I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “College prepares you for the real world.” Well, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. It has been a year since I graduated from university and 11 months since I started working. And let me tell you, college did not prepare me for any of it.
Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the education that I received and the experiences I had but in all honesty, nothing can equip you for adulthood. In college, you have some sense of freedom. You get to pick your classes and join organizations to expand your network and social skills. However, you’re still sheltered and there are some things that you can’t learn from textbooks.
So what have I learned so far from working for almost a year?
#1 Managing money is hard
When I started making money and cashing in checks regularly, and I’ll admit I got trigger happy. I started booking plane tickets left and right and basically spending money I didn’t really have. Yes, I am still struggling how to manage my finances better but I have a better understanding of how to go about it. And I try to really think about a purchase before dropping some cash.
#2 How to balance priorities
With erratic schedules and several deliverables, it took me a while to find the right balance between work and my personal life. I, as much as possible, try not to stress too much on the little things and take it one day at a time.
#3 Who my real friends are
Now that I’m not in school, I don’t see my friends as much as I would like too. Sometimes we’re just too busy to make time for each other. This past year, I’ve narrowed down my circle of friends and it has been great so far. I still have trouble trying to see them but I know that I can call them whenever and pick up where we left off.
#4 What my strengths and weaknesses are
In the first few months of me working, I was honestly lost. I wasn’t sure about what I was doing. Eventually I started to figure out what I was good at and the things that I needed to work on. Now, I have a better understanding of my work ethic and how I can get tasks done.
I have only been working for a year so I still have a lot to learn but at least I know that I am somewhat on the right track for what I want to accomplish in life.
Art by Lara Intong
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