Now that you’ve graduated from college, it’s time to prepare for full-time work and living on your own. Consider using a dream board to help you develop your goals and objectives for your life. From there, you can better evaluate the direction your life will take.
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Examine Your Finances
It won’t take long after you graduate for student loans and bills to start arriving. Create a line-item budget so you can track income and expenses. Examine your expenses to make sure you understand your total bills compared to your income. If possible, try to save at least 10% of your income.
Update Your Resume
Even if you have a job arranged after graduation, keep your resume up to date. You may need to look for a new job unexpectedly, or a recruiter may contact you with an exciting opportunity. Review your resume annually and when you receive a promotion. Performance reviews are more effective when you maintain a log of your work accomplishments.
Start a Side Hustle
Living on your own is expensive. While the thought of taking on another job is daunting, making extra money to pay expenses or fund a retirement account helps you in the long run. If you operate as an independent contractor, set aside a portion of your income to pay state and federal taxes. Your client will not withhold any money for taxes.
Open a Savings Account
You’ve likely sapped your savings account during college. Start an emergency fund with a portion of your sign-on bonus or graduation gifts. This is a liquid account where you save six to nine months of expenses should you have an unexpected expense or lose your job. Direct deposit makes putting money into your emergency fund account easy. Set up your deposits to go directly into your savings account on payday. When you receive a raise, increase your contribution.
Find a Place To Stay
If you are moving to a new area, learn about the area so you can find a safe area. Moving back in with your family is challenging. Before you move back in, recognize that in the past four years, you transitioned into an adult. A parent may struggle to move out of their parenting role.
Stock Your Place
When you get your place, you will need some necessities. Some items you had in your dorm will function for a little while longer. Visit resale shops for items that can help you get by for a few years. Consider asking friends and family to gift you items you will need for your place, such as:
- Coffee maker
- Water filtration pitcher
- Gift cards to a gas station or grocery store
- Pots and pans
- Outdoor furniture
Buy an Alarm Clock
With a new job comes new responsibilities. The first one is getting to work on time. An alarm clock helps you wake up with enough time to get to work. There are several options available, even for heavy sleepers. Don’t depend on your phone to serve as your alarm clock. Not only can it fail to charge properly, but keeping your phone nearby can tempt you to stay up late.
Nurture Your Green Thumb
Caring for houseplants can help reduce stress and anxiety. They also clean the air from chemicals or odors. Take some time to determine how much sun you get in your place. Then, find a houseplant that meets your needs. Avoid plants that are toxic to pets or children.
- Cacti and succulents require sunlight but only need to be watered once or twice a month.
- English ivy thrives in sun or shade, and they help remove chemicals from your home.
- Peace lilies are forgiving if you do not water them in time, and they absorb carbon dioxide and formaldehyde.
- Broad lady palms require a little work, but they filter ammonia out of the air.
Now that you are moving forward to the next stage in life, you can enjoy the benefits of all of your hard work.
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