We like to think we’ve learned a thing or two in our young professional lives thus far since high school graduation. Oh, how differently the world actually works than what we thought it did then. Inspired by the recent high school commencement speech and viral video, You’re Not Special, we thought we’d reflect on a few more things we all (hopefully) should have learned by the time we are well into the “YP category.”
1) You are Going to Go Through Many Bad Relationships
Unless you’re one of the few couples who have remained together since high school graduation (yes, we do know of a few case-in-point examples), odds are you have shed tears, experienced heartache (either from having your heart broken or knowing you’ve caused someone else pain in breaking theirs) and felt that lingering feeling in the back of your mind that comes with knowing that you’re with the wrong person. The good news for the single YP is that all the failed relationships, subpar dates and broken hearts mean that when they finally do find the right person, he or she is seasoned enough in the dating and relationship department to effectively detect warning signs and undesirable patterns of behaviour right away.
2) No Life is “Perfect”
It is easy to compare yourself to others and we must stress that we have encountered many with seemingly “perfect lives” – the success, looks, social ability, strong relationships and seemingly ideal families. Things are not always as they appear, and YPs know the power of deception and image. That couple could be fighting for their marriage behind closed doors, despite the lovey-dovey show they put on in public; that beautiful, always put together female could be swimming in debt to afford her taste for the finer things in life, fuelled by her insecurity; others could be enduring the pain of watching a parent fight for their life. Perfect doesn’t exist.
3) Your Looks Will Only Get You So Far
While beauty is, and always will be, admired and appreciated, it is simply not enough to be respected and taken seriously in the world. Sure, a smile may have got you places at 20, and maybe still does, but anyone in the latter half of the YP spectrum knows that looks will start to fade (or require an increasing amount of work) as we get older, and begin to lose significance in the first place. Your good genes should be a bonus to your intelligence, drive and quick wit, not something that defines you.
4) Nobody Respects Those Who Live Off of Handouts
While you may be envious from time to time of those “trust fund kids” that are handed cash, cars and houses from their parents (or sugar daddies), fellow YPs have little respect and patience for those who rely on perpetual handouts from others. It is one thing to be blessed with generous parents who insist on helping out, but if you couldn’t survive without them, nobody is going to take you seriously.
5) You May Have to Cut “Friends” Out of Your Life
Although you can’t choose your family or co-workers in most cases, you can choose your friends. Throughout our YP lives, it may be necessary to cut toxic people who simply aren’t adding any value to your well-being or may even do the opposite. People who bring you down through jealousy, negativity or are “bad influences” (no, this is not just a high school phenomenon) are not going to better your life. Misery loves company, after all. Just as you breakup with boyfriends and girlfriends, odds are the average YP will, at some point, do the same with a friend.
6) Hard Work Pays Off
Although you may at times find yourself resentful of your job when you have to miss lunches, nights out and dates because of work commitments, nothing beats the feeling of reaping the rewards for all the sacrifices and hard work. The feeling of self-earned satisfaction when you slide into your new car, purchase your first condo, slip into that new article of clothing or receive verbal and financial recognition for all of your hard work is unmatched.
7) Life is Expensive
Until you have to pay all of your own bills, purchase your own groceries and attempt to save for the future in the process, you never realize how truly costly life is, especially in our increasingly expensive cities. We used to raid our parents fully stocked fridge after school, blissfully unaware that we had just consumed three times our weekly allowance in groceries. Groceries, transit, and housing add up; most YPs have to budget, especially in the early years of their career.
8) It Could be Way Worse
As we spend years in the “real world,” we are exposed to tragedy that may have been reserved for the movies in our youth. Until you have experienced actual tragedy, you don’t know what real problems are. You learn to stop feeling sorry for yourself over bad haircuts or a blow to the ego. Bad things happen to good people; illness doesn’t discriminate, people die, people struggle. The tough times, however, inspire many YPs to get involved in charities that matter to them and make a difference in the lives of others.
9) Wardrobe Staples/ Dressing for Your Body is Important
We all look back at pictures from our younger years and ask, “What was I thinking?” It isn’t just that the clothing is out of style. Many people don’t figure out exactly how to dress for their unique bodies until their mid-twenties. When mom and dad are no longer footing the shopping bill, you quickly also realize what you need and don’t. Practical and savvy YPs have staple shoes and articles of clothing for all occasions – things that can be easily mixed and matched as opposed to splurging on trendy pieces that you are only going to wear once, if at all.
10) Your Parents Were Right
They are older, wiser and were indeed right about many things. You never thought you’d admit it, but it’s true. Some of us are even becoming like them, just as we were always told we would.