9 lessons life as a graduate has taught me (1-3)
So you're fresh out of Uni. Good times! But have you ever thought about what life after Graduation is really like?
Leaving that awesome Student lifestyle is a big change. Good-bye clubbing, red bull and coursework - hello gym, vegetables and Council Tax bills. Yippee! Things are obviously not this black and white, but it can be tricky to know what life's like down the line.
So, as I sit here sipping on my beloved cup of green tea, I'll tell you the lessons I've learned since graduating last year.
So, as I sit here sipping on my beloved cup of green tea, I'll tell you the lessons I've learned since graduating last year.
1. Finding The Right Job Can Be a Challenge.
Job hunting was a way bigger mission than I thought. The time, effort and dedication needed exceeded my expectations. Looking back, I felt lost and confused. 'So what now?'
Google became my new best friend. I toyed with the idea of Graduate Schemes, Air Hostess jobs, and pretty much analysed every single possibility out there. Now I’m working for a 5* Hotel - just named one of the world’s top 100 - which is an incredible experience (not short of challenges, yet super rewarding).
But now I realise something. Even though I didn't know, it was a good thing as because I learned to say yes and trust my instincts. You never know where an opportunity will take you unless you just go for it. And guess what? The reality is, that perfect job may not just fall at your doorstep - you've got to go out there and find it. Hunt it down and fight for it. And even when you think you have, nothing is what it seems.
But now I realise something. Even though I didn't know, it was a good thing as because I learned to say yes and trust my instincts. You never know where an opportunity will take you unless you just go for it. And guess what? The reality is, that perfect job may not just fall at your doorstep - you've got to go out there and find it. Hunt it down and fight for it. And even when you think you have, nothing is what it seems.
I learned that at least 4-6+ months into anything new will help decipher whether it’s right for you. This is because you and your work environment will change over time. You will become more confident and slowly integrate better into the business's culture. So just remember to say yes to every opportunity to learn something new, even if it scares you!
#LIFETIP: Find the elements you love the most about a job and focus on nailing these. And the boring/ weaker parts - find a way to make them interesting/ better, or ask for help.
2. Money Can Be Tight, So Make Every Penny Count.
When I was a student, I couldn’t wait to get a full-time job and earn ‘real’ money. I thought I would be fine as I’ve had plenty of experience working and paying the bills. But reality is, paying rent, food, gas, water, electricity, student debts, phone bills, credit cards, etc. on even a higher than average wage is a challenge.
But don’t fear - this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I’m just trying to be as honest as I can to prepare you! So, my advice is make every penny count and cut back where possible - e.g, that £1.50 bus, £5 top from Primark, or Friday night G&T. All of these contribute towards your financial situation. Whilst I’m still battling with this as we speak, I find it therapeutic to say it out loud and admit it!
#LIFETIP: Don’t just make changes, measure them so you can see their value and if they work or not.
Example
1) Identify issue (e.g. spending too much money)
2) Write it down (income/outgoings/spending habits)
3) Implement one change (walk instead of getting bus)
4) Experiment with options/alternatives to see what is best (bike, walk, get a bus pass)
5) Measure the change (no bus for one month 8 x £1.50= £12 saved, and also fitter/healthier!)
6) Why, why, why? (Because you want to save for a house)
This is super helpful for me, and the sweet thing is, it can also be applied to any area that needs improving - not just money! Give it a try.
3. Patience Is Golden.
#LIFETIP: Give it time.
It may seem easy for me sit here one year ahead of graduating and share with you all I’ve learned. But I know what I know now because I was patient. Everyone is different, and things may come easier for some, but time can change a lot really. And I continue to find that you can never know what something is truly like until you're experiencing it.
So buckle up and enjoy the ride! Learning to be a successful graduate slowly, gradually, repetitively, over time is the best way to embrace such a big change. I'm still going through this process but all you need is effort, belief and of course - time!
Click here for lessons 4-6!
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