General Advice You'd Give Someone Younger

[EMAWmeister]

One that I've really been noticing lately is to gain as much insight from your parents as possible while you can.

[The Tonya Harding of Twitter Users Creep]

One that I've really been noticing lately is to gain as much insight from your parents as possible while you can.

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.

My dad quotes this all the time, I've stopped telling him he's right. 

[The Whale]

I guess I understand what some of you are saying re: find a job that you can "tolerate" and you don't need to find one that you love.  but if you have to work 8 hours a day, that's a shitload of your life that you spend just "tolerating" something.  that doesn't seem like a very good way to go through life.    I just can't imagine having to get up most days and spending virtually the entire day doing something that I don't love.

You only work 40 hours a week.  I guess if you don't mind being poor the rest of the time, then don't worry about career choices -- just do what you love 

[cfbandyman]

Can't remember the exact quote but it went something like this:

"No one at the end of their life wishes they had spent more time working/at the office"

While you should always work hard and do you best at your job, it pays off, you should realize there are way more important things in life like family and friends. If I could spend the rest of my life alternating between spending time with my family and porch drinking with my friends, I would be so content with my life. But you gotta work, so work in the good times around work, and do something if not love, at least tolerate and you can see yourself doing for 30+ years.
Also, if you don't love your job but can tolerate it, keep working at it, you never know when the job you love will pop up due to your credentials. Also, be kind and work well with the people you work for/with. Case in point, while I wouldn't take the job my client often reminds me that they are hiring and asks me if the town the plant is in would be something that I could see myself at long term. While mostly in light jest good work often leads to offers from those you work for, so to reiterate even if you aren't in love with your job, keep at it, you never know when that work is noticed by a company you work with and they give you an offer you can't refuse. But always be polite about it, remember you still work for someone else.

Also in the vein of keeping at it, when I was at the airport returning from site the last time out (about 2 months ago) there just happened to be some recruiters going to the KC area for Sandia National Labs, and after my project manager and I just were just talking to them about our jobs, and their jobs, and where to go to in KC, etc. one of the guys essentially told us if we were interested we should give him a call to interview for Sandia. While tempting I don't think I could live too far away from my family, friends and the 'cats just yet, especially since my job currently is pretty good, but once again, always keep at it and be friendly, you never know who you're talking to and what they may be able to do for you. Which leads me to my last point and my dad's favorite quote about work:

"It's not what you know, it's who you know"

And it only gets truer at time goes on.

[bones129]

Work hard at a job you like. I like leaving work every day (I own my own business) knowing I gave it my all that day, and knowing I have quality time that evening to spend with my family. Feel good about what you do and take pride in it. Invest in your retirement early, rather than late. And take in every Cat game you can.

[michigancat]

Can't remember the exact quote but it went something like this:

"No one at the end of their life wishes they had spent more time working/at the office"

,

iirc, that was Tim McGraw in the hit single "Live Like you were dying".

really, instead of reading this thread, you could just listen to country radio for a couple hours and get the same advice with a little folksy patriotism thrown in.

[michigancat]

Can't remember the exact quote but it went something like this:

"No one at the end of their life wishes they had spent more time working/at the office"

While you should always work hard and do you best at your job, it pays off, you should realize there are way more important things in life like family and friends. If I could spend the rest of my life alternating between spending time with my family and porch drinking with my friends, I would be so content with my life. But you gotta work, so work in the good times around work, and do something if not love, at least tolerate and you can see yourself doing for 30+ years.
Also, if you don't love your job but can tolerate it, keep working at it, you never know when the job you love will pop up due to your credentials. Also, be kind and work well with the people you work for/with. Case in point, while I wouldn't take the job my client often reminds me that they are hiring and asks me if the town the plant is in would be something that I could see myself at long term. While mostly in light jest good work often leads to offers from those you work for, so to reiterate even if you aren't in love with your job, keep at it, you never know when that work is noticed by a company you work with and they give you an offer you can't refuse. But always be polite about it, remember you still work for someone else.

Also in the vein of keeping at it, when I was at the airport returning from site the last time out (about 2 months ago) there just happened to be some recruiters going to the KC area for Sandia National Labs, and after my project manager and I just were just talking to them about our jobs, and their jobs, and where to go to in KC, etc. one of the guys essentially told us if we were interested we should give him a call to interview for Sandia. While tempting I don't think I could live too far away from my family, friends and the 'cats just yet, especially since my job currently is pretty good, but once again, always keep at it and be friendly, you never know who you're talking to and what they may be able to do for you. Which leads me to my last point and my dad's favorite quote about work:

"It's not what you know, it's who you know"

And it only gets truer at time goes on.

also, those are pretty lame reasons to not even call to interview. not exactly "livin like you're dyin'", bro.

[star seed 7]

so much of this thread i didn't do when i was young, and now that i'm old as crap it's really caught up with me.

LISTEN TO THE OLD GUYS.

[Institutional Control]

My advice is, don't take advice from others.

[cfbandyman]

Can't remember the exact quote but it went something like this:

"No one at the end of their life wishes they had spent more time working/at the office"

While you should always work hard and do you best at your job, it pays off, you should realize there are way more important things in life like family and friends. If I could spend the rest of my life alternating between spending time with my family and porch drinking with my friends, I would be so content with my life. But you gotta work, so work in the good times around work, and do something if not love, at least tolerate and you can see yourself doing for 30+ years.
Also, if you don't love your job but can tolerate it, keep working at it, you never know when the job you love will pop up due to your credentials. Also, be kind and work well with the people you work for/with. Case in point, while I wouldn't take the job my client often reminds me that they are hiring and asks me if the town the plant is in would be something that I could see myself at long term. While mostly in light jest good work often leads to offers from those you work for, so to reiterate even if you aren't in love with your job, keep at it, you never know when that work is noticed by a company you work with and they give you an offer you can't refuse. But always be polite about it, remember you still work for someone else.

Also in the vein of keeping at it, when I was at the airport returning from site the last time out (about 2 months ago) there just happened to be some recruiters going to the KC area for Sandia National Labs, and after my project manager and I just were just talking to them about our jobs, and their jobs, and where to go to in KC, etc. one of the guys essentially told us if we were interested we should give him a call to interview for Sandia. While tempting I don't think I could live too far away from my family, friends and the 'cats just yet, especially since my job currently is pretty good, but once again, always keep at it and be friendly, you never know who you're talking to and what they may be able to do for you. Which leads me to my last point and my dad's favorite quote about work:

"It's not what you know, it's who you know"

And it only gets truer at time goes on.

also, those are pretty lame reasons to not even call to interview. not exactly "livin like you're dyin'", bro.

I bet you're way cooler online too

O sorry, that was Brad Paisley, 

[Fldermaus]

"It's not what you know, it's who you know"

And it only gets truer at time goes on.

This is especially good advice if you are untalented -- don't hang out with or work for people who expect you to know much.

[steve dave]

"It's not what you know, it's who you know"

And it only gets truer at time goes on.

This is especially good advice if you are untalented -- don't hang out with or work for people who expect you to know much.

It seems to be more of a crutch for the underachiever than anything.

[_33]

If you like a pair of ladies sunglasses buy them and wear them.  No one will know they are ladies sunglasses.

[Boom Roasted]

Go to road games as often as possible

This one is way overlooked.  Yeah all this other mumbo jumbo is great but has anyone ever had a bad time on a road trip(other than game outcome)? Seriously they are always some of the most memorable trips and you get to see how other colleges do their games and parties.  Wish I could have seen every BigXII stadium for a Cat game(nub/CO)

Also, listen to old people and chase fillies 

[steve dave]

going to road games has always been pretty meh for me. it's fine and I've been to a lot but it's not exactly life advice. there are a lot of other places I'd suggest going.

[mocat]

going to road games has always been pretty meh for me. it's fine and I've been to a lot but it's not exactly life advice. there are a lot of other places I'd suggest going.

Yes but now you know that about yourself.

[Willesgirl]

Whoever started this thread: You probably shouldn't take advice from any of these people.

[steve dave]

Whoever started this thread: You probably shouldn't take advice from any of these people.

bullshit. there is some great advice in this thread. you just have to pay attention to who is giving it. never take advice from someone you don't look up to. if some life loser is telling you something feel free to punch him in the face. but I can tell you that most of my real life friends from this board are extremely successful in almost everything they've done. they've also all made some mistakes. if they are giving you advice on how to avoid the mistakes they've made and find the successes they've found you'd be a rough ridin' idiot not to listen.

[scottwildcat]

Whoever started this thread: You probably shouldn't take advice from any of these people.

bullshit. there is some great advice in this thread. you just have to pay attention to who is giving it. never take advice from someone you don't look up to. if some life loser is telling you something feel free to punch him in the face. but I can tell you that most of my real life friends from this board are extremely successful in almost everything they've done. they've also all made some mistakes. if they are giving you advice on how to avoid the mistakes they've made and find the successes they've found you'd be a rough ridin' idiot not to listen.

Boom!

[ben ji]

The best time to look for a job is when you currently have one.

Always think one job/promotion ahead, aka how will what I am doing now look on my Resume when I apply for my next job/promotion.

[Dugout DickStone]

Can't remember the exact quote but it went something like this:

"No one at the end of their life wishes they had spent more time working/at the office"

,

iirc, that was Tim McGraw in the hit single "Live Like you were dying".

really, instead of reading this thread, you could just listen to country radio for a couple hours and get the same advice with a little folksy patriotism thrown in.

Rounded out with som,e sweet ass domestic violence

[michigancat]

Can't remember the exact quote but it went something like this:

"No one at the end of their life wishes they had spent more time working/at the office"

While you should always work hard and do you best at your job, it pays off, you should realize there are way more important things in life like family and friends. If I could spend the rest of my life alternating between spending time with my family and porch drinking with my friends, I would be so content with my life. But you gotta work, so work in the good times around work, and do something if not love, at least tolerate and you can see yourself doing for 30+ years.
Also, if you don't love your job but can tolerate it, keep working at it, you never know when the job you love will pop up due to your credentials. Also, be kind and work well with the people you work for/with. Case in point, while I wouldn't take the job my client often reminds me that they are hiring and asks me if the town the plant is in would be something that I could see myself at long term. While mostly in light jest good work often leads to offers from those you work for, so to reiterate even if you aren't in love with your job, keep at it, you never know when that work is noticed by a company you work with and they give you an offer you can't refuse. But always be polite about it, remember you still work for someone else.

Also in the vein of keeping at it, when I was at the airport returning from site the last time out (about 2 months ago) there just happened to be some recruiters going to the KC area for Sandia National Labs, and after my project manager and I just were just talking to them about our jobs, and their jobs, and where to go to in KC, etc. one of the guys essentially told us if we were interested we should give him a call to interview for Sandia. While tempting I don't think I could live too far away from my family, friends and the 'cats just yet, especially since my job currently is pretty good, but once again, always keep at it and be friendly, you never know who you're talking to and what they may be able to do for you. Which leads me to my last point and my dad's favorite quote about work:

"It's not what you know, it's who you know"

And it only gets truer at time goes on.

also, those are pretty lame reasons to not even call to interview. not exactly "livin like you're dyin'", bro.

I bet you're way cooler online too

O sorry, that was Brad Paisley, 

oh, man.

[8manpick]

eff bitches, get money

[KSUblumpkin]

There is some decent advice in here.  Some of the job advice is good/bad (my perception anyhow, but each yours could be different).  Whatever you end up doing, don't let your job define you.  The very first thing I learned in my clinicals is that when I asked the client to tell me about themselves, the first response always was job related.  I hear it again and again.  I respond by saying "this is what you do, but who are you"?  Most struggle with this answer (which is the point). 

Here is my pointa job is there to give you resources needed to live.  It is my professional opinion that a lot of people forget that last part...to live.  How do you live???  Experience, think, reflect and grow.  Stop comparing yourself others, what a waste of energy.  Make mistakes but have empathy for others.  Stop trying to be perfect, perfection is an oxymoron defined differently in the eyes of others. 

Stop trying so damn hard to be different or a hipster.  Just like the movie "Fight Club" states, you are not a unique someone who makes me uncomfortable.  Originality is bull crap.  Most everything has been done before and society recycles ideas (technology, an exception but the acclimation of technology into society is the same).

Realize that to truly understand the world, you must admit that you know nothing (Socrates, not me).  It's okay to say you don't know what you don't know...that is when you learn.

Finally...just be rough ridin' present.  Live in the damn moment.  People get so focused on who they were or who they are going to be.  There is a reason most memories are of you in the third person with how you are now rather than how you were...our brains can't hold that much information. 

/end daily Blumpkin advice post.   

[steve dave]

Good stuff