So you've done it! You've managed to turn that bright and shiny new BA or BSc into a full time job. Congrats! And if you're anything like me, you expected some changes, but not all of the changes. Here are eight totally relatable things that happen when you get your first full time job
1. You're going to spend a lot of money...like a lot
Getting a job has quite literally been the most expensive thing of my entire life. I've lived in apartments with other people for the last two years and never really took into account how much sharing was done and how much furniture was provided by the school...and how much that all costs.
2. Packing is hard
Packing up to go to college is hard on it's own. Now add in heavy furniture that have odd angles, kitchen and bathroom stuff, and all those things you kept in storage over the summer.
3. Holidays are not a given
I think we understand this in principle when we're in school, that it's not always normal to get every 5 weeks vacation in the middle of the year, but it's a whole other story when you start to factor in using vacation times for the days in between Christmas and New Years, because, guess what, those aren't federal holidays and just because you want to party your socks off January 31st doesn't mean you won't be in the office first till 5.
4. Buying a new wardrobe is expensive but necessary
While you may have been able to roll up to Anthro 101 at 8:30 am in your yoga pants and letters, that's just so not the case when you get your first job. And the fact that you go from sandals to booties may be great in college, it doesn't translate super well to the business casual work environment.
5. You realize you took things like sugar, oil, salt, and pepper for granted
Whether you were living at home or at school, there always seemed to be certain basic condiments around at your disposal. While the ranch being out may have been the biggest stress of nug night, like ever, it's nothing compared to the fact that buying that ranch, plus the salt, plus the pepper, plus the butter and all the other food items needed to make those nugs is expensive, not to mention frustrating.
6. Meal prepping becomes a real thing
Because no one can afford take out every single night for lunch and dinner on entry level salary.
7. You get first day jitters like you did in elementary school
Just because you impressed them during the interview process, doesn't mean that you magically feel 115% capable of doing the job you were hired for. Your first professional job is about learning and growth, and that sometimes means conversations you didn't feel like having, but needed to have anyways. And that's a lot to keep in mind going into the first day!
8. But every day, even if it's just by making your bed, you realize that you're still killing this whole adulting thing!
Because at least you got the wine bottle open without incident, right?