Does life get better after college?
It really depends on what you decide to do. The daunting task of finding your first job is the first major challenge on the road to success in the real world. Once you have found your first real job in your field of study or have decided to take risks, then you’re going to have to make a few key decisions.
Figure out where you’ll be living.
No matter how uncool it is to be a career person living at home, it’s essential to easing your transition into the real world. The career planning processing and working on career development is a very challenging aspect of life. Living at home will take some stress off your shoulders. Also living at home will save a lot of money so when you are prepared to move out (own or rent) you will have enough money set aside to be comfortable. Some people will argue that their parents will charge them rent, but let’s be honest your parents rent is cheaper than that of most 1 bed room pads in a city. You don’t want to be broke after college.
Start paying off your student loan immediately.
Many young people will be fortunate enough to not have any debt once they graduate. Unfortunately on the flip side many students will finish their studies with over $20,000 of debt. The student loan most likely was interest free during the time of your studies, but now that you have completed your studies the interest will start accruing. There’s no doubt in denying the importance of career planning but it is essential to start paying off your student debt immediately. If you don’t take the proper initiative to start paying off student loads as soon as possible then you will be in your 30s worrying about a loan that should have been paid off many years ago.
Invest in yourself by focusing on career development.
You have already learned a great wealth of information, but to let you in on a little secret, the learning process never ends in life. Check to see if the company you are working for offers courses that will advance your knowledge and allow you to move on up. Investing in yourself also refers to any costs that you may incur while trying to improve yourself and your career.
Start a savings account.
As simple as it sounds you must immediately open up a savings account and begin making payments (automatic withdrawals from your pay check works best).If you have no student debt and choose to live at home then all the power to you, as you are in an enviable position because you can save a large chunk of your income. Even if you are in the worst possible scenario of living on your own and paying back a student loan you should still open a savings account. Even if you save $50 a week it still adds up and gets you into the habit of savings.
Enjoy yourself.
I’m not contradicting myself, I am simply stating that if you have your savings on track and have followed the four previous steps then once in a while you deserve a break (vacation or time off at home). A couple of days off will do you good, just make sure you do not take an extended vacation for no reason. Career development planning is important but your body needs its rest and your young soul needs some relaxation.
Does life get better after college? I say yes.
I do exactly the same. I cut out silly coffees and lunches out so that I have enough for a wonderful experience abroad. Okay so this isn’t what everyone’s passion may be but I think a lot of students fall into the trap of drinking and partying to excess because university is labelled in this way.
I think people who struggle financially in their first year should take a step back and really assess what they really want. Is clubbing five nights a week really making me happy? Do I even have time to club five nights a week? If your passion truly is clubbing then fair enough but there must be other parts in your life where you spend money that doesn’t bring much in the way of satisfaction. If you cut back in that area then you will can put the savings towards your clubbing budget. In life you can’t win financially in every way without some sort of effort or sacrifice at the beginning. Much like life your student years will show you that sacrifices need to be made to prevent a complete, financial meltdown.