Metaphorically speaking, I have just recovered from the shock of the paradigm shift.
From being a full-time student, I now live the life of an unemployed young man, still searching for a job, and in the past two weeks of trying to cope up with my current situation, I have come to accept some truths in life, which, when dealt with properly, would prove very helpful in surviving the real world. I have written down six very important things that the fresh college grad, like me, needs to know.
1.Structures Are Important
Let's admit it. During our college days, most of us have rigid structures and body clocks within ourselves which help us in coping up with school. Now, when vacation comes up and takes over our time, these structures and clocks lose their function, and we live in a semi-Hedonistic manner, spending our time mostly eating, sleeping and surfing the Internet.
Well, this kind of life would not last long if you are going to face the real world, as it would only result in severe weight increase and a great loss of money. I realized that in order to maintain a sense of balance in one's life, it is important to have a structure and, in some ways, a body clock. Having no job means not really doing anything at all, which, for the responsible one, means trying to wake up early, have light exercise once in a while, and some time to get off one's butt in front of the internet and read a few good books. In summary, having a diet and a regular routine of events would keep you sane and in shape in moments of idleness.
But I don't ask you to go all Kantian here and be totally rigid and strict with yourself. Of course, rules and routines could be occasionally (and I repeat, OCCASIONALLY) broken. So don't hesitate if friends invite you over for food or drinks once in a while… just not too much.
2.You Are Economically Responsible
I woke up a few weeks ago realizing that there is no such thing as a free life in this consumerist world. Life is indeed not all college, which means purchasing things out of your parents' pockets and frequently drinking with your buddies. Eventually, it dawned on me that living each day is worth a few pesos a day, and you wouldn't want to waste it.
That is why I suggest that you keep a tab on everything single penny that you spend: for food, cellphone credits, and all other things that you use your money for. It will be helpful to, in a way, average your expenses per day or per week, and then try to tighten your budget (without being too thrifty). This exercise would help you not only to keep track of how you spend but also to practice managing your resources, considering the fact that your soon-to-be salary would be limited.
3.Have Your Options Ready
We are never sure if the company you want really wants you in return. Well, it's not that you are not good… it's just that your skills don't fit the needs of the company you are applying for. During these times, moments of disappointment would come. But I suggest that one should let it pass by… but have a company or two that you could "lean on" in those times of rejection.
But then, you should learn to choose well. One of my possible bosses told me that the best jobs are not those that pay really high, but those which you would learn to love. Yes, most of us would want to have lots of dough, but then, if it would only bring depression and loneliness, then why would you consume more than eight hours each day for that which you don't really like?
Interest versus financial security. That has always been the conflict in decision making. But then, constant discernment (coupled with right planning) is the key. Think well and decide well.
4.Learn to Learn
Of course, lessons do not entirely end in the classroom. In the process of trying to adjust to this new life, you will learn very important lessons in various situations. Yes, even your evening trips to the malls or at any point outside the house could be a venue for you to learn street smart techniques.
Thus, remember and take not of them, as these will help you in dealing with real life. There are a lot of things that one needs to learn in dealing with life, such as the routes of public transportations, the procedures and useful techniques in acquiring public documents that you need for your job, paying your bills, and, yes, even haggling in cheap stores.
Remember, those that survive in the real world and end up being happy are those who know what kinds of landmines they are stepping on, and how they avoid explosion. Just be ready to learn something new everyday.
5.And finally, always be prepared
Perhaps the most useful tip of all is that you must be ready in various situations at home and in work, most especially those that you have not encountered yet in school. It is in those situations where your acquired skills are put to test, which would tell you not only what you learned but what you still need to learn. They are areas for growth and affirmation of one's own character, and you shouldn't turn away from them or be discouraged by them. C'mon, part of living is correcting and being corrected by events around you.
You could start by learning and remembering the basics of everything, which include going to government institutions to file/apply for public documents, cooking your meals, dealing with your house's electronic stuff, and many other fundamental things needed to live. This could be the best way to conquer boredom and anxiety, which would help one develop openness and patience in everything.
Happy jobhunting, everyone!
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