Where to start? Just do these 3 things.
1. Start making money
Every year, new college grads write résumés and look for jobs. Usually they want to find a “real” job, so that they can say they are real people in the real world.
But in 2020… well, this world is unreal. This year is unprecedented, as literally everyone will not stop saying. Those résumé-building real jobs are suddenly much harder to find. But one of the best things about being young is you’re still adaptable. Turns out, that’s also an important job skill.
So, adapt. Find a way to get some money coming in to your bank account. It’s great to be looking for that real job. If you’ve already landed it, nice work. But if not, or if you’re not sure it’s the right job, don’t stress. Just get started making some money, somehow.
Once you’ve done that, you will be able to tell the story about how you got yourself a paycheck during an unprecedented economic downturn because you have tons of hustle. Why will you do this? Because people admire hustle. And because it will be a true story. And mostly because—spoiler alert!—this is what a résumé is anyway. A story you tell about yourself. Résumé builder: check!
2. Start saving money
There are a lot of good things, and bad things, you can do with money. The most important thing to do right now is to learn how to keep some of it. That means, for starters, that you spend less than you make. Sounds simple? Yeah. There’s actually no way to succeed financially without doing this. But it’s shocking, just shocking, how many supposed adults do not.
No matter what you want to do in life, even if you have no clue what that is yet, having some money makes it possible. It expands your options. It allows you to adapt and start something new, or realize a dream you’ve always had. Plus, learning how to save when you’re young means your generation won’t end up like some others (hey Boomer, we see you).
3. Have some fun
Everything feels very serious in 2020. But there’s a place for laughter and enjoyment and ease, even now. Maybe especially now. Just chill out for a hot second. Call your friends. Do something you enjoy. Make some plans that you can look forward to.
The world may seem unreal right now, but eventually we’ll welcome a new reality, and you, Brightfin reader, will be part of it. You are smart and adaptable, and you are going to be ok.
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I always liked school, and after 22 years, I was pretty good at it. But I had no idea what was supposed to come next. When I left college, I went home to my parents’ house and cried for a week. Then I started looking for jobs. I hit #1 and #2, earning a paycheck and saving enough to get my own apartment. But I really could have had more fun. Maybe I didn’t know I was supposed to?!