Congrats! You just graduated into the real world. You are now going to be asked to do things that perhaps no one has ever taught you. Adulting can be great once you figure it out. For some of this information, you can get advice but some are trial and error to see what works for you. You will get there. I work with some clients who are fine at work because there are structure and guidelines but can’t seem to get anything done at home because there is no structure.
There are loads of blogs that give new grads financial advice. I don’t give money advice; it is not my expertise but I will say this – don’t put off or ignore student loans, pay yourself first, pay your bills on time and live within your means. Find a reputable source for money matters or ask a family member or friend who can give you good advice.
Adulting comes with a lot of responsibilities other than your job.
Paperwork
I have been in apartments, offices, and homes that look like they were swallowed up by paper. Click here for a document of what you need to keep and how you should keep it.
- Go paperless or as close as you can
- Keep paper contained in one place- binder, filing cabinet, file box. It really doesn’t matter as long as it has a home.
- Get a paper shredder and use it.
- Use one planner to keep track of your life; work and personal. It should be your one trusted source.
- Schedule all of your to-dos for an actual time and then do them during that time
Click here for a document of what you need to keep and how you should keep it.
Cleaning and Laundry:
If you have never cleaned before or you are unsure you are doing it right, go to YouTube. I just checked it out. I found videos on how to clean your bathroom, how to clean your room and how to do your laundry.
- Schedule it in your planner! Be consistent.
- Big cleaning every other week is usually good for an apartment.
- Kitchens should be cleaned daily as far as counters, sinks, tables and stovetops. The floors and inside the fridge can be done during the big cleans.
- If you have a roommate, make it fun.
- If you live alone give yourself a small reward; i.e. time to do something you enjoy – watching a movie, reading a book, or seeing friends.
Self-care
I have spent more time talking about eating, sleeping and exercising than I ever thought I would as a coach and organizer. But self-care can also mean finding supportive, realizing you need some help and getting that help. people who can help you there is nothing wrong with getting help when you need it.
- Learn to cook – if you can’t afford a local cooking class, once again go to YouTube.
- Make sleep a priority if it isn’t already. The brain needs to recharge.
- Everyone needs to exercise. Figure out what that means to you and do it.
Manners matter
Truly if you don’t think you have good manners or are in a field where you are work with people who are older than you, again YouTube to the rescue. Here is what I tell my own children.
- Put down your phone when talking to people
- Don’t check personal emails, FB, Snapchat, Twitter, texts, Tumblr, Pinterest and so on during work hours.
- Have good table manners
- Let people out of a door before walking in a door.
- Men- yes open doors for women
- Say please, thank you, excuse me and God Bless You (or some other version) when appropriate
If you are having trouble with these tasks, need them broken down more or more assistance learning them, ask for help.
