08/13/2026
The Boston Federal Reserve Bank released a chart with unemployment numbers for young workers and recent college graduates. It makes me squirm. It can be overwhelming to work hard as a young person and struggle right out of the gate, especially if perfectionism is involved.
I graduated from law school and grad school in 2008 (perfectionism overload) and then woke up to the collapse of Lehman Brothers. I was unemployable in my field and no one else would hire me because I was overqualified. My cohort had a hard time. I had a hard time. I'd like to share a few thoughts learned through hard experience.
First, find a way to be useful. Life has a way of rewarding people who take action. In 2008, I sank into a deep depression and was increasingly inert. One day, I saw a call for volunteers at a nonprofit. I started showing up, which required I get out of the house, off screens, and go serve a purpose. I got exercise. I did what I loved. I met amazing people. Several years later, I was the board chair of that nonprofit.
Second, I could have been more proactive and pragmatic. I have always worked extremely hard but not always on the path of career development. I could have sought out more internships and mentorship while I was in school. Being young is a balance between following your passion and planning for the future; both are important. I don't regret following my passion, but it left me at a deficit when it came to entering the workplace. If you are still in the window to build these relationships, make them a priority.
Third, if I could have afforded it, I would have engaged with executive coaching from a young age. I had a friend start working with a coach right out of school and mentally leapfrogged ahead of me. At that point in my life, I did not have the toolbox to navigate rough waters. When I eventually worked with a coach, I built skills that helped me move through subsequent crises. Parents or grandparents, coaching may be one of the best gifts you can give a struggling young adult.
Finally, a bit of tough love. Millions of hardworking adults in this world face adversity every day. The people who learn to take continual action in the face of adversity eventually catch a break. As long as you stay in the game and practice resilience, you will, too.
One reason I care so much about financial planning is that I've learned firsthand how much of life comes down to navigating uncertainty. Careers, markets, and economies don't move in straight lines. Neither do people. If you'd like to learn about how I help people practice resilience in their finances, reach out today. https://bit.ly/463zHjK
Source: Ameriprise Investment Research Group, Did You Know... "Starter Jobs" Still Elusive for Recent College Graduates, August 7, 2026. Data sourced from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
