I Don't Want The Business Casual Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I Don't Want The Business Casual Life

An open letter to my undergrad college

34
I Don't Want The Business Casual Life
Pink Floyd's "The Wall"

Dear undergrad college,

I get it. You exist to equip students with the knowledge and experience they need to be successful in their fields. That's mainly what you're paid for--to guide people into their new lives, to enrich them, to expand their consciousness.

I understand why, then, you would choose to place such emphasis on professionalism. You want your students to enter the workforce with the perspective, skills, and wardrobe required to make a living in this hyper-capitalist culture. You just want what's best for us. Right?

Professionalism. That has been the buzzword of my undergraduate career. And when you said "professionalism," you didn't merely mean a general sense of being good at your profession, whatever that may be. You were painting a very clear picture for us--a vivid picture of offices, charisma, high heels, and 30-minute lunch breaks. You said we needed to learn how to become professionals. How to speak, dress, interact, write, and live professionally.

Like I said, I get it. Money is important, and in this society, it often behooves a person to work a white-collar job. It's easier. It's stable. It's what's expected.

But here's the thing.

Not everybody wants that.

I came to college for just one reason. It wasn't to get a high-paying job. It wasn't because my parents pressured me. And it sure as hell wasn't to let myself be bred for the business-cas life. I came to college to learn. And that's it.

Sure, I also wanted to get an idea of what I wanted to do with my life. But I wasn't thinking about it the way you were. My life goals exist independently of college, not because of college. College was a way to get some intellectual stimulation, to explore regions of the world and universe I might never have considered on my own. In that, college, you certainly succeeded. I am not writing this letter to tell you I regret these past four years.

The reason I am writing this letter is to tell you that there is more than one type of lifestyle. "Professional" jobs, as you define them, are not the only kind of jobs.

Some people don't necessarily want to have a "career."

Some people would rather explore many different paths during their lifetimes.

Some people value happiness over money.

Some people would rather be raw than cordial.

Some people want a life you don't acknowledge is even there.

Some people know they mean more than their salary.

Some people fucking hate pantyhose, pantsuits, lipstick, and conventional haircuts.

Some people want to break the mold.

Some people want to challenge the status quo, to dismantle the dominant culture.

And finally, some people just don't want to deal with the bullshit of the business world.

So, yes, please keep teaching us how to write cover letters and resumes, how to give presentations, and how to communicate effectively and efficiently. I'm serious. Those are valuable skills that everyone can use.

But for the love of Christ, stop grooming your students for the white-collar world. Open yourself up to alternative possibilities. Because when you only teach one definition for success, you limit yourself and your students. You neglect your students. You leave them behind.

I don't regret a single day of my undergraduate career. I love you, college.

But you need to do better.

Best,

A soon-to-be-graduating senior

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
students
Sophia Palmerine

Dear High School Friend Group,

My sweet angels, where would I be without you guys. We all grew up together because we either met in middle school or high school and watched each other grow up and get "old." We got to go to prom together and then graduate together. Then watched each other as we continued our lives in college, joining sororities and meeting people who will impact our lives forever. It all has happened so fast.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

College In Gifs

Because we are all sad Jim Halpert

1098
head on desk
Wise GEEK

Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

The "Gossip Girl" series may be over, but Blair Waldorf's iconic character lives in our hearts forever. Blair was the queen of the Upper East Side, and a character you either loved or hated. She taught us everything we needed to know about life, love and of course, how to score a Chuck Bass. So the next time you feel a bit lost and are in need of guidance, look no further than to the Queen B herself.

As I spend my Sunday avoiding my homework and other adult responsibilities, I realized that I've watched this series over and over about a million times. Sadly, there isn't a Blair quote I don't know, so I came up with a list of a few favorites. You know you love her...xoxo

Keep Reading...Show less
class
Odyssey

College is an endless cycle of crappy, sleepless nights, tedious, boring lectures, and hours of never-ending piles of homework.

Keep Reading...Show less
two women enjoying confetti

Summer: a time (usually) free from school work and a time to relax with your friends and family. Maybe you go on a vacation or maybe you work all summer, but the time off really does help. When you're in college you become super close with so many people it's hard to think that you won't see many of them for three months. But, then you get that text saying, "Hey, clear your schedule next weekend, I'm coming up" and you begin to flip out. Here are the emotions you go through as your best friend makes her trip to your house.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments