Graduating college in 2 weeks!

[BirdSquawk]

I'm pumped! I will be getting a B.S in creative writing, and already have a job lined up as a technical writer at a manufacturing plant (thank you, past me, for starting to apply for jobs in December, took a little while longer than anticipated to find one!) I'm going to miss school, but I am for sure ready to start something new/start working on some personal goals.

I will be living at home for the next year or two while I work on paying off loans and saving money for my own place. Any words of wisdom for this transitional period about money/work life/making the most of my 20's as a graduate?

 

[noodles123]

Hmm......Well, first, congratulations!
Advice:
Try not to rely to heavily on convenience foods etc because it will destroy your wallet.
Make a plan and see if you can cook ahead for the week (before you are hungry).
Buy cheap alcohol and dress it up (if you must lol)
Shop at thrift stores...always...
Remember to take time for yourself outside of work (and for your relationships)
Work hard to follow through on your commitments.
Don't take on any new ones (as tempting as it may be)- I mean, you can, but if you already are stressed, remember that.
Try not to compare yourself to others-- again, tempting as it may be.
Do not rush into anything---you are still young (even though you don't always feel it)...At the same time, don't wait forever--and don't invest in people who aren't invested in you.
Pay student loans on time and consider consolidating early on (if needed---don't wait).
Don't live with someone you are romantically involved with just because it's cheap and convenient. Moving out makes a breakup easy to procrastinate.
Pick a cleaning day and try to stick to it LOL--easier said than done..At least, try not to let dishes pile in the sink!
Don't live life on your phone and remember to say excuse me, thank you, sorry etc.
If you don't have credit, get a credit card to build it and pay the fines immediately.
Try to save money for emergencies!!! (and see credit recommendation above).
Always lock your door...not paranoid---speaking from experience.
and.....

You Are Braver Than You Believe
Stronger Than You May Seem
Smarter Than You Think &
Loved More Than You Know...

 

[GaleriaGila]

WOW!

Congrats!

Advice? Hang in there, practice gratitude and tolerance, treasure your bird every step of the way. I got my bird in grad school in 1984, and I am now retired. He has really enhanced my life in his own way.

I'm glad you're here!

 

[Flboy]

One word, plastics!

[ame="https://youtu.be/PSxihhBzCjk"]The Graduate "One Word: Plastics" - YouTube[/ame]

 

[noodles123]

Oh- and this. Here's a little 90's throwback action:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI"]Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen - YouTube[/ame]

 

[IsaacHawkins]

Congrats! That's so exciting! We've never met, but I'm happy for you.

 

[wrench13]

Very exciting to graduate and start on a new career. Look ahead. Once you get into the swing of working 9-5 ( or more), start looking for better opportunities. If your really good, the present company will be willing to match ( or better) any new offers on the board, especially in this tight employment environment. Be the very best technical writer this company has ever had, I mean sterling! Thats how I lasted 40+ years as QA manager at my company; I was and am the best in our industry. Every time I offered my resignation to move on, they threw $$ at me and perks. Always have an ace in the hole. Good Luck!

 

[SailBoat]

Congratulations!

- Writing is a wonderful foundation...
- The World changes much faster than you can believe...
- Technology that you consider basic was leading edge only a few years ago...

Now, what are you going to do next???

- You will need to change professions at least every ten years, possible soon, as the needs of this World ever more quickly changes...
- Be open to new Horizons and their unique requirements...
- Be open to changing your knowledge base, education is a continuous trail not a short stopping point in life.

Foundations are what you build upon, ensure that yours is strong and that you continue to refresh it.

- Assure you are linked to and live within founding beliefs that provide a solid base. A warm place in your believe system that is larger than yourself. We need strong roots to support us when the World seems to be tearing us apart. There are strengths within the founding documents of America, as they are built upon the foundation of the Word of God. Within each are Words that will away be true and provide you strength and truth.
- The Sands of Time shift widely and far too often to assure a strong foundation or attempt to cover one that is strong. View the flash of fashion like Sand, here today gone tomorrow.
- Be true to yourself! With choices large and small: Avoid doing what is Easy! Do what is Right! Everyday, do what you like the least FIRST and What you enjoy the Most Last! You will find that you have the energy and ability to fully Enjoy!

Relationships..

- Regardless of their faults, Love your Parents... They will not be around as long as you may wish. And, yes, they will continue to become smarter...
- Love Those Who Love You. Avoid those who say they love you, but love themselves far more than anything or anyone...
- Do not just listen, but HEAR what other's are saying!!! You will find you are fairly alone in the use of this skill! You are a Wordsmith! It is what you HEAR that will guide you in the Words that you will need to use to communicate with clarity!!!

Once again, Congratulations upon your completion of this one of thousands of steps in life! Remember to always and firmly place your footing as each step counts!!!

FYI: Make Your Own Bed Every Day! You will enjoy your day knowing you have a place to lay your head upon and find comfort within... Yes, my dear mother provided those great words that she learned from her mother, who learned from her mother, who etc, etc, etc...

 

[itzjbean]

Congratulations! I graduated 11 years ago and it's been a journey since then. All great advice given so far. My advice is to take every opportunity to be social and be with your friends and family, because in 10 years, most people start settling down and having kids and don't have the time to go out like they used to, so if friends invite you out, GO OUT and have a great time. Work will always be there but friends will move on and build their own families someday so cherish the life experiences you are able to take in these years. Travel, try new things, have an open mind. Best of luck, you'll do great!!!

 

[Scott]

Congratulations, well done!

Take some time to savor the accomplishment, treat yourself to a bit of pampering.

Be thankful you scored a job without endless delay! Strive to learn, network, and build a foundation of excellence!

Few careers span a working lifetime. Keep an open mind and enhance your potential.

Now is the time to begin saving for retirement. Pensions are mostly relics of the past century. The power of compounding allows you to start slowly, balancing the needs of today with a golden future.