important than wealth. And one thing I would add is do not be afraid to stray from the path you've set out for yourself. It may have been right at the time, but four, five years down the line and it may no longer be right. But it's gotten to be a familiar idea and the thought of straying away from it terrifies you. You'll thank yourself for it though. If your plan is still right for you, good. If not, adapt yourself or change your plan. There's nothing to be ashamed of in that, or frightened of.

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Newly Graduated College Students | Business Idea of the Day — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:10:09 +0000

[...] grads are concerned about how recent their children will find a job in this economy. Pamela Slim on Escape From Cubicle Nation has some very interesting thoughts on graduating in this economy that I couldn’t agree with [...]

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93 Most Popular Articles of Top Job Search and Career Blogs | JobMob — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:18:54 +0000

[...] Open letter to recent college graduates from Escape from Cubicle Nation [...]

By: Maggie

Maggie — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:58:23 +0000

Hi Pamela,
As a recent graduate, I was able to take away some great advice from your article. Although I think there is a typo in the fifth sentence of number 8 “Relax”. Hope you don’t mind me quoting you on how students should view their interests and skills! Fantastic! Thank you!

—

Thanks Maggie!

Could you call out the specific typo? I have re-read it a few times and can’t see it.

All the best,

-Pam

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Open letter to recent college graduates : Josiah Garber — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:44:46 +0000

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By: Escapemos de los cubículos!!!!! « Sin imprimir

Escapemos de los cubículos!!!!! « Sin imprimir — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:59:58 +0000

[...] el proyecto de entrevistar a personas que sí aman lo que hacen. Pamela aconseja, por sobre todo, trabajar siempre por cuenta propia. Aún si se es empleado, trabajar por los logros que uno quiere obtener, no desentenderse del [...]