When you look at the equation (HW + C = GJ), it seems pretty simple. So when many high school and college students hear this, they think "Great, all I have to do is get good grades and I'll get a good career." To anyone who still has college in front of them, it seems quite plausible because it's coming from a credible source (parents and teachers). Why would anyone in today's world want to give their child such a false sense of security or entitlement?

Yep, I said entitlement! By the time your teenager is three-quarters of the way through college, he or she has heard this line a thousand times. If you were told a thousand times by Harvard doctors that ice cream had no fat and was good for you, you'd believe it too. There's a natural tendency now of a college student to think, "Since I put in all of this hard work here at the University of Wherever, I deserve a good job." This couldn't be farther from reality!  

Growing up I heard this all of the time. Now that I'm a parent, I'm amazed at the number of other parents who are still saying the exact same thing to their children. I am by no means against the idea of going to college, education and more education are crucial to society and personal growth. I just want the next generation to be better prepared for the "real world." Also, keep in mind this is not just an investment in your future anymore, college could be a huge $$$$ commitment too. Have a solid plan to pay for your tuition. When anyone is deciding to further their education, stop and think about why you're doing it. Don't just go because you're supposed to; find a major you're passionate about and learn it better than anyone else.

Here's my updated formula for a successful career:

Hard work + experience + education + life lessons + passion + opportunity + a little bit of luck = a great career