We can barely believe it, but it\u2019s <\/span>already <\/span><\/i>November! That means there are just two short months until the end of the year, and if you\u2019re in year 12 or your final semester at university, you\u2019re almost due for graduation!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
While the period before graduation can feel a little destabilising (after all, it is a huge life change), there are a tonne of exciting things to look forward to. Now is the time to plan what you want your life after school to look like; will it involve travel, further studies, a job hunt, or something else entirely? The only person who can decide that is you!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
To help you plan for the future, we\u2019ve enlisted the help of our friends at Findex (after all, they\u2019re the experts at responsible planning and making money, which are both important parts of the post-grad journey). With their guidance, we\u2019ll be sharing what you can expect, how to set yourself up for success, and a tonne of insider tips on how to have a super successful graduation!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
To learn more about the ways Findex<\/a> are helping young people get ahead, head to <\/span>their employer profile<\/span><\/a> today! Who knows, you might even find an exciting career pathway there too\u2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
While we can guarantee that your life post-graduation will hold many exciting opportunities, we can\u2019t say that it\u2019s going to be easy <\/span>all <\/span><\/i>the time. With this new phase of life comes new and unique obstacles to overcome (but don\u2019t worry too much, we know you\u2019ve got what it takes).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
To help you manage your expectations, we\u2019ve put together a list of changes that might take a little getting used to. This way, you\u2019ll know what you\u2019re in for and can avoid any nasty surprises!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Deciding to join the workforce is an incredibly exciting choice! Not only will you be earning some cash, but you\u2019ll also be setting yourself up for an exciting career path in your chosen field!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
While most of us assume that the path to our first job will be straight and clear, this is very rarely the case (but don\u2019t get us wrong\u2014this isn\u2019t always a bad thing)! Plans can change, and so can your preferences once you figure out what roles you enjoy and don\u2019t enjoy.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
When dealing with changes to your career plan, our best advice is to stay flexible; sometimes, the job you enjoy most is one you never envisioned yourself in! Allow yourself the time to figure out what you like doing, and don\u2019t be too harsh on yourself if you end up doing a 180.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
If you\u2019re not entirely sure of what you want your post-grad life to look like, taking a gap year could be a great option! Some people still frown upon those who don\u2019t immediately dive into the workforce or further study, but we think that\u2019s just plain silly. Rather than sinking a considerable amount of time and money into a degree you aren\u2019t sure you\u2019ll use, we consider it much more productive to save some cash and take an extended holiday in Thailand (or wherever else is plastered on your Pinterest boards)!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
If you\u2019re working during your gap year, just be sure to allow yourself the opportunity to explore different options that interest you. This is your time to figure out what kind of industries and roles appeal to you and which don\u2019t. Who knows, you might even find your dream job by trying out a bunch \u2013 no degree necessary!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re planning a Euro Summer gap year, there are many things to consider before getting on that plane. For instance, you\u2019ll need to consider visas, flights, transport, accommodation, food, safety and a bunch of other important factors. It\u2019s easy to forget the hidden costs associated with doing your OE, so don\u2019t be caught out when you\u2019re on the other side of the world!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Post-graduation is the time that many of us decide to leave the nest. It\u2019s a pretty big deal; you\u2019ll be gaining independence, opening yourself up to the opportunity to meet new people, and emerging as a self-sufficient adult. In short, it\u2019s exciting stuff!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
However, when you\u2019re planning on signing a lease, you also need to consider the hidden costs associated with this decision. While the weekly rent price might seem doable on its own, you\u2019ll also need to pay a bond (which is usually four weeks\u2019 rent), a week or two of rent up front, water bills, power bills, internet bills, <\/span>and <\/span><\/i>you\u2019ll need to furnish the room, too.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
This probably sounds like a lot, and it kind of is, but you\u2019ll get there eventually, even if it means saving up for a few extra months. Remember, it\u2019s better to take longer to get ready than to go in unprepared!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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Regardless of what your post-grad plans are, it\u2019s common to feel a little odd after graduating. After all, graduation marks the end of an era!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
It\u2019s an exciting time, but parts of it are a little sad, too. For instance, you won\u2019t be seeing all of your besties every day (unless they\u2019re heading to the same university or workplace as you). You\u2019re also expected to enter the workforce, which can feel a little daunting, and you\u2019ll have to manage yourself and your finances.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Our top tips for coping with any post-grad blues are as follows:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Having someone to talk to who <\/span>actually <\/span><\/i>knows what you\u2019re going through is a massive comfort. Be honest about how you\u2019re feeling and allow yourself to lean on your friends; it will likely give them confidence to do the same.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
There are so many exciting things to look forward to after graduation, so if you\u2019re feeling blue, try to focus on the good! Trust us, there\u2019s a lot to be thankful for, and your new life will be just as incredible as you hope (we\u2019re sure of it).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
The best way to start any new chapter is to plan, plan, plan! If you\u2019re not sure where to start, worry not; head over to our <\/span>organisation tips<\/span><\/a> guide. By following our guide and becoming the most organised version of you, you\u2019re bound to feel more confident.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
When you\u2019re just starting out in a new role, it\u2019s easy to blow your entire month\u2019s paycheck within a week. After all, you\u2019re not used to having that much money, so how are you supposed to know how to spend it?\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Enter <\/span>Findex Community Fund\u2019s Young Money P<\/span>odcast, a resource that helps young people just like you make money, spend it responsibly and plan for the future. If you want to know where to find it, and we know you do, follow this link to the <\/span>Young Money podcast<\/span><\/a>!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
To all the future graduates, we wish you good luck (but we\u2019re sure you won\u2019t need it). However, before we go, we\u2019d like to impart one more piece of advice; visit <\/span>Findex\u2019s employer profile<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n