Life After College: Job Hunt, Budgeting, Friendships

Greetings, gleaming graduates! 🎓🎉

You've conquered all of the textbooks, aced all of your exams (or at least convinced the professor you always do all your work without using Google 😆), and maybe even had to fit in a nap or two between the all-nighters you used to pull yourselves through!

Now, prepare to enter the ultimate escape room: Life After College! It's a thrilling adventure filled with challenges and rewards, and you're the only one with the key. So, grab your backpack, because it's time to level up!

Job Hunting Jungle

Boss Moves: Landing Your Dream Gig

Congratulations! You've cleared the path of the Job Hunting Jungle and emerged successfully. Your dream job is awaiting you, complete with a salary that even fulfills your long trip plans, which you always dreamed of in your college days. Celebrate your success with a victory dance so epic, it goes viral on Twitter!😜

But how to get here? Here's the lowdown on making boss moves in the job hunt:

• Craft a killer resume and cover letter: Instead of just sending a plain resume for each job, imagine you're having a conversation with the hiring manager.  Focus on the skills and experiences they mentioned in the job description that you have. This shows you understand what they need.🤓

Also, don't be afraid to show a bit of yourself! Briefly mention things you enjoy about the field or why this particular job excites you. This personal touch can make your resume stand out!

• Network like a champ: Connect with people in your field online and offline. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and don't be afraid to reach out to people for informational interviews. You can also join different online job platforms like LinkedIn.🤠

• Ace the interview: Researching thoroughly about the company beforehand, preparing strong answers to common questions that were repeated in previous interviews, and practicing one interview skills, are the best gameplan for this Job-Hunting game.😎

Be confident, and enthusiastic, and show your genuine interest in the role!

Resume Rampage: Conquering the Application Beast

This is for you, if by any chance you get stuck in the Job Hunting Jungle! The application process feels like a stampede of thirsty people roaming the desert and there's only one glass of water left!🤖

But fear not, our fearless explorer! It's time to level up your skills and transform your resume into the magical resume of Midas!💛

• Become a Social Butterfly: Don't underestimate the power of connections. Try reaching out to the alumni, attending industry events, and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn. These connections can provide valuable insights into the job market and will even open doors for you to hidden opportunities in your desired field.🧚‍♂️

• Build a killer online portfolio: Whether you're a graphic designer, a writer, or a budding entrepreneur, an online portfolio is one of your best chances to shine. Fill it with your best work samples, projects, and accomplishments. Always try making it visually more appealing, and user-friendly, and remember to highlight the skills most relevant to your target job.📝

• Positive Vibes Only: The job search can be a marathon, not a sprint, so do not get discouraged by some rejections. Instead, view them as learning experiences, a new lesson. Analyze your application materials and interview performance to identify the areas that need your attention and some improvement.😤

Every "no" brings you closer to that life-changing "yes".

Adulting Conquest

Budget Boss: Adulting Like a Champion

High five! You've conquered the Adulting Conquest!

Your practice and self-control have made your budgeting skills on point, you have become a meal-prepping pro, and your apartment is cleaner than your most organized professor's desk. If all of this sounds like you, then treat yourself to something awesome.

Here are the secrets to slaying your monthly expenses:

• Know your income and expenses: Always keep track of everything you spend for a month to understand where your money goes. There are several budgeting apps and spreadsheets galore to help you with this. Once you see your spending patterns, you can identify areas to cut back on and where to invest more.

• Embrace the power of "no": Saying no to impulse purchases and nights out that blow your budget is extremely crucial. Remember, financial freedom feels a lot better than fleeting retail therapy.

• Cook at home, conquer takeout: This should go without saying, but eating out is a major budget drain. Making your meals is far better, healthier, and pocket-friendly for everyone. Plus, it saves you time and effort that you will waste in going out and deciding and allows you to control portion sizes.

• Embrace frugality, but don't be afraid to invest: Always remember, there's a difference between being cheap and being frugal. One should find ways to save on everyday expenses, but at the same time, one should not neglect all their important investments, like the retirement fund or that professional certification that some might be eyeing.

Maggi Island: SOS! Send Help (and Takeout)

SOS! You're shipwrecked! Maggi noodles are your new best friend, your laundry pile is rivaling Mount Everest, and you're pretty sure the electricity bill is hiding from you.

Learn some adulting hacks online (YouTube can teach you anything these days). Consider finding a roommate to split the bills (and maybe the cleaning duties—teamwork makes the dream work!).

• Channel your inner Baniya: Now that you are on your own, the internet has become your toolbox, and YouTube tutorials are your blueprints. Instead of calling a professional for every small problem, you need to learn how to fix a leaky faucet, wash different fabrics, or whip up a gourmet meal using leftover veggies.

• Embrace the roommate life: Having a shipmate (or two) to share the rent, utilities, and maybe even the cleaning duties (adulting is all about teamwork!) is one of the most helpful things in this phase of your life. But remember to check and look for responsible roommates who share similar values and lifestyle habits.

• Thrifting is your treasure hunt: Instead of succumbing to the alluring songs of expensive furniture stores, explore the world of thrift shops and online marketplaces. You will be able to score a hidden gem that adds personality to your humble abode, and that also without putting fire on your pockets.

• Free (and fun) activities are your secret weapon: Remember, entertainment doesn't have to always cost a fortune. Exploring free museums, checking out local parks and libraries, or hosting a game night with friends at your place helps you clear your mind, helps you relax, and does not put a burden on your bank account ;).

The possibilities are endless, and your wallet will thank you.

Friend Zone Forest

Squad Goals Unlocked

Congratulations! You've navigated the Friend Zone Forest and emerged with your college besties by your side.  These have become your ride-or-die crew, always down for an epic adventure (or a night in with takeout and a bad reality TV – no judgment here!).

Planing epic reunions, conquering (or you say, traveling) the world together, and cherishing these friendships, which etches a great memory in your head for life – they're the real MVPs.

Building Your Post-Grad Posse

But what if you are lost in the Friend Zone Forest? What if your college friends seem like a distant memory to you, and your social circle is smaller than your major (which, let's be honest, isn't that big to begin with for anyone).

Well, don't fret! Put yourself out there! Try joining a club, taking a cooking class, a Zumba class, or a music class, or downloading a social app. Amazing people are waiting to meet you; you just gotta find them all! Go, Go, Go! This is your PokémonGo game!

Adulting doesn't mean giving up all the time!

The Escape Awaits!

Life after college is like some game called choose-your-own-adventure with endless possibilities! It's a crazy, beautiful mess of challenges, victories, and everything that comes with it. So, grab your metaphorical backpack, fill it with your humor, tenancy, and maybe a few packets of aloo bhujiya (just in case), and get ready for the most incredible adventure yet!

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