Career Rules Are Dead: What the Class of 2025 Must Know
The Class of 2025 is graduating into a world where nothing feels certain. The economy, media, politics, art, and technology are all in flux, making traditional blueprints for success feel outdated. Recognizing this unique moment, Substack gathered wisdom from a diverse group of writers, creators, philosophers, artists, and technologists to offer guidance for navigating this uncertain landscape.
Abandon Old Playbooks and Create Your Own Path
The most consistent theme among contributors was the need to reject traditional career paths and embrace a DIY approach: "Don't work for the system—work outside the system." As writer Laura Kennedy notes, while this uncertainty is "frightening and lonely," it also provides unprecedented autonomy to define success on your own terms.
Embrace the Pivot
The traditional "career ladder" is dead, replaced by a willingness to change direction repeatedly—one contributor pivoted from International Studies to advertising to catering to becoming a bestselling cookbook author. Author Gretchen Rubin reminds graduates that while "any choice may bring unavoidable regret," the key is making choices mindfully rather than avoiding them altogether.
Never Stop Learning
Education doesn't end with graduation—author Tao Lin encourages viewing post-graduate life as "the start of a longer phase" of learning "with no professors, tests, or grades—just you and books." Legendary editor Tina Brown emphasizes that continuous learning and "tough-skinned, ego-free, work-all-night willingness" will instantly mark you out for promotion.
Build Real Relationships
Despite emphasis on individual paths, journalist Rosie Spinks argues for rejecting the "main-character myth" and understanding that "all flourishing is mutual." Strong relationships provide "a more meaningful source of security than an employment contract," extending from interview skills to specific acts of generosity that mark you as a thoughtful friend.
Navigate the AI Revolution Strategically
Contributors agree that AI represents "the single most important change in a century or more," requiring graduates to become "adaptable, not just employable." However, this disruption creates unique opportunities for individualists, as culture critic Ted Gioia notes: "now is the best time ever for bohemians, outsiders, nonconformists, visionaries, and gadflies."
The Bottom Line
The collection of advice ultimately comes down to embracing uncertainty while maintaining agency over your choices, as quality work and genuine human connection remain the most durable foundations for any career. The Class of 2025 may be entering uncharted territory, but they're uniquely positioned to write their own rules for success in an uncertain world.
Source: "Advice for the Class of 2025" published on Substack
