Graduating college is one of the hardest things I've had to do. For the most part, I made a name for myself at my university. I was the friendly face many people knew and at least acknowledged on their way to class. There were organizations I joined for the sake of making more friends and building a never ending to-do list. Graduation meant leaving it all behind, being forgotten and unknown to upcoming classes, and most intimidating of all — starting over, in a big world.
I am lucky to have landed my dream job within a year of graduation. It isn't always easy, and sometimes I am reminded that I have much to learn about the business world. I have learned many lessons from my family at Virtual Village Classroom, and this is my thank you to them, slash advice for all my other hard working friends out there.
1. "The only thing that stays the same is everything changes."
In our office, this means you'd better get used to wasted time and work, because everything can change in a heartbeat. This is what it feels like to grow up. You make friends, lose friends and learn how to solve a math problem, only to have your next teacher tell you that your way is wrong. We constantly learn, relearn and make changes. Just go with it.
2. "It's all about who you know."
Many people discount this cliche, and say, "What about the geniuses? What about the people with superhuman musicality?" They won't go anywhere unless they learn how to market themselves and make a name for their image. This is why networking is so important.
3. "Things tend to fall into place when you least expect it."
Have you ever heard that a watched phone never rings? The greatest way to ensure things fall into place is to do everything in your power to meet your goal then move on to the next one. Obsessing over things you can't control is debilitative to your chances for success. Find peace in knowing that you have done everything you can, and that karma/fate/God, whatever you believe in, will see it through.
4. "If it were easy, everyone would do it."
Enough said.
5. "You'll be surprised what you get out of people who think you know nothing."
Some people really love to talk. Some love to share their wealth of knowledge and stroke their own ego. If they have the information, they have the power, and they just have to make sure you know that. Let 'em. If you play dumb and ask a few leading questions, you'll have your worst enemy kissing your feet. Not only that, but you can get them to do exactly what you want and make them think it was their own idea.
6. "You know you love the quicksand I walk on."
Sometimes, you've just gotta stick this to the haters and recognize your own talent. You may not always know what you're doing, but hey, you'll get there. As the great Michael Scott from a similarly amazing office once said, "Sometimes I start a sentence, and I don't even know where it's going. I just hope I find it along the way."
That right there is my mantra for the big bad world in which we live. It takes a village to raise a person, and I'm just thankful for the lessons I've learned from mine. What can you thank your village for? Share and tag them with your reasons!
