How can you have a tail wind and still face a head wind? That describes today’s grads as they face one of the most uncertain times in history.
The tail wind is the fact that there just are not enough workers for the jobs that are out there. If you have skills, a good resume showing success at previous jobs, and a good attitude, your future should look very, very bright. One of my mottoes is that someone is looking as hard for you as you are looking for them – you just have to knock on enough doors.
The head wind is the fact that the world is changing. With the spending of trillions of dollars on new government programs in recent years, there will be a tax bill to pay some day. It will fall to these young people.
Grads also face something called “AI” for artificial intelligence, which seems to be the buzzword of all things future-oriented.
My futurist friend Jeff Wacker tells me that singularity could occur in five years. That means in 2030, computers will catch up with the human brain.
What the hell does that mean?
I know that it means way less to us old-timers than it does to the new high school or college or trade school graduate.
My Annual Message To Grads
This is my annual column about what grads should be thinking about looking ahead at their future life.
To you grads, your youth is your greatest asset. You sit there at your graduation as an “unformed human being.” Your whole world is out there ahead of you.
I recall my high school graduation 61 years ago. The overriding thought that ran through my head was “what is going to happen to me?”
Although scary, this can also be the most exciting time to be alive. Approach these times with optimism and love for your fellow human being and you should turn out just fine.
A favorite quote: “The problem with our times is that the future is not what it used to be.” How true.
Now, About Roots And Wings
So, what does this mean?
Parents and members of a grad’s extended family are proud of their sons and daughters and usually are happy with the morals and good examples revealed to them. This is the roots.
It is so important for a young person to know where they are coming from as they chart their future paths. If you don’t know who you are by now, it will be harder than ever to figure out that in the future.
Despite being beaten down by social media for their entire lives, hopefully these students can realize that living in America during these times offer you tremendous “wings.” You can become just about anything you want.
Although I think being an internet influencer or a reality TV star is not much of a goal, even those roles are attainable, I suppose.
My advice: go for it! My generation used words like rigor, traction, and gumption to describe that ability to make things happen and get things done. Yes, you can do it! Believe in yourself.
Rugged Individualism
I believe it was free enterprise, capitalism, and rugged individualism that made this country great. I hope you grads can grasp these concepts and realize how they can make a big impact on how you will be able to survive these difficult times.
Now here are five secrets about what you should do to get ahead:
Although working hard is a virtue, working “smart” is genius.
Education is the key but I am not talking about advanced degrees here. I am talking about identifying a field you would like to work in and then learning everything you can about it. Best way to do this is talking with people in the field. Or volunteering to work in the fringe parts of that industry. Scanning the Internet for everything you can find out about trends in that field helps, too. You can never learn enough.
It is not who you know or what you know that counts in getting a good career going. It is who you know AND what you know that will make all the difference. Locate and cultivate mentors.
Responsibility, honesty, and ethics are critical. Many in your generation are assumed to be lazy and not loyal. If you are loyal to those who you work with and for, you will be stunned by how far that will get you in your career.
Timing is the single most important thing in getting ahead. You must stay on top of trends and always, always check which way the economic winds are blowing. You must be a man or woman of action. Jump when you need to, but look before you leap.
So, with all that said, Good Luck and Godspeed.
Bill Sniffin can be reached at: Bill@CowboyStateDaily.com
