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Graduation ‘Exorcises’

The graduates of 2022—well, they’ve been through a lot, arguably more than most—but with any luck at all, the days and years ahead will be brighter. 

Life has many lessons to teach us, some more painful than others—and some we’d just as soon be spared. Regardless, if you have a graduate—or if you are a graduate, here are some insights I’ve picked up along the way…  

Emails (generally) don’t have to be answered right this minute. Particularly those that arrive on the weekend.

Bad news doesn’t improve with the passage of time.

First jobs, like first loves, often look better in time’s rearview mirror.

A meeting without an agenda is like a boat without a rudder. You may get somewhere, but it won’t be easy.

When all else fails, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone.

If the only time your boss hears from you is when there’s trouble, don’t be surprised if they don’t look forward to your visits. 

ASAP is never as soon as people think.

Even those who work for themselves have bosses (they’re called “clients”).

Book some quiet time in your day.

Most meetings really can be replaced with an email.

You’re either early—or you’re late.

There is an inverse relationship between the number of people in a meeting and its productive output. Ditto the number of individuals copied on an email.

Everything you’ve heard about your elders isn’t true. But some of it is.

Everything your elders think about you/your generation isn’t true. But some of it is.

Generalizations are (almost) never accurate.

Because you’re young(er), people are going to assume you know things you don’t—and assume you don’t know things you do.

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it pays to read the fine print.

Never say you’ll never…

Always sleep on big decisions.

Never let your schooling stand in the way of your education.

Sometimes the grass on the other side looks greener because of the amount of fertilizer applied.

Never miss an opportunity to say, “thank you.”

If you wouldn’t want your mother to learn about it, don’t…

Sometimes the questions are complicated, but the answer isn’t.

Time is on your side (yes it is!)

Retirement may seem a long way off—but then, so did graduation.

Congratulations to all the graduates out there. We’re proud of you!

p.s.: Got any advice to add to this list? Share it in the comment section below!