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Lansing's Advice Column

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Dear IMO,

I have just graduated from college with a degree in American History. Though I wish to continue my studies and eventually teach, I want to take a year off and find some work outside of what I have normally pursued. My parents are not happy with the idea, but are willing to let me explore for a year. I do not want to join the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, but I want something that is both challenging and will give me some skills that I can use in life. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Phil

Dear Phil,

I congratulate you on your graduation from college. Your choice of majors, American History, has always been of great interest to me. During my college years, I toyed with the idea of being a history major, but I settled for a double major in Biology and Russian Studies.

Your decision to take a year off and work at a job that will both challenge and provide a life-long skill is a winning combination. Your parents should be proud that you are taking some time to explore life in a healthy and beneficial manner. You could have easily said that you were going to hitchhike across the country with a guitar slung across your shoulder and their credit card in hand.

The real challenge lies in what you define as challenging and useful in life. As you have already set some parameters (no Peace Corps-like employment), I suggest that you find work with a builder or someone who does remodeling work. As an apprentice/laborer, you will learn how to do basic carpentry, dry wall, painting, and other useful tasks like sweeping up after everyone else.

Having acquired these challenging and extremely important skills, you will not only appreciate the value of these trades, but will also have some basic knowledge of and experience with these essential skills. People are always looking for painters, carpenters, and general handymen, and this year of exploration might provide additional employment in years to come. Just remember, a good carpenter always knows where his pencil is.

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