What Every Grown Up Should Know on the J-O-B

Staying on the theme of being grown, Etiquette Expert’s Jacqueline Whitmore discusses the “Top Ten Things Every Grown Up Should Know”

In June 2003, I read an article in The Palm Beach Posttitled, “50 Things Every Grown-Up Needs to Know.”  Written by Nicole Piscopo Neal, it was primarily directed at graduating seniors about to leave the comfort of their cushy college life and step out into the dog-eat-dog “real” world.   I loved the advice Neal had to share so much that I kept the article.  Some of the tips are worth repeating so here are some of my favorites.  I have also added a couple of my own. After all, we could all stand a crash course (or a refresher) in adulthood!

Of course, I think I’m grown sometimes so I had to take a look at her list to see how I came out.  And we found a number similarities with what we try to communicate in our “advice to young girls” post.  Below are Jacqueline’s tips along with our observations:

1. Until you prove to yourself otherwise, always assume there is food stuck between your teeth (and never use your knife or client’s business card to remove it!)  – Hmm.  Jacqueline I’ve actually done the “business card as toothpick” move but I promise you, never in public..at least I don’t recall. 
2. The first 30 days on a job are the most critical.  Show up early and stay late for the first month.  And unless you’re very, very sick, don’t call in sick on Mondays and Fridays. <– So true! 
3. Pay more attention to what the boss thinks of you than what your co-workers think of you.  (Your cubicle mates aren’t handing out raises and promotions.) <– Another good one. 
4. The hardest reality of life: Not everyone will like you.  The more successful you are, the fewer “real” friends you will have.   – We agree on the first point.  Perhaps we’re not that succesful yet because we’re blessed to have wonderful and real friends!
5. Be nice to people “below” you.  One of them might be your boss someday.  In fact, be nice to everyone — waiters, cashiers, bank tellers, mail carriers and receptionists.  Not just because it’s the right thing to do but because these people can make your life easier…if they want to.  And you may see them on your way down!
6. Always, always, always R.s.v.p. <– Read again ladies!  We keep reminding you on how important this is!
7. If your job involves opening mail and answering phones, do it well.  And cheerfully.  A college degree does not mean you are above any task you were hired to do.  - Oh how we wish this was required training and reading for all who answer the phone.  Speak clearly!  Enunciate ! 
8. Never send a nasty, email.  You’ll spend a lot less time wringing your hands over who might have received your misfired missive and how they will react.  -  We are on the same page Jacqueline!  Email lasts forever.
9. Energy and enthusiasm on the job will carry you farther than education and cocky self-assurance.  Skills, especially at the entry level, can be taught; a great attitude cannot.   -  Yes, how often do you come across people who transfer all of their negativity and misery into their jobs.  Please, no customer service jobs for you!
10. You only have two feet.  Buy the best shoes you can afford.  - Yeah, we don’t have a problem with this one.  In fact, some might call it a habit:-)

Be good.  And be grown.

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