One of the hardest things I’ve had to navigate, especially post-college graduation, is how to manage my finances and assert my career trajectory. It’s simultaneously freeing and terrifying: there isn’t one way to find a job, make money, pursue passions, and maintain work-life balance. Initially, I struggled with this vastness, how do I know what’ll fulfill me, career-wise? How do I transition from student to professional in a thoughtful way? How do I even know what I need to budget for? Here are some of my tried-and-true hacks for navigating finances and career-seeking. Plus, we’ve turned to some of the Gazette Gal team—all of whom are at different stages in their financial and professional journeys—to see what they have to say.
- You’re too broke to buy it cheap. Invest in a product that you know will last a long time—you don’t want to have to buy multiple “cheap” versions of it. This will save you $ in the long-run.
- Learn self-care at home. Learn how to give yourself a manicure, thread your eyebrows, give yourself a facial—you’ll end up with similar results for a lot cheaper.
- Don’t feel awkward while networking! I know, imposter syndrome feels impossible to overcome; you feel too “exploitative;” you feel “too young”—but try to get over these fears by jumping into conversations. You can do this via LinkedIn, career fairs, and even in the office; make networking something that’s exciting (and genuine), rather than intimidating or transactional.
- Meal prep. It’s difficult, I know.
- Buy your electronics refurbished. eBay, Amazon, and other large Internet retailers offer warranties for refurbished products, so you don’t need to be worried about wasting your money.
- Befriend people you want to be like. Your friends should serve as your inspiration, not your hindrance.
- Try a no-spend month (or week).
- Join a no-spend or swap-based Facebook group in your city.
- Talk about your salary with your co-workers! This is a great way to ensure pay transparency and equity in the workplace.
- Delete shopping apps off of your phone, especially if you’re trying to cut back on unnecessary shopping.
- Borrow things from your friends! If you need a dress for a wedding, see if your friends have one before investing in something you’ll only use once.
- Internships are for your advantage. Try to secure a few while in college.
- Use all of your work benefits! Take that PTO; use your sick days; go to employee happy hours.
- Debt isn’t always bad—in fact, healthy debt helps you establish your credit score.
- Healthy rest looks different for everyone. Sometimes, it’s scrolling on Pinterest; other times, it’s going for a long run. Keep trying out different methods of decompression—you’re bound to find something that actually works.
Career
Sheenu (cofounder): Do what you're truly passionate about and you can find a way to monetize. If you start off wit money as your main motivator, you may lose interest sooner rather than later.
Jasmine (cofounder): When you stop growing, it's time to move on. Find something to do that you'll love waking up for.
Grace (partnerships): Be open-minded and collaborative.
Haley (editorial): I really emphasize work/life balance. It's okay to want to succeed, but not at the cost of burnout—especially when you're young.
Megan (editorial): Document everything! Find a work/life balance. Don't be afraid to negotiate job offers. Find your personal brand and network.
Finance
Sheenu (cofounder): If you don't have the money sitting in your checking account, don't spend it with a credit card.
Jasmine (cofounder): Don't spend more than you make!
Grace (partnerships): Don't live beyond your means.
Haley (editorial): Save and invest as early as you can; it definitely adds up!
Although our advice is markedly different, there are common themes: passion and self-assuredness. Trust yourself, know when to say no, and don't be afraid to forge your own path!
