| When I grew up in Virginia, we'd load up the family station wagon every few years and visit relatives in Florida. At college, I spent spring break every year at some beach in Florida. And so, with no job skills, connections, or money (aside from what I'd earned working part time in school), I packed my beater car - the stereo was worth more than the vehicle - and drove to Florida to seek my fortune. I'm sure my parents were proud to tell their friends that after four years of paying out-of-state tuition at a private liberal arts college, their son - the new graduate - was now waiting tables at a Bennigan's Tavern in Daytona Beach. I worked a few hours each night - and threw the frisbee with bikini-clad women on the beach all day. I was a 21-year-old who had followed the age-old commencement-address wisdom. I had followed my bliss. I was living the dream. And, of course, going nowhere. That's the problem with pursuing your dream, whether you want to be a singer-songwriter, a playwright or a beach bum. There's usually no money in it. After paying the expenses on the crummy apartment I shared with co-workers I really didn't enjoy living with, there was nothing left. An empty stomach is a great motivator, however. It concentrates the mind. And it made clear something that adult children who receive financial aid from their parents are often slow to realize... It didn't matter what kind of work I might find personally fulfilling. I had to find someone who needed something done... and was willing to pay me to do it. That was an essential insight. It's not about my wants or needs. It's about serving someone else. Commencement speeches often note the value of service. But almost always in the context of doing charitable work. Yet serving others is the key to success in the private sector, too. The key question most graduating seniors should answer is, "Who needs something done that I can do?" I'm not suggesting that anyone should selflessly devote their lives to helping other people fulfill their dreams. But when you're starting out? Absolutely. Don't get me wrong. Certain jobs - and sometimes entire industries - will turn out to be dead ends. When you recognize that, it's time for a change. But once you find something that you're good at - and that you stick with for a while - you'll gain knowledge. You'll gain experience. You'll develop a reputation as someone who can be relied upon to get things done and - if you have a bit of ambition - someone who leads and motivates others, as well. For most of us, it's not about doing what we love. It's about loving what we do. It's not about following your dreams. It's about following your opportunities. Of course, you can't possibly see all the opportunities that will arise in advance. Life is too unpredictable for that. But by showing up every day - and doing what needs to be done - eventually you'll find yourself in the right place at the right time. And be able to capitalize on it. So, graduating seniors, I encourage you not to follow your dreams. Or, at least, not yet. Get busy... work hard... and follow your opportunities instead. Good investing, Alex | 
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