The importance of advancing your education and receiving a degree in higher education, to the highest degree (no pun intended), is unprecedented. The opportunities that it has extended to me go far and above more than just a diploma. It has broadened my mind and outlook on several facets of my personal and professional life, in addition to improving my critical and analytical thinking skills; it has disposed on me the confidence, skills, and knowledge to be able to complete my job as effectively and efficiently as possible; and, lastly, it prepared me to enter the so often called, “real world” and pursue and persevere until I achieved the ultimate goal of working a profession that I genuinely love and in a field that I’m passionate about (and I can wholeheartedly say that I do for both of those!) However, as much as I learned from my college experience, I know that there are aspects of the real world that I didn’t learn in college. That’s not to say that my professors at the time weren’t attempting to enforce these subsequent principles, nonetheless, I’m confident my mind at the time was focused on far more important things (Joking, of course). Below, you’ll find the five elements of the real world that I didn’t learn in a classroom:

1. Don’t Just Be On Time, Be Early: As I write this right now, I can vividly hear my stepfather saying to me, “If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re early, you’re on time.” Frankly, I couldn’t agree more with this statement. Being early gives you a chance to fix possible mistakes before an important presentation or meeting, gives you a buffer from potential traffic delays, and it gets you noticed. Arriving to work 5-10 minutes early gives you the chance to speak with your supervisor or director, informally or formally, without the demands of the rest of the team getting in the way. Additionally, it makes you stand out from the crowd as someone with a commitment to the task at hand.

2. Build a Strong Relationship With Your Fellow Colleagues: While a strong professional relationship is what I envision the majority will think when reading that, and by no means should this be considered invaluable, I want to focus on the significance of building a personal relationship. Specifically, if you work in a field or occupy a position that delegates you to be around your co-workers a great deal, it’s fundamental that this is a spotlight on a daily basis. As much as we want to focus on work and the next task at hand, it’s refreshing to dial it back from time to time and get to know your colleagues on a more personal level. Who knows? You might even learn something about them that could be of value to your organization or business. Still, when this is a focal point, you consider the people you’ve met and worked along the way much more than colleagues-they’re your friends.
3. A Job Description is Completely Useless: As much as I understand the significance of educating potential candidates on the descriptions of a job, you can toss it out the window on your first day. If your plan is to follow that description down to the tee and only do what’s on there, you can plan on being shown the door. You need to develop the mentality that you’ll go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure all of the days assignments and responsibilities are finished. Furthermore, when you put an emphasis on achieving the task in front of you with an objective outlook and demeanor, it shows your colleagues that you’re focused on the success of your organization, not just yourself. Go ahead then, toss that job description in the trash!
4. Nobody Wants to Hear You Complain: Granted, the bulk of this can be attributed to my lovely parents, nevertheless, the “real world” solidified the magnitude and importance of this to me. Now, when I say “complain,” I’m not talking about those times when you discuss your problems in an attempt to search for solutions. I consider that to be constructive and commendable.  Moreover, I’m not referring to those occasions when you share your experiences with friends or relatives in the context of bringing them up to date on the latest developments in your life. After all, part of being human is sharing our experiences and supporting each other. I am referring to the kind of complaining that is counterproductive. Instead of complaining about a particular assignment or task at work, approach it with a positive, spirited mindset that you’re going to do whatever it takes to get the job done in a timely, effective fashion. Truthfully, no matter where you work or what your job is, there’s going to be those long days, tasks, and events, among others, that challenge you more than others and can potentially spark a negative attitude or outlook. Regardless, rather than complaining, it’s far better to focus your attention and energy on those steps you can take to solve, or at least lessen, your dilemma.
5. Become an Early Riser: As much as it pains my younger self to write that, I actually enjoy the mornings and the peace and fulfillment that come along with them. The days of waking up at 10, 11, even noon, are far behind me and I couldn’t be happier to have them over. I’m slowly, but surely, turning into a so-called, “morning person.” When you become an early riser, you’re able to go about your day at a slower, less frantic pace than if you had received an extra hour or two of sleep. You can enjoy your cup of coffee at your pace; enjoy some light exercise or yoga; prepare a nice, wholesome breakfast; catch up on some reading, e-mails, or other work-related tasks; or enjoy the sunrise. An hour or two that is reserved just for you, before your day begins, is an incredible way to improve your life. The fulfillment you experience more than makes up for any sleep you miss out on.

In all honesty, I wouldn’t be the person, husband, colleague, etc., I am today without the aforementioned principles. While they were tough to learn and accept at times, it’s because of them that I have the strong, resilient, and positive mindset that I have today. I believe applying these simple, practical strategies would help people find more peace and fulfillment at not only work, but in life as well.

What has the real world taught you that you didn’t learn in a classroom?

Thank you for reading!

— Chris