It’s graduation season, and my own college graduation was five years ago this Friday. On an unrelated side note, when did I get to be so old? Speaking of old, I was on campus yesterday and overheard a conversation where someone said that 26 was old. That’s always good to hear. I’m sharing some words of wisdom for those of y’all preparing to don the cap and gown. I’m a tough-love kind of person, and I fully believe that you need to get your ass a job when you finish college.
1. You might not love your first job. You also might be a lucky duck who gets their post-graduation dream job. If you’re like me, you realize that your undergrad field might not be the best CAREER track for you. The job search is very different in this day and economy. Lots of us graduate with bills to pay, so finding a job quickly becomes really stressful. Experience is really important, and it can be easier to get a new job if you are already employed.
2. You need to do something. If you are going on to grad school, if you have a job that doesn’t start right away, or if you haven’t found a full-time job yet, you can still volunteer or get a part-time job. You’re an adult with a degree, and that comes with a degree of expectation and responsibility. If you move back home, you need to contribute. Your parents raised you and don’t need to be paying your way anymore. Help out with rent or groceries.
3. Bills are real. Student loan repayment seems a long way off when you take them at the age of 19. My student loans came into repayment in November, so I had less than 6 months to find a job or apply for deferment. Credit cards are not free money. Don’t get yourself into a deep hole at a young age because you want to have new things or extra spending money.
4. Do something you’ve never done. Your 20s are the perfect time to go on a back-packing trip with your friends. Or maybe you finally talk yourself into trying a new hobby. It’s easier to try these when you don’t have spouses, kids, or other life stuff.
5. Take the time to stay in touch with the people who matter to you. It’s so, so, so easy to fall out of touch with your college friends. They might get married, move away, or just work crazy hours. Both of my parents are still friends with people from college (and that was in the military life without social media). If they matter to you, keep them in your lives.
What advice would y’all add?
I like number 6. That is so true. As adults it’s a two-way street more than ever when it comes to communication.
Solid advice — I love the tip of staying in touch with college friends. I lost contact with several of mine, but recently reconnected. It’s nice to know what they are up to now. I’d also agree with try something new, travel as much as you can and be spontaneous. All of those things are harder to do as you get older.
You may not have the dream salary right after college. I see so many students who aim for that forever job right after the graduate and miss the mark salary wise because they aren’t starting realistic where they need to with experience.