How Can College Graduates Plan Their (Immediate) Future
JPMorgan had calculated the next recession to hit America. There would be a 72% chance that it could happen in three years, suggesting that American economy might be in a middle of a cycle. The firm also warned that it may take a long time before Americans (or many of them) would get over it. This can be a piece of bad news for college graduates, also students entering their final year in the university. It also applies for professionals thinking of going back to the university. Then again, this information should prompt them to plan their future accordingly.
You should have a glimpse of your future during high school, when you wonder what you want to be. It should help you figure out your field of specialty in college. You must think of excellence, as a high GPA can offset anything you're lacking in your CV. It doesn't matter if you decide an about face during your first, if not second year in college. It's all about good planning along with the right attitude. It may not mean that you're thinking of registering for a backpacking travel program with your roommate, if not your closest coursemate. Think about your future. Again. (Europe, which reeks of history, will remain unchanged for the next decade or two.) If you take the warning into heart, then you must weigh your options carefully.
Future-Proof Your Career
Think like a pro. You want to get a job as soon as possible. It happens to be the same mindset of most college graduates. It will be better if you have specific goals, such as a level-entry position during your first few years. Ambition should lead you to assess your standing after such a period. Instinct will play a part in your decision to find better opportunities. If you opt to stay on your (first) job, then make sure that you won't be left behind. Inquire about seminars, also training courses that would give you flexibility in your career options. There must not be any room for regret later.
If you can't own it, then rent it (for a while). It will be nice to have your own car after a few years, and then have your own place after five years or so. There's nothing wrong about it. As a matter of fact, most young professionals want it sooner. Look ahead, though. There's a possibility that the recession might not happen a few years from now, but it doesn't mean that you must not prepare for unforeseen events. If rent will enable you to save for the rainy days, then buckle your bet a bit. Don't do it at the expense of your well being, though. You deserve a holiday if you've been working hard all year long.
The earlier, the better. Preparing for your retirement during your 20s isn't an option. It's rather the wisest decision that you'll ever make during the early phase of your career. Patience is a virtue, which means that your gratifications can be delayed a bit longer. It's a lesson that you must force to accept if you start a family during your 20s. Some young professionals might not look at it as an option, but the statement of JPMorgan would indicate that the future is hard to predict.
Learning doesn't end after receiving your (undergraduate) degree. YouTube offers a wide array of programs that help you learn a new skill or two. It might turn into a hobby, which keeps you occupied (and supposedly happy) during your off hours (in the office). It may also turn into another business venture. If you're thinking about going back to school, then consider the possibility of spreading yourself too thin. It might be impractical if it turns out that you won't get some kind of payback. It won't do you good if you're harboring thoughts about the time lost.
Strive to be a 2.0 version of yourself. Your health could be the best investment, as it should keep you motivated and inspired when you approach middle age. Vanity may prompt you to hit the gym frequently, but age affects your motivation. It's about striving as hard you can, a lesson that you should have learned during your first year in paper writing.
Skills That Will Count Most in the Future
The first skill that matters the most is how to access information. You must be up to date with the latest (in your field of specialty), ditching what is obsolete. The second skill is related to this one.
You must be capable of unlearning what you have learned. This can be a monumental task, as aging goes along with rigidity. If you enjoy learning new ideas, then this won't be a problem at all. If you're fond of reading (or watching movies and/or plays), then learning this skill requires minimal effort.
The third skill has something to do with your hobby. You must always find the time for it, as this will keep you from getting too stressed and jaded in the long run. You might end up making some money from it, which is better than you can imagine.
All these three skills should assure you of smooth sailing over rough water.
