When you finish college, it’s time to start living your life! Now that is a very loaded statement, especially since it implies you haven’t been living up to this point. But you know what I mean, right? After all, you’ve been living by others’ rules and now it’s time to start living by your own. This is life after college.
So here are a few tips for the newly minted adult:
1. Start networking
Connect with people who can help you advance in your career or get involved in activities you’re interested in. This is the best way to figure out what you want to do with your life and who can help you get there.
I know this sounds cheesy, but it’s really true. Personally, I would not be where I am today without the various insights, both good and bad, that I’ve gained from networking.
People have a lot to share. When you take the time to listen and understand their path, you will be much closer to developing your own. And hopefully, you will be able to avoid some of the pitfalls that befell them.
The name of the game continues to be networking – building relationships. The more people you know, the better your chances of success.
Note that I said “the better your chances.” There is no guarantee that any of your connections will lead to a job or other opportunity, but it’s worth a shot.
If you turn your network into a valuable resource with mentors and other professionals, you’ll be in good shape.
2. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges
Learning something new is always exciting and can lead to new opportunities. It can also help you gain the skills and experience you need to get ahead in your life and career.
This might be the opposite of what you’ve been conditioned and taught to do. In school, we were given rules and told to blindly follow them. On top of that curiosity wasn’t welcomed or at least couldn’t be entertained.
Now is the time to break free from that and embrace challenges. You are the only one who can hold yourself back.
Truly.
And to be honest, transitioning into adulthood is a major challenge in itself. There’s so much that you have to learn, adapt to, and take on. Let this new journey of adulthood be something that you embrace and learn to thrive in. The challenges will be there, and you’ll be able to overcome them if you set your mind to it.
3. Have realistic expectations
Don’t put pressure on yourself to achieve things right away, and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes.
The idea that everyone is getting rich and making it big at a young age so you should too, is a straight-up lie. Are there some people? Sure. But the vast majority of people don’t make it big so quickly.
It takes effort, dedication, and most importantly, time. So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve your goals right away or make as much progress as you want. As long as you are constantly learning and growing, you’ll be on your way to success.
So set realistic expectations for yourself. Give yourself the time that you need to achieve your goals, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
I’ve been working on this blog in its many forms for more than two years. It is only now that I have a clear vision for it and the confidence to share it with the world in a way that feels true to me. It has taken time, effort, and a lot of hard work. And as a young person, it takes a little living to discover what you really want in life and how you see yourself adding value to the world.
So, again, give yourself the ability to make mistakes, learn, and grow by setting realistic expectations as you transition into adulthood.
Read More: Learn how to set SMART goals for yourself.
4. Set financial goals and make a plan to achieve them
Having money in the bank will help you feel more confident and secure in your future. This ultimately means living below your means while finding ways to increase your earning potential. Start by making a budget and figuring out where your money is going.
I’ve talked about this a lot here on the blog. If you are interested in learning more about adulting and personal finance, check out the personal finance section on the home page.
There is a ton of information throughout the blog. You can find posts on budgeting, emergency funds, living frugal, and more.
Read More: Here’s How To Be Frugal In Your 20s
5. Set a healthy daily routine
Whether you’re working out, eating right, or taking some time for yourself, setting a daily routine will help you feel more balanced and productive.
And when you feel good, you’ll be more likely to stick to a healthy routine.
6. Celebrate your successes
Whether you’ve accomplished something small or something major, take time to appreciate what you’ve done.
Not recognizing your successes and growth can actually set you back since you are not recognizing the progress you’ve made. In turn, you may become discouraged and give up on your goals.
So, as you accomplish your goals, big or small, celebrate your successes along the way!
7. Keep in touch with your loved ones
Keeping in touch via text, email, or social media keeps you connected and lets them know you’re thinking of them. It also lets you know what’s going on in their lives and makes sure they’re not feeling lonely.
8. Stay positive
Often, the biggest challenges in life are the ones we don’t expect or plan for. Keep a positive outlook and you’ll be ready for anything.
9. Get some sleep
Poor sleep habits can lead to feeling tired, irritable, and stressed. Make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. It might seem like you can function on less, but as you get older that changes fast.
Once I turned 23, I definitely started to need more sleep. I didn’t realize it then, but that was when my body started saying “buddy you have to sleep more, I am depleted!”
Life after college requires more energy while your body doesn’t have as much energy to give.
10. Be prepared for the future
This is definitely a loaded statement. But it is still a solid tip.
Life after college will be filled with unknowns.
Having a plan and being prepared for potential bumps in the road will help you feel more confident and in control. Keep your finances in order, be aware of possible scams and traps, and stay up to date on changes in current events.
While you can’t predict the future, being prepared for life’s most common pitfalls will help you weather most storms.
Thanks for reading. I hope these tips help you in life after college and with your new adulting journey!
Best of luck adulting!
And Remember,
Adulting Starts Here
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