Tag Archives: graduate

15/03/2017
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Advice

“Jaw With John” – Graduate Faces Ageism, Kinda, Sorta, Not Really … It’s For A Party

“I’m a 22-year-old college student on the verge of graduating this May. I’ve been dating my boyfriend for more than five years, and I am extremely close with his family, especially his sister “Claudia” and her three children (ages 6, 3 and 6 months).

My parents are throwing me a graduation party at their home, and they don’t want any guests under the age of 10. How do I tell Claudia — a dear friend — that her children won’t be invited without upsetting her? (I have small cousins who won’t be attending either.)

It truly is nothing personal, but I know she will probably take it personally. I don’t want to cause drama, but I do want to honor my parents’ wishes that no small children be present. How do I tell her? Help! — SOON-TO-BE GRADUATE”

Dear Soon-To-Be Graduate,

Unfortunately, you are merely a guest at this party. Etiquette dictates that you adhere to the hosts rules and, if she’s invited, tell Claudia that she cannot bring her young children but do mention that other young children will not be present either. It sucks, I know but dems are da rules! And if you want to throw a party (not in opposition to the one thrown by your parents) where there are no age limits, go ahead!

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17/01/2015
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Advice

“Jaw With John” – Can I graduate? Can I look in faces that I meet? Can I get my punk ass off the street?

“I finish my college program at the end of this month. I plan to move out of my parents’ house in June. I’ve looked up a few places nearby and have done some research. It’s exciting! The only thing I fret about is that my parents will try to hold me home another year or more and I really don’t want to live at home anymore.

My plan is to be out before my 23rd birthday. I’ll start saving up money so by June I’ll have at least $1,000. How can I do what I want to do — not what they want me to do? — Almost Graduate”

Dear Graduate:

Third Eye Blind posed this question nearly 20 years ago: “Can I graduate?” Clearly you can, but you also need to graduate from living with your parents. You can also “get your punk ass off the street” while you’re at it.

You seem eager and ready to tackle the world, which is cool, but I hope you’ve done enough research to know if you’ll need more than $1,000. Because you most likely will need more than that amount. Don’t risk being in financial hardship just because you want to move away from your parents. It’s not worth it. Make a plan, save more than what you think will need and then execute that plan. There’s nothing sweeter than when a plan comes together.

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19/12/2014
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Advice

“Jaw With John” – As Blink-182 said: ‘Work Sucks, I Know’

“I am a millennial, first-generation college graduate from a dysfunctional family. I assumed when I went to college that things would somehow be easier, but they weren’t. Looking back, I guess it was a killer combo of burnout, lack of support/mentorship and unresolved issues.

Upon graduation with decent grades I was released into the first year of the faltering job market. Since then I have managed to scrape by (and for that I feel fortunate) but never really gain security.

I was laid off from my job several months ago, but the thought of getting another 9-to-5 office job literally gives me anxiety attacks. The stress of trying to pretend to be “normal” and robotic to that level is something that I’ve realized I cannot do.

In my earlier days, arts, writing and performing made me the happiest. Sometimes I wonder if things have been so difficult attempting to succeed in corporate America because it was not something I was meant to do in the first place. But acting and writing seem like pipe dreams.

I am a 28-year-old woman. Is it foolish just to get part-time jobs until I figure some things out? My student debt makes it impossible to go back to school right now. — Jaded and Confused”

Dear Jaded:

I feel like you and I are in the same boat. It took me almost a full year after graduating to get a job. I held that job for 3 years before I had finally had enough and wanted out. This job was emotionally and physically draining on me and the thought of doing it for another year made me change paths. So, I did something crazy, I quit it and went around the world for a month and a half. It was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I currently do part-time stuff as I figure things out and see where I can go. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. Does it suck? Hell yeah it sucks! Especially when you see your friends furthering their careers and thriving. But don’t let that get you down! 9-to-5 corporate jobs are not for everyone, no matter what Dolly Parton tells us.

Take a part-time job, figure your shit out and when you find that thing that you excel at and smile going to day in and day out you will realize that you made the right choice.

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