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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Meal prep. It’s difficult, I know. 
5. 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.
6. Befriend people you want to be like. Your friends should serve as your inspiration, not your hindrance. 
7. Try a no-spend month (or week). 
8. Join a no-spend or swap-based Facebook group in your city.
9. Talk about your salary with your co-workers! This is a great way to ensure pay transparency and equity in the workplace. 
10.  Delete shopping apps off of your phone, especially if you’re trying to cut back on unnecessary shopping. 
11. 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. 
12. Internships are for your advantage. Try to secure a few while in college.
13. Use all of your work benefits! Take that PTO; use your sick days; go to employee happy hours.
14. Debt isn’t always bad—in fact, healthy debt helps you establish your credit score. 
15. 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!
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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!