Don't Trust Others To Care About Your Career

Dylan started college earlier this month.

On the cross-country road trip, many stories were shared and advice given.

He has a few years before he has to worry about it, but I reminded him that the only person he can fully trust to care about his career is himself.

Recently, I was reminded of this fact and by now it is something I should know since more than once I've put my faith in others and then had it thrown away.

What it boils down to is that you need to be sure you are looking out for your best interests first. Yes, there are people who work in the Office of Career Services when you are in school and friends later in life who can and will help you. But, none of them has you as their top priority.

I tell my students that if they really want a job, they have to go out and find it. Make the contacts, reach out and say hello and then land it on their own. Everyone else can help and support, but in the end, you are the one that has to do it.

Over the course of the last five years, too much of my faith has been put in others. I'd commit my heart and soul to something too early and it would turn around and bite me.

Fool me once right? Dummy me didn't learn. This last time did enough damage that I've learned my lesson. Never again.

The world is full of good people who want to help you. Yet, there is no one more dedicated to your success than yourself.