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Jon Youshaei

I'm a cartoonist. I created a weekly cartoon series called Every Vowel that many people call the "Dilbert for Millennials." Others say it’s like Pixar’s "Inside Out" for young professionals. Whatever it is, I hope my cartoons make people smile. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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13 things to be grateful for in 2017, explained by adorable cartoon characters.

If there is ever a time to take stock of all of life's blessings, it's around Thanksgiving.

It's easy to get swept up the bustle and stress of our workdays, lose touch with old friends, or feel despair while watching the news.

This is the time of year to pause, celebrate the opportunities that lie ahead, and spend time with the people who matter most. It's the time to remember all we have to be grateful for.

1. Because giving thanks should be a way of life.

All illustrations by Jon Youshaei/EveryVowel. Used here with permission.

2. It's not about having the newest iPhone...

3. ...or the fastest WiFi.

4. Gratitude is an attitude.

5. Thanksgiving is about cherishing those around you above what you own.

And there are so many people we can each be grateful to have in our lives.

6. We can be grateful for friends who always have our backs...

7. ...and encourage us to be our weird selves.

8. We can be grateful for our parents.

9. Even if they’re sometimes overprotective...

10. ...and ask far too many questions.

11. We can be grateful to our mentors who give us advice...

12. ...and lift us up when we're falling behind.

13. Above all, we can celebrate our chance to experience the ups and downs of life and share it all with the people we love most.

You can find more cartoons like these at Every Vowel.

14 hilarious cartoons that college students can relate to.

If I could sum up my young adult life in one sentence, it would author J.R.R. Tolkien's famous "not all who wander are lost."

I wandered a lot during my time as a University of Pennsylvania student. I made mistakes that turned into memories. I found love that turned into heartbreak. I blindly pursued a profession (investment banking) before finding my passion (cartooning).

With school back in session, many alumni like myself are reminiscing about our college days. Others are just beginning their college journeys as freshmen, and some are seniors getting ready for one last hurrah.

These years are a time of breakthroughs and breakups. Success and stress. Wherever you may be on that journey, know that you’re not alone. These 14 cartoons sum up many of the life lessons we learn in college and as young adults.

1. There’s only one type of competition you should really worry about.

All illustrations by Jon Youshaei/Every Vowel, used with permission.

2. But don’t stress yourself out. Remember to ask for help.

3. Find friends who push you outside your comfort zone.

4. Finding real friends won’t always be easy…

5. …but it’s always worth it.

6. When it comes to romance, remember that it requires more effort than just swiping right.

7. It takes time to turn a relationship into something special.

8. Learn to have difficult conversations.

9. But try to empathize even when you disagree.

10. Chase your dreams. Not someone else’s.

11. When it comes to finding jobs, don’t be discouraged.

12. Because “no” is just another way of saying “not yet.”

13. You can only study so much. The best way to get experience is to just do it.

14. And keep at it. Success is closer than you realize.

Have a friend who could use this advice? Maybe share it with them.

You can find more of my work at EveryVowel.com.

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J.R.R. Tolkien slammed the Nazis after demanding to know if he was Jewish - Upworthy ›

The real world is full of unknowns, especially for recent college grads and millennials hustling to figure out life's next steps.

It's a feeling I know too well. As a first-generation American who landed a job at Google, I wanted to share all the advice, lessons, and up-and-down feelings I learned while navigating life as a young professional.

I turned to my childhood passion of cartoons, and the comic Every Vowel was born.

In Every Vowel, the characters are alphabet letters. The hero is the letter Y, and he works at Vowels, Inc., where his colleagues are A, E, I, O, and U. Sometimes, Y feels like one of the vowels. Other times, he doesn’t. Like most Generation Y millennials, he struggles to define his identity.

Here are 17 inspiring, funny, almost too real cartoons that millennials in their first jobs — and professionals of every age — can instantly relate to.

1. Mondays.

All illustrations by Jon Youshaei. Used with permission.

2. Email struggles.

3. Every office has that co-worker who's a bit of a know-it-all...

4. ...but the truth is, no one knows it all. Push out those imposter syndrome thoughts!

5. Let your work speak for itself.

6. Sometimes, you don't know what comes next (but you should always try.)

7. Even the most creative people struggle with doubt.

8. It's your choice how you spend your days.

9. Finding good people to confide in is invaluable.

10. On growing up...

11. ...and fitting in.

12. When it comes down to it, attitude is everything.

13. Traveling the road to success rarely goes as planned.

14. There are good and bad ways to use your time.

15. The best leaders know the value of teamwork.

16. And they aren't afraid to try new things.

17. Sure, life gets tough, but remember:

You can find more of my work on EveryVowel.com.