Filling Your Wallet

Welcome back!

After last week’s Introduction to Adulting, I thought I’d let you know: I’m no professional. I’m still a college student – well, at least for another month and a half. I’ve barely breached the surface of adulthood. And though I just started learning, I’ve picked up on something huge.

Sadly, the adult life seems to center around money. You need money to pay rent, to buy groceries or gas, or to invest in your future.

That’s an awful thing to hear if you’re a broke college student or a young adult trying to branch out on your own. But don’t let the low-cash-blues get you down. You are capable of making money.

If you’re graduating from college (like I am) or plan on moving out on your own soon, start looking for a job now. I have a few tips to help you get started with that job search. Check it out:

Who are you? 
Look at yourself in the mirror. I don’t mean metaphorically; seriously, do it. Ask yourself, “Who am I?” Make a list. What are your likes? Your dislikes? Your hobbies? Are you better at hands-on work like a factory job or do you prefer paperwork like a secretary? Do you like math like an accountant or performance like an actor? Before you can start any career (something you’ll love more than a job), you need to know yourself. If you’re still lost, try taking a free career aptitude test such as these ones on What Career is Right for Me? or Care Careers.

Evaluate your skills.
If you like working with your hands but you’re scared of blood, don’t be a surgeon. If you can’t work an iPhone, don’t be apply for a career in technology support. Be realistic with what you can handle. Look at your God-given skill set and see what fits you.

Don’t be fancy.
Don’t look down on the layman jobs. Start small. If you’re looking for intermediate work, become a factory worker or a server or retail employee. Hint: waitresses make decent money, especially if they’re nice. I’ve worked two restaurant jobs and made more money in a week than my friends have in two or more.

Start at the bottom.
Maybe don’t shoot for a director or executive career as your first job. It’s okay to start as an associate, secretary, or assistant. You don’t need the big bucks on your first day anyway. Work your way up the ladder and, who knows, maybe you’ll find a job you like better than you thought along the way.

Test it.
If there’s a job you might like, try it out. Most layman jobs don’t have contracts so you can come and go of your own free will. Company jobs usually have a two-year contract, but that’s not that big of a deal on the large scale. And honestly if you hate it, most bosses will find a way to help you out.

You must think, “Geez, Becs. You make it sound so easy.” No. I’m doing this now too. It’s hard stuff, but I know that when I graduate, life will feel like this:

So, don’t give up! There is a job out there for you. You just need to keep searching. Next week we’ll talk about how to get the job. Happy hunting!

If looking for a committed job isn’t for you right now, click on these links that have great ideas for a bit of extra cash: How to make money (The Simple Dollar), 22 simple and creative ways to earn money (Life Hack), 29 smart ways to make money on the side in 2016 (The Penny Hoarder), or if you’re still in college – 100+ real and honest ways to make money in college (The College Investor).

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