6 Things Every 20-Something Will Tell Their Kids Someday

1. If a Good Job/Internship Comes Along, Take It

All you need now is experience, experience and more experience.
If a door opens, walk through it. You’ll find your true passion soon enough, but in the meantime be thankful you have a steady 9-to-5. They aren’t guaranteed.

2. Learn a Second Language

I mean really learn… be fluent; not the typical six years in secondary school and then you’re done, never to speak anything other than English. Commit to being fluent in another tongue, particularly one that matters on the world stage.

Twenty-five years ago, you could manage just fine if you only spoke English. Now, you’re at a huge disadvantage.

3. Major in a Field That’s in Demand

I know I sound like a broken record but… I know people who majored in philosophy when they should have focused on something more marketable like business, math or science. Understand what the economy needs and tailor your education to be the right person for the job. And don’t forget to dress nicely for the interview.

(Geez, I sound like my father…)

4. You Must Save for Retirement

Well, what’s less than nothing? That’s what you’re going to get.

Take a little out of every paycheck now to ensure you have moneydown the road.

5. Don’t Hide Out in Graduate School

If you need the advanced degree, we stand behind you. If you’re avoiding the real world, then please accept a gentle nudge into the unknown.

Just keep your eyes open because life itself is a master's degree. And the School of Hard Knocks never requires tuition.

6. You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are

I remember when gas was only $4 a gallon, a song on iTunes was $.99 and we actually wrote things with pen and paper. Times have really changed since I was in your shoes. But in many ways, they’re still the same.

Like my generation, if you take advantage of every opportunity and save money when you can, you will set yourself up for a happy life. No one controls the future, but we can certainly prepare well for what comes next.

Now, can you please turn down that god-awful music?

(*sigh*)

Kids these days…