Along with many of my friends, I am on the cusp of completing my undergraduate career and graduating from college. For many this is an exciting time where the final bonds of childhood are being broken and young people are thrown headfirst into the full-blown adult world. It's the point of sink-or-swim where part time jobs just can't cut it anymore, hence we have to suit up and hope to find someone willing to give us a real job.
Well, by "we" I really mean "most others who are graduating." For better or for worse, I've decided to get my Master's and thus I get to be a student for one more year. Lucky me. Nevertheless, for all my friends who are graduating, or will graduate soon, may I leave you with a bit of advice heading into your futures:
I would bet that many people throughout your life have told you that there's nothing more important than getting a good job; that you have to achieve; that you have to make sure you will at least live comfortably; that you have to at least do better than your parents; that you cannot fail, else your life will be irrevokably ruined, etc. We all know this talk. It comes from all over, from our parents, to our teachers and advisors. It's what gets drummed into us from the time we start school till the time we finish.
And in reality, this is not bad advice. In fact, it's quite sound counsel. There's nothing wrong with wanting to do well in life, to make money and live comfortably, as opposed to living in poverty. I honestly wish fortune to all those who strive to achieve.
However, as much as this pursuit to succeed and make money may be important (especially in today's world) I think that it's crucial not to get caught in the folds between a couple dollar bills. Making money is definitely an inescapable element in this largely materialistic American culture, but don't let that desire consume you. This is just my humble world view, but I believe that there is more to life than money.
Just look at the news, see all the Ponzi schemes, the fraud, and the other horrible things people do to innocent citizens -- carelessly ruining their lives -- just to make money and get rich. There are people who obsess themselves, playing the lotto every day of their exisyence just in the hopes to win big someday. These are the people plagued with greed and broken dreams, they are the ones who got caught in the folds.
I believe that it's important to remember to enjoy life, that it's far too easy to just let it pass you by. As silly a thing as it may seem to understand, I see people everyday who do nothing but worry about money, and these people tend to be unhappy in their lives, because they're too busy to enjoy the life they lead.
Hence, while I see the place money has in society, I still see it as an object and I try to enjoy the simple things in life. I try to do the things that make me happy. And I'm not jaded because I've had to work to obtain the things that make me happy. Rather, I think working for what I have has allowed me to understand what's important in life.
So, my advice is this: Money is important, but don't let it ruin you. Enjoy the simple things in life, and once in a while don't forget to slow down and enjoy where you are. Living well is important, but Life is more important. This may seem simple and cliché, but it's amazing how many people forget to live.
