For those about to graduate college, congratulations. Take a moment to think of how far you have come. Consider the person you were in your freshmen year and look at how you've grown. There are only a fewweeks - hardly - left of the academic school year. All of those late nights, hours of homework, and exams will soon be a thing of the past. Do NOT ease up now. Do not slack off before you reach the finish line. After all, you came this far.
Since you are so close to graduating, I'm sure you already have recommendation letters and applied to several jobs. What? You haven’t? Well, take a deep breath. It’s fine. There will be plenty of time for that. Here are a few things to remember when you graduate college:
1. Your first job may not be your dream job.
Your first job may not even be in your major OR minor. I’d love to sit here and tell you that money doesn’t matter, but it does. You need a job. You need to work in order to pay bills and loans and afford a comfortable lifestyle. However, do not beat yourself up if your first job isn’t what you pictured it. Think of it as gaining experience.
2. You are still young. You have plenty of time.
It’s okay if you graduated with a major you don’t like – or if you decide you don’t like it after your first relevant job experience. Do not think that you must have life figured out all because you graduated college. I know people who graduated with one major and are currently working in a job that has nothing to do with what they studied. You can choose to go back to school, further your degree, or change careers; you’re still young! There is no rush.
3. The real world can be more fun.
Now, there are bills and loans and rent that must be paid. Life does hit you pretty hard at times. However, when you’re out of school life seems a bit simpler. Bills and “adulting” aside, you don’t need to stay awake until 4am typing a paper and doing research. Your hours are – typically – from 9am to 5pm. You’ll be able to sleep and have more time for yourself.
4. Start saving for retirement.
I understand you are about to graduate, but this one is important. When you get your job, immediately, start putting money into a retirement fund. It sounds silly, now, but the sooner you start the bigger the amount will grow.
5. Work as hard as you can now. You can rest later.
Okay this one may not sound so fun and fanciful as the others, but it’s just as important. If you have a part-time job, keep it in addition to your full-time gig. Again, money is not the end all, be all, but you need it in order to have even the smallest of things. You should work while you’re young. Make the money now and save it – or make that your spending cash and save what you make from your full-time job. This will truly help you in the long run.