Several days a week I walk with my good buddy MC. Neither of us is shy with opinion. Frequent ruminations list lessons learned the hard way about work, life and success. For instance, MC and I met in law school as second-career attorneys. Let’s just say the marketing video fell short. After three years of oppression and a six-figure bill, we walked into an economy that offered contract work for which hundreds of newly-minted attorneys compete; the most recent pays $9/hour…for a licensed attorney…I still have the ad. This reality would have been nice to know up front.
MC and I have joined the ranks of entrepreneurs. Life experience makes that possible. But yesterday we wondered about the “kids”? If asked to give the graduation speech at our undergraduate alma maters (and to be clear, we won’t be) what would we say…beside “don’t go to law school”?
MC suggested the more colloquial version of “Life happens – get over it. Meet you at the beer tent.” This would be her entire speech, texted to the new grads to read at their leisure. As a 20+-year veteran of layoffs, mergers & acquisitions and company closings here is the speech I’d give:
“Congratulations. Graduates, please rise. Today you will learn the three most important actions for success in life. You can take these actions regardless of wealth, status, age or even happiness. (pause) Please be seated. (pause) Please rise. (pause) Sit. (pause) Rise and remain standing.
You have learned the most important action for success in life. Stand up.
You have also learned the second most important action. No matter how many times life makes you sit down, stand up once more.
In closing, remember the third most important action for success – sometimes you need to sit down for a minute and rest. Congratulations graduates. Meet you at the beer tent.”
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