it’s a common question. what do you do after you graduate? Get a job? Go to graduate school? Bum it?
No matter what you do, here are some tips on surviving the after college blues. Unless you’re some rich bastard who has his entire life set for him, you probably already unconsciously use these methods of surviving.
- work as much as you can. If you have an hourly job, sneak in overtime if you can. Every hour u spend at work counts even if u don’t have any work to do.
- DON’T eat out. If you can limit yourself to going out to eat to once or twice a week (we’re talking just one meal here), you can save yourself about 100$ per week.
- DON’T go clubbing often. The average person spends about $100 per night at a club. If you go clubbing once every weekend for a month, that’s $400 dollars down the hole. Don’t forget about parking either. If you’re in LA, expect $20 to go towards parking.
- DON’T frequent the bar scene. Going to a bar maybe once a week is fine, if you want to just unwind with some friends. However, most post undergrads i talk to will go to a bar 2 or 3 times a week. Even if it is just for that one drink, one drink will cost you $5 to $7. The solution? Buy yourself a 6 pack of quality beer for $10.
- DO get a Costco/Sam’s Club membership. Costco/Sam’s Club is GOLD. A lot of people are skeptical about paying $50 – $100 for a costco membership, but trust me. There’s a reason why so many people shop there. Buying in bulk will save you on average of $5 per item. Even if you are just shopping for yourself, buy items that you don’t have to use right away there. If you’re buying meat, freeze the portions you’re not going to use right away and make sure you let them defrost on their own in the sink before you go to work/school.
- LEARN how to cook. Let’s face it, restaurants make so much damn money because of people who can’t/won’t/don’t cook for themselves. Maybe you don’t know how, maybe you’re just lazy. I love to go to restaurants too, but when ur supporting yourself you have to learn to cut costs. The average person will spend $20 at a restaurant for dinner (excluding tip/tax). You can usually fix your own dinner for about $5-10 and you don’t even have to pay tip. Guys: cooking is also a great way to impress a girl. My advice: learn to cook from mom. If mom is a lousy cook, buy some cook books or watch the Food Network and practice.
I gotta go for now, but more on the way. Check back soon.
