A seasoned career veteran offers practical suggestions to a frustrated 22-year-old.
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In a turn of events that leaves members of my family incredulous, people occasionally ask me for advice. The latest was Bill, a 22-year-old friend of my son’s who works as a newspaper reporter and considered applying for a reporting job at a bigger paper. He knows that I used to work for a newspaper and he wrote me this:
“My job is stressful and it doesn’t pay a lot. I mean, I really don’t need a high salary, that doesn’t matter to me. But after I pay off my bills at the end of the month I have no money to do anything else besides buy gas and food. Should I apply for this new job?”
My advice:
Dear Bill,
First off, be clear about this: No matter what you do, the odds are that you will feel stressed and broke for the rest of your life. As an example, I enjoy a fine salary, but both my cars are older than most recent college graduates.
Newspapers happen to be a unique grind because you put out a brand-new product every day. It never ends, whether there is something interesting to put on the pages or not. If you have enough creative energy, that problem is interesting to attack. Newspapers can get the adrenaline pumping better than many other jobs because all hell breaks loose fairly often and if you successfully stay on top of the news it can be exhilarating.
Given that the newspaper industry is corkscrewing into the ground, however, if I were you I would plan to stay in only long enough to get solid experience in writing and dealing with people—and then get out before someone hands you real responsibility. While you are a reporter, look for other jobs where your skills, abilities and knowledge could be useful. There are plenty of areas that provide satisfying challenges. Personally, I like higher education, (but we’ve got a hiring freeze going on, so tough luck to you).
Concerning money, you will tend to spend what you earn. In my case, I’ve got four kids, which admittedly is no one’s fault but my wife’s. You, too, will find something to spend your money on, and you will never have as much left over at the end of the month as you think you should.
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Since I have not offered you real solutions, as a bonus I will give you some advice on things you didn’t ask about.
- Don’t be concerned that you work too hard or that your boss is a jerk. You’re 22. Half-measures are not for you. Prove yourself and then others will listen when you complain.
- Three hundred people sent in resumes for the same job to which you applied. Don’t get discouraged. You—and everyone else—will get turned down for more jobs than you get hired for.
- In whatever job you have, get out and meet people. Contacts are your most valuable resource if you need a new job. And if anyone asks you for help networking, make sure you give it.
- Be a lifelong learner. I started the MBA program at the local university when I was 44. It took me seven years to finish. My research shows that an MBA is the most difficult degree to earn, but any graduate program is tough. It’s easier, though, when you have fewer responsibilities.
- Every industry has its ups and downs. If you work long enough, you are likely to get caught in a down cycle. It’s not fun, but the better prepared you are, the faster you will get another job.
- Bill, I happen to know you are a good and smart person with a lot of talent. Take a deep breath and enjoy yourself. You will be fine.
— Photo: Flikr
Good advice for anyone today.
Beautiful! Thank you for this.