With graduation season upon us, I thought I’d reflect back on what I think college graduates should really expect with their first job after receiving their diplomas.

During my college years I was an endless optimistic about what my first few years working full time would bring. After these years of being a neophyte, and many more after, I bring you my cynical thoughts on what to expect with your first job:

• Pay isn’t going to be as high as you want, expect, or is published as the “average starting salary”. These surveys must take into account working in high cost places like San Francisco and New York.
• Most likely, more than eight hour days will be needed to get your tasks accomplished, and expect to work some weekends.
• The job won’t be as interesting or diverse as your many classes led you to believe.
• The old adage of who you know could not be more important.
• Don’t expect your own office.
• Your job won’t be as exciting or as rosy as the job interview led you to believe.