OK Big Shot, Lets get Down To It, Eh?

By Brad Tennant



Having recently graduated, you will find that now is the best time to go out, stretch your wings and see the world. Get in the car and travel to California, Canada, Mexico, Florida and wherever else you always dreamed of going but never could. You can sail the south Pacific, climb the Matterhorn or backpack across Europe. Nuts to “Scarface,” the world is yours.


Oh, but wait ... you don’t have any money because you just graduated college and your “trust-fund” is an ‘89 Taurus that only starts on odd days of the week? Forget all those soaring visions then po’ boy, ‘cause you gots work to do.


Let’s get a few things straight.


YOU ARE NO LONGER IN COLLEGE


I can’t stress this enough. You just have to accept it. Or as you’ve been told many times before, “Oh, grow up.”


WORK


You need some of this. Unless you have money saved up, you need at least a basic job and soon. I know it sucks, but you might need to find menial work until you can start your actual occupation.


As for your actual job, start your research by looking for places to find jobs, not just jobs themselves. As a journalist, journalismjobs.com was always a great tool. Research popular sights for your vocation and start there. Be mindful that you will most likely have to take a less-than-ideal job in your field as your first one. It all depends on your goals (which you were supposed to already have but most likely don’t) what type of job (or internship) you will start out with.


It’s easy to get depressed about this, especially, if per se, the economy were going to hell. Early on your job will probably suck, so focusing on other parts of your life will help your mental health.


LIVING


Hopefully you kept on good terms with your parents because chances are you are moving back with them for at least a little while. A better scenario would be an older sibling, but you have to take what you’ve got. You need to take some time to decide what you want to do (always difficult). But you don’t want to sign an apartment lease when your goal is to move to San Fransisco. Plan on eating with your family and living there until you have a nice stash.


If you’re looking for a job in the area that will last for a while, then getting your own place is nice to do as soon as possible. Make sure you do the math before you sign a lease. Utilities can often be more than rent, so ask questions like “How much does it cost to heat this place?” or “Whose responsibility is it to fix ______ when it breaks?” And, please, don’t ask questions like, “How often do the police drive by?” or “How loud can I play my DMX?” You are an adult; it is best to present yourself like more of one than you actually may be.


And if you’re bold enough to buy something, ask advice from as many people as possible. Just because a house is a good deal doesn’t mean it will be a good deal in the long run.


FINANCES


You are not in college anymore. It’s time to make some tough decisions. Those bad habits you picked up in school need to go (there is nothing cool about a 40-year-old smoker is there?) Smoking, drugs, etc. will all have to go eventually. Beat the curve and quit as soon as you can. Drinking isn’t usually a financially responsible decision for those without money (see Winos). If you so choose to continue, the name of the game is moderation until money allows for greater consumption.


What you spend your money on is now more important as well. That club-wear you’ve been building up will have to last for a while. You need some professional clothes for interviews and later an entire wardrobe for work. Rappelling gear? Camping supplies? Dirt bikes? Nope. Those toys of yours will have to wait until you are gainfully employed. Unless your name is Cash Jones, you need to focus your money on necessities and saving to better your place in life.


Make sure you pay your student loans. Otherwise, those guys will drag you out of your hotel bed in the middle of the night and take their money back. Or just irreparably damage your credit, which will be important later on ... if you plan on being something other than a hermit.


Important note: Don’t let money rule your life; it will make you miserable. You will always have friends who have much more than you do. Getting a nicer car or a bigger apartment won’t necessarily make you happier. Make sure you take some time to find out what you really want in life and just push your future income in this way.


And chances are, Mr.-Psychology-Major, you didn’t get into the field for the big bucks. People who are smart with their income can easily be as effective with it as people who make much more but spend it unwisely.


DON’T PANIC


A great man once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Actually I think it was Peter Parker’s uncle in Spider-man.


But you are an adult, your choices will begin to have much greater significance to yourself and other around you. So all that knowledge you just spent four-years acquiring; put it to use.


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Contact Brad at btennant@graffitiwv.com