The Road Ahead. In the formal tradition, this is the time of year when you, as our adult children (and they are grown up, parents, even though you may not think so) leave the school system you have operated in all your lives. Proud family groups will gather under Bermuda blue skies to see their children graduate — 12 long years translated into fulfilment. We parents are so proud for many reasons: extreme financial sacrifice for many; for others, delight that you have reached an important milestone, one not available to them.

And it is a wonderful accomplishment.

Getting through school is not easy. It requires discipline, the ability to force yourself to learn when you don't want to, a strong mental attitude to ignore enormous peer pressure to conform — when conforming means living for the moment, and the intellectual aptitude to start planning ahead.

You are to be congratulated!

But, you, just want to get a job, and earn some money of your own.

Young people start with hope and optimism — they think that because jobs have always been there, that they will always be there. Whatever did we base that assumption on — that we could see them? Your path ahead is just starting and you will meet challenges that your parents never had to face.

You may not realise that you are facing a working world never seen before. The job that you may be suitable for (and you want) can move to India or Halifax tomorrow, depending upon business profitability. You won't even know that they have gone.

A good job today is dependent upon the economy it is in, functioning full blast on high test, successfully. What do you know about this economy — the pressures from outside forces such as tax regime countries, the competition from other financial jurisdictions, the sustainable development and cost to our environment, the circle of productivity and money flow? Bermuda has to sell herself to the world market every single day using our greatest resources, the intellectual capacity of our people, both Bermudian and guest workers of high calibre.

And now that you have been thoroughly discouraged by reading thus far, what can you do to prepare yourself for the "New Flat World?"

Learn to Earn. For starters, you will have to engage in life learning in order to just keep up. This is not good news for those who were never fond of learning. Know this: most third-world countries have significantly higher education standards than Bermuda.

Create a personal financial plan — you are old enough to decide your destiny. Where do you want to be (and how much do you want to earn) in five years, ten years and then do it by following your dreams and exploring every avenue. Reach for the stars and become your own economic success unit.

Align yourself with a role model of character and integrity. And now I sound like my generation. A role model is not someone who spends, spends, spends to show off the latest designer handbag and expensive new car. A role model is known by his/her reputation for ethical greatness in the face of adversity and extreme personal circumstances.

Increase your vocabulary. Work on your intellectual capacity by thinking, writing, and acting successfully in the workplace. Save the slang and home-grown euphemisms for your personal life.

Be passionate about everything you do. Passion and caring are positive infectious influences. People want to be with people who care.

Manners matter. Polish your image — this does not mean $2,000 suits. Develop the ability to talk to any demographic group. Take self-improvement courses if you can afford to, or negotiate them into your next compensation package, but do it. You can be the next generation of mobile global executives, but your future business success depends upon making these personal upgrades.

Spend less time texting on your cell phone and more time teaching yourself Excel. Texting will not make you a standout in the workplace, but the ability to use a spreadsheet is a prerequisite.

Keep your environment clean and organised.

You will make mistakes; you may even fail spectacularly. So have thousands of others - that didn't stop them from becoming successful.

Respect yourself. Use the intuition and talents given to you. You will be respected in turn. Always track not only our local economic situation, but where Bermuda fits in the global economy. You know how to use the internet; start following the United States, Canadian, United Kingdom, European and Chinese business economic reports, particularly insurance and financial service businesses. What they do and how they compete for business has a direct bearing on whether Bermuda will continue as a premier international finance jurisdiction. For those more factually inclined, read " The World Flat," by Thomas Friedman, the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The New York Times and Bloomberg.

Can't be bothered to learn about these facts — then here is a challenge for you. In 50 words or less, you tell me where you think the money comes from that flows into Bermuda to start you on your career.

Commit to your country and your community. Give back something, become a role model yourself; it will only make you a better person.

Plan your life to make a difference. Make life happen for you; don't let life happen to you. You may think earning a living is easy. It is not. Earning money is not the same as earning a respected quality lifestyle.

If you want to change the world, start with you — become an agent of change by challenging yourself to achieve.

Never, never stop learning.

Remember, Bermuda needs the best you can be.<$>

Martha Harris Myron CPA CFP is a dual citizen (Bermudian/US). She is a Senior Wealth Manager at Argus Financial Limited specializing in wealth investment advisory services for capital preservation and comprehensive financial solutions for clients considering lifestyle transitions and rewarding retirements. Confidential email can be directed to marthamyron@northrock.bm or 294-5709.

The article expresses the opinion of the author alone. Under no circumstances is the content of this article to be taken as specific investment, legal, tax or financial planning advice, nor as a recommendation to buy/ sell any investment product. The Editor of the Royal Gazette has final right of approval over headlines, content, and length/brevity of article.