"My Kid Just Graduated From College. What's Next? Where is that First Job and What Will it Pay?" - 06/26/19 Edition
Stephen Says Column

 Dear Stephen:

 
 My son just graduated from college in May and cannot decide what he wants to do yet for his career. I have no idea where he will end up but am confident it won’t be sales, and it won’t be furniture, which is my field. He is insistent he wants to do something he is passionate about. He has discussed the arts and maybe a non-profit. He does not seem sure but has a million ideas.
 
 I am not so concerned about the profession he picks. I know he will land wherever is right for him. It may even change once or twice. I am just a father and as can be expected, I worry. I believe I am more practical than he is. He is currently trying to make it on his own, and I try to help out as much as possible with his student loans, but my wife and I only have limited resources (remember I mentioned I was in furniture). 
 
 To figure out what a recent college grad might be earning income wise, I did what everybody does today whether feeling sick or buying a house — I looked online. I saw a recent survey from Lendeda highlights how a lot of a graduate’s financial expectations are not being met. One survey from www.listwithclever.com showed many recent graduates expect to make 60K out of college, while the national average is actually 48K. That’s a big difference.
 
 Stephen, what is the reality in telling young people today in terms of finding a first job and the money they will be making?
 
 In your opinion, what is more important, the salary or the job?
 
 Best,
 
 Dad of recent college grad
 


 Dear Dad:

 If you are just out of college today and going to be looking for a job, no matter the salary or career, the timing is perfect. The employment rate today is incredibly low at 3.9 percent and for college educated workers, it is even lower at 2.1 percent. There are plenty of jobs out there; the question is, are there any jobs your son wants to do?
 
 You can send your workplace questions to Stephen at: StephenSays@bellow.press
 
 Questions selected to be answered, will appear in this column. Please use the Subject: Stephen Says for all emails. Stephen Viscusi is a bestselling author, television personality, and CEO of the headhunting global executive recruiters located in New York. Follow Stephen on Twitter @stephenviscusi. Like Stephen on Facebook and follow him on LinkedIn.