There should be a new phrase or something that describes the harsh reality of graduating college. It was sort of like a fairytale right? Spending the last 4 years living with friends, doing whatever you want, and having no rules to follow. Wow, that was nice, but guess what? Now you’re back home, living under your parents’ roof, doing chores, and thinking to yourself: This really can’t be my life can it? Oh, and not to mention, now you are working your 9-5 job that is taking more time away than you could’ve imagined.
Coming to this realization has been a difficult one, but it makes you realize one thing: What can I do now at this time in my life that will allow me to escape this simulation? Here are three recommendations for any recent college graduate that is in a rush to move out of their parents’ place as soon as they can.
1 – Get that credit in check
Focus on improving your credit or starting your credit if you haven’t already. I can’t stress this enough how much having a good credit score can help you in your future. In today’s world, even to get a first time apartment, landlords are doing credit checks. Simply get a credit card, use it for gas or groceries and pay it off each month. These payments will show financial responsibility and build your score.
2 – Pay off your student loans
Making payments on student loans and eventually paying them off is a great way to not only improve your credit but also get rid of something that will become a burden in the future. Trust me, when you are paying for a car, rent, insurance etc, the last thing you are going to want your money going towards is the education that you’ve already completed and now have to pay back.
3 – Figure yourself out
When it comes to figuring yourself out, I’m not talking about finding your inner peace within. I want you to ask yourself: What do I want my future to look like? Who do I want to surround myself with? Do I really need the nicest/fanciest things in life in my 20’s? Giving time for self reflection builds character and allows growth. Which in the end, will allow you to take those first steps in achieving that goal you’ve always had.