What I Would Tell My 8th Grade Self + Baby Photo + Infographic

Being prepared for life is a scary feat. Remember back in school when we thought we had it bad because we couldn’t do anything?

How you couldn’t wait to grow up and get out there with some freedom from your parents or independence from your teachers.

And while most of us back in our youth day weren’t shooting 100 free throws after a full session of JV basketball practice or heading to an audition with the idea they’d “make it” one day, those that do have command in life EARLY seem to forge his or herself ahead right when the reality that “life is short” kicks in.

When I was in grade school, I just worried about what time I was meeting buds at the rec center or how I could get Josie Church to like me.

I didn’t think about my future. Future’s for old people.

Boy was I dumb.

Once you hit your 20s, you still feel like you can kick life around some, but then the dreaded 30s hit and reality slaps you right in the face, and it’s hard.

Body aches.

Bills.

Spouses.

Kids.

Deadlines.

Responsibilities.

And this is when you wish you would’ve realized the importance of being prepared for important things in life. How am I going to pay this month’s mortgage if I’m stuck in a dead-end job? How am I going to afford braces for the kids if I can’t get a raise? Well maybe if you had a better REALITY you wouldn’t be so stressed. Maybe if when you were a kid, you decided to take control of your life and work hard on one thing that can make you happy and successful.

What happens when you try to retire? Will you have money left over?

What happens when your daughter gets married? Will you be asking the in-laws to help out more?

What happens when you try to buy a new car? Will you be able to take out a loan?

If you can’t answer yes to all the above, you probably need to get yourself on track for some success.

And final advice to junior high Matt, pay attention and soak up knowledge. Don’t be thinkin’ about what’s next or what’s to become. Focus on the now, the task at hand, the lesson. It’ll help you once you’re in the field of choice and you’re on the grind trying to demonstrate thought leadership, wisdom, and prowess.

Also, some advice on how to do what you love, what I would tell my 8th-grade self infographic!

Thank you for reading! Please visit www.jobstickers.com to keep up with all of MJW Careers’ content, and visit www.mjwcareers.com or email warz65@gmail.com (or call 855-YES-EMPLOYEES) to learn more about our resume writing, interview training, career coaching or outplacement services and solutions.

Also please subscribe to our monthly Jobstickers newsletter to stay up to date on job hunting industry trends, resume and social media profile and networking techniques, recruiter insights, promotions, discounts, and freebies: https://mjwcareers.com/newsletter-signup.