Real World?

When we are young we can't wait to grow up.
To drive a REAL car,
To get an education at a REAL college,
And eventually, to work a REAL job.

We go through life to prepare for the REAL WORLD.
But what does that REALly mean?
What is this REAL WORLD we live in?
When does it begin?

I've taken all the classes.
I've gone to the interviews.
I've waited for the phone call,
Hoping to hear REAL good news.

But this REAL WORLD has surprised me.
Not exactly what I expected after walking that stage.
I was excited to be free and begin my career,
But instead its turned a different page.

What happened to my childhood views,
Of being mentored to learn the ins and outs.
My growing dreams have been shattered,
Leaving me with many horrid doubts.

What I have learned these past few years,
Is not at all what I expected.
Instead of learning from the best
I'm working with adult children completely disconnected.

So this REAL WORLD I dreamed of has lost its appeal.
But I won't join the others and become a child again.
I've grown up and I'm ready to change this world
Even though it feels like I'm working in a loony bin.