“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Autotrader; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.”
College graduation seems like it was yesterday, but it was quite long ago. I am not telling my age…I refuse but just know I didn’t graduate recently. I did graduate from Clark Atlanta University…so that makes me an official adult right?? You officially have to start adulting as soon as you get that diploma and throw your cap in the air right? But how – is there a separate university that teach you how to adult right? That smile on my face after I graduated is of pure ignorance on how much of adulting I really knew how to do. I thought I made it…and the world was gonna be at my fingertips because I have my degree – the American way of telling the world you properly adult education wise!
Unfortunately no. School prepares many for how to get a job, but the rest of the way to properly “adult” after graduation is up to the individual. Adulting is really a trial and error situation, and I am sorry to tell anyone who just graduated but it’s a never ending quest. Don’t let that diploma fool you into thinking its a given…you just magically have all the answers and adulting comes as easy as your bi-weekly paycheck. Ha yeah right! I want to spare some newly freed college expelled people on 5 things to consider on how to really adult post grad that will be extremely helpful as you are thrown to the wolves of the world!
1. Adulting Your Future/Career - This is the number one this all post grads are on the hunt for immediately after they walk across the stage. Where will they work? Will they stick on their career path? Show me the money!!
If you are a post-grad there are a few things you need to do to prepare for your future career. Definitely update your resume, get it professionally done if you have to. Make some professional business cards, as it will really show how serious you are when going on these job interviews. Make an online portfolio of your career talents as that will be a great addition to your resume when you submit online. Trust you will need all of this to help you stand out amongst your peers who are seeking the exact same opportunities.
2. Adulting Your Financial Budget – If you finally get a that job post grad, it’s time to manage your budget properly. You have to do things different now that you are out into the real world. No more Ramen-noodle shoestring stretching. There are apps to help you manage your finances, track spending and even develop savings accounts. Look into side gig opportunties as well if you didn’t get that dream job yet or add to the finances you do have.
3. Adulting Your Living Situation – No more campus living! Time to plan where to live if it was originally centered around university life. Will you stay in the same city, get new roommates, move back with the ‘Rents or move to a different city entirely.
This is an important decision as it will be centered around you career life as well. Don’t be so quick to get your own place if this is your first year post grad. Having a roommate is still acceptable (and even more affordable to save) or go ahead and move back home with your family if you have to. Being an adult doesn’t mean you have to rush to get your own place. Look at your finances, check where your career location demands are and make the best decision on comfort and flexibility of lifestyle.
4. Adulting Your Social Life – This is an interesting one, because after college friendships and associates are more work than ever before. Keep up with your friends from college is even easier than ever before with social media, as your friends or yourself may move away from your university.
You will now have to learn how to make new friends now outside of a school full of your peer groups…it might be at a job setting or just doing a hobby you love. Stay social, active and continue to have fun. Do find new hobbies and explore new groups of people to network and befriend. Just people be careful of your social media presence as current and potential jobs can check profiles easily online. Keep your social media clear of incriminations as it is a blueprint that can follow you for life.
5. Adulting Your Transportation – Now this is apart of adulting after college people rarely talk about. What about your car situation? Maybe you got some extra money as a grad gift to get a new car or you’ve been driving your Old Faithful since freshman year and need a new reliable one. Maybe you never had a car to begin with while in school. Nothing makes you feel more adult than picking out your own car, without mom and daddy doing the work for you. Sounds great but also intimidating where do one start in finding a new car?
Having so many car choices can be confusing. Autotrader has developed a list of Great Cars for Recent College Grads that will open up a whole new world of options to get you super excited! If you’ve narrowed down your car options, but need a bit more information, Autotrader allows you to compare cars and features that provide you with valuable information to make a final,smart choice.This was me a few years ago buying my first car post grad. The Black Kia Optima (top photo) above I had for my entire college life and even a little after. It was a good reliable car for year, six years to be exact but it was breaking down and it was time to trade it in for the Chevy Aveo (below). I wanted a newer, up-to-date car with less problems and more reliable because again, part of adulting is having a great car that won’t give you issues going to work or anywhere else you need to go.
I did a lot of research on my new car before I took the leap…decisions I really didn’t get an opportunity to make with my 2 prior cars because I was in a rush. Autotrader makes car searching so much easier online to research specific models, and may also surprise you with a perfect match you’d never considered. Being an adults mean buying the most efficient car for your lifestyle!
There are plenty more ways to adult of course, and as a lifestyle blogger I share with you often how to do it on a regular (many of them is really expressing how I am still a big kid at heart). I hope all the post grads out there feel a little less intimidated about being the adult you already are in the real world. I will tell you one more secret…never get “old” its a trap!
If you are or know a post grad in your life that needs a new car I highly recommend them check out Autotrader for options.
Kiwi is the free spirited blogger and content creator of KiwiTheBeauty.com. As a digital influencer, she produces creative inspiration around beauty, lifestyle, media and travel leisure. Her life mantra is to make manifesting fun! When she’s not blogging, she is eating trendy hipster food, carrying crystals, making it rain at her local farmer's market and binge brunching.
Follow her on her blog and social media at kiwithebeauty.com + @kiwithebeauty
Great post. I’d probably add Adulting your Attitude as a possibilty. In other words, as an adult, it is important to moderate your opinions in such a way as to not burn any bridges. I heard of a young man who spouted off such venom that a potential employer refused to interview him even though he was a top candidate for the position. It is important to know how to state your opinion in such a way that your position is clear without dropping the f bomb.
It’s important to learn to “adult” when it’s time to face the world on your own. Buying a car is a hard decision but it sounds like Autotrader helps make it easier.
These are great tips. My only addition would be to expect to become more and more of an adult as you move through life, it happens in stages. I thought I was grown when I graduated, then after I bought a house. Now I have lost my parents I feel more adult than ever. I expect when I become a mom I’ll grow into an even more grown stage of adulting.
Since uni the amount of adulting I have had to do is incredible. Growing up I didn’t have much but during uni I had more money and now I am back to square one.
Hmm, I would agree with all the advice I’m seeing here but still, everyone has to start green. Work experience and being past the probationary employment period are two of most important learning tools for the aspiring career man and woman.
Adulting… such a fun word. Seems to happen in the blink of an eye where we all somehow end up in the adulting world and have to sort of tread water, some great tips for all of us.
I remember after I finished college and to be an “adult.” I would tell everyone stay in school as long as you can because once you are in the real world you have to do it all for yourself. Great tips for helping make the transition a bit easier.
I met quite a few of my current friends while I was in college. So, your tip on keeping up with your classmates kinda strikes a chord with me. That is one of the most important tips in this list, I have found.
Sometimes I feel like I’m still trying to adult after graduation. There is so much you have to do to get your life together, so these are great tips to help grads start off on the right path!
This is a great list! I remember working three jobs to put myself through College in addition to some Academic Scholarships that I earned in High School. I think we are always ‘adulting’ aren’t we? The day I stop learning is the day I die!
Every person is different so it is so hard to have a set “adulting” guide. I do think there are basics for everyone. The hardest part is to understand it all takes time and not try and make it all happen overnight. I love the car example!
These are all great tips and there are so many people who have no idea how to adult…like ever! So, thanks for sharing and I will share subtly with people who I think could use some tips!
Go Panthers! My sweetie went to Clark Atlanta. Anyhow, I still need to work on some of these adulting skills. I am constantly telling myself how much I don’t feel like an adult.
My college graduation seems like it was so long ago. I can still recall what a momentous milestone it was in my life. I am so proud of this accomplishment to this day.
I feel like adulating is something we’re constantly learning to do. I’ve been out of college for several years now and there’s still days where I don’t “adult” very well.
Awesome post with some really great tips! I need to share this with my College student so he can start making the right steps for his future. Thanks so much for sharing…
I cackle every time I see “adulting”…love it! Great tips that I’m sure will come in handy especially this graduation season for the new grads! It’s rough but you’re definitely on to a lot of things here. Excellent post!
Oh How I hate adulting, but it’s inevitable. lol Great tips. Working on adulting my transportation. I need a car badly. The NYC transit system helps, but it can’t be life.
Adulting is hard! 🙂 When our oldest finished school, we paid for her to go through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University so that she could start off her adult life on a good foot financially! These are great tips!
Adulting truly is trial and error and no one knows what the heck they’re doing. I feel like I was thrown out to the lions after high school. A few years later, my husband and I had our oldest son. Girl, we’re still recovering. Auto Trader is my husband’s goto site when researching vehicles. We’re about due for an SUV upgrade, so we’ll be clicking around soon.
Oh my goodness I wish that I could pay someone to adult for me! LOL! You’ve got some great tips here. I think that anyone reading would take away some fantastic nuggets.
1. Adulting Your Future/Career - This is the number one this all post grads are on the hunt for immediately after they walk across the stage. Where will they work? Will they stick on their career path? Show me the money!!
This was me a few years ago buying my first car post grad. The Black Kia Optima (top photo) above I had for my entire college life and even a little after. It was a good reliable car for year, six years to be exact but it was breaking down and it was time to trade it in for the Chevy Aveo (below). I wanted a newer, up-to-date car with less problems and more reliable because again, part of adulting is having a great car that won’t give you issues going to work or anywhere else you need to go.
These are great tips for adulting post grad. I can’t believe my first born will be adulting in four years 😉
Great post. I’d probably add Adulting your Attitude as a possibilty. In other words, as an adult, it is important to moderate your opinions in such a way as to not burn any bridges. I heard of a young man who spouted off such venom that a potential employer refused to interview him even though he was a top candidate for the position. It is important to know how to state your opinion in such a way that your position is clear without dropping the f bomb.
Love all of your adulting ideas and ways to make the best after graduation. Especially the financial part – that is a biggie!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
These are all great tips…not just for college grads but for all of us trying to the the hand of adulting. 🙂
These are really great tips. I think they would be really great for anyone who is about to entire the world of adulting.
It’s important to learn to “adult” when it’s time to face the world on your own. Buying a car is a hard decision but it sounds like Autotrader helps make it easier.
These are great tips. My only addition would be to expect to become more and more of an adult as you move through life, it happens in stages. I thought I was grown when I graduated, then after I bought a house. Now I have lost my parents I feel more adult than ever. I expect when I become a mom I’ll grow into an even more grown stage of adulting.
Since uni the amount of adulting I have had to do is incredible. Growing up I didn’t have much but during uni I had more money and now I am back to square one.
These are great tips, especially since it is graduation season. I remember all too well how much apprehension came along with finishing college.
Wonderful tips! Perfect timing for this post I’m really sure this will help so many people! So great.
I love the term “adulting” and although I have done it, I sometimes want to go back. These are great tips on yet another road to life
These are reat tips! I will share this with all the grads in my life.
These are definitely some good things to “Adult.” That transition from college life to adult life can be tough!
Hmm, I would agree with all the advice I’m seeing here but still, everyone has to start green. Work experience and being past the probationary employment period are two of most important learning tools for the aspiring career man and woman.
Adulting… such a fun word. Seems to happen in the blink of an eye where we all somehow end up in the adulting world and have to sort of tread water, some great tips for all of us.
I remember after I finished college and to be an “adult.” I would tell everyone stay in school as long as you can because once you are in the real world you have to do it all for yourself. Great tips for helping make the transition a bit easier.
It is sort of a rite of passage isn’t it? College that is. You go in an older child and are expected to be an adult when you are done. Great points.
I met quite a few of my current friends while I was in college. So, your tip on keeping up with your classmates kinda strikes a chord with me. That is one of the most important tips in this list, I have found.
Sometimes I feel like I’m still trying to adult after graduation. There is so much you have to do to get your life together, so these are great tips to help grads start off on the right path!
This is all great advice for the college graduate. Keeping in touch with your friends is so important.
This is a great list! I remember working three jobs to put myself through College in addition to some Academic Scholarships that I earned in High School. I think we are always ‘adulting’ aren’t we? The day I stop learning is the day I die!
You’re so blessed to done everything! I’m also a college grad. these are great list.
This is a very informative post! I graduated in December so I can certainly relate. xx Rebeka
I’m 33 and still don’t feel as if I have ‘adulted’! Good luck with your blog and landing your dream job!
This is such a great and inspiring post! You sound very adult and I believe you will be very successful in the near future.
What a great post really for any age! I am almost 30 [ in 5 months! ] and I need to take note of some of your tips! 🙂
Adulting after kids was what killed me…I am still not quite there and am hoping my mom will come and do my laundry once in a while (she doesn’t).
I know several people that could use these tips. I on the other hand was married before I was in college. I got married at 19.
Love this but what if I don’t want to adult!! lol I’m going to share your tips with the lil sister
Managing a budget is so important! Your social life is also just as important and often overlooked!
Every person is different so it is so hard to have a set “adulting” guide. I do think there are basics for everyone. The hardest part is to understand it all takes time and not try and make it all happen overnight. I love the car example!
When we were looking for our new vehicles we used Auto Trader too. I love that you can find cars in your area based on specific searches.
We definitely need a little help at first after graduation. These are really helpful tips especially the budget. Love the car too!
Having to really and truly be an adult after graduation was something I was really not prepared for! Such a different world!
The car looks amazing.Plus the tips for after graduation are awesome.
These are all great tips and there are so many people who have no idea how to adult…like ever! So, thanks for sharing and I will share subtly with people who I think could use some tips!
I have heard of Autotrader. I agree reliable is imperative when it comes to transportation.
Love how you used adult as a verb. I’m not at the post grad point yet with my kids but I’m sure a car will be a possible gift.
Go Panthers! My sweetie went to Clark Atlanta. Anyhow, I still need to work on some of these adulting skills. I am constantly telling myself how much I don’t feel like an adult.
My college graduation seems like it was so long ago. I can still recall what a momentous milestone it was in my life. I am so proud of this accomplishment to this day.
Keeping up with social life outside of school is definitely different! It’s a lot harder and requires more effort.
My friend recently bought her new car using autotrader and it worked out really well for her. Such a great site!
Good for you, it feels good to have your own. Work hard pays off. 🙂
I feel like adulating is something we’re constantly learning to do. I’ve been out of college for several years now and there’s still days where I don’t “adult” very well.
Awesome post with some really great tips! I need to share this with my College student so he can start making the right steps for his future. Thanks so much for sharing…
I cackle every time I see “adulting”…love it! Great tips that I’m sure will come in handy especially this graduation season for the new grads! It’s rough but you’re definitely on to a lot of things here. Excellent post!
Oh How I hate adulting, but it’s inevitable. lol Great tips. Working on adulting my transportation. I need a car badly. The NYC transit system helps, but it can’t be life.
Adulting is hard! 🙂 When our oldest finished school, we paid for her to go through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University so that she could start off her adult life on a good foot financially! These are great tips!
I just purchased my first car without help from my parents or my husband and it was so stressful. I felt like I was “adulting” for the first time.
Good for you…I was already an adult when I did post grad studies…LOL
Adulting truly is trial and error and no one knows what the heck they’re doing. I feel like I was thrown out to the lions after high school. A few years later, my husband and I had our oldest son. Girl, we’re still recovering. Auto Trader is my husband’s goto site when researching vehicles. We’re about due for an SUV upgrade, so we’ll be clicking around soon.
Great tips, especially managing your budget. You proved that point with your economical car choice. It’s a money-saver and great on gas.
Adulting is hard period lol. But these are great tips and having great car resources like AutoTrader gives graduates one less thing to worry about .
Oh my goodness I wish that I could pay someone to adult for me! LOL! You’ve got some great tips here. I think that anyone reading would take away some fantastic nuggets.
I have a whole baby and still don’t want to adult LOL. These were brat tips though! And I may have to look in to autotrader!