Hey Dad... - Book Review

“Hey Dad. Everything You Should’ve Learned About Life (but didn’t)”, written by Rob J. Finlay, is an essential read for seniors graduating from high school or college as they prepare to step into adulthood. This thought-provoking book highlights crucial life skills that often go untaught, offering practical advice and insights that young adults need to thrive. It’s not just a guide for graduates; parents and grandparents will also find their eyes opened to the lessons they may have missed teaching their children. They are encouraged to reflect on these gaps and take the opportunity to share their wisdom, fostering stronger connections and better preparing the next generation for the challenges ahead.

Written in a candid and straightforward style, Finlay weaves humorous anecdotes with personal reflections on his own unprepared leap into adulthood and his missteps in equipping his own children to become self-sufficient. This insightful guide explores the practicalities of modern adulthood, delving into the role of technology and the mixed impact of relying on social media for navigating social, career, and everyday challenges.

Finlay provides a practical guidance for life skills that a young adult may not have faced while living at home.  He discusses career decisions, personal finance and even entrepreneurship.  Common, everyday milestones such as budgeting, renting an apartment and the cost of utilities, car ownership and maintenance responsibilities are presented with real life scenarios. 

The reality of living in the real world without the immediate support of parents or being rescued by older adults is a challenging concept that many young people are unprepared for. This makes this self-help book an invaluable resource that should be gifted to young “almost” adults as they prepare to graduate, ideally handed to them along with their diplomas. It offers practical guidance for navigating life’s challenges independently, making it particularly critical for those who may not have a strong support system to fall back on. More importantly, the book should also be utilized as a tool in counseling sessions with potential school dropouts, offering them insights that could encourage them to reconsider their decisions. While much of Finlay’s advice seems directed toward career-minded students, its lessons would be especially beneficial for young people who believe they can succeed without a formal education. It provides them with a clearer perspective on the potential struggles and realities of charting a path without the foundation of an education, equipping them with tools to make more informed decisions about their futures.