You have done the impossible, which is to graduate from an academic institution. You did it, now what? It’s assumed that if you go to school, get good grades and graduate, you will get a good job. But, we all know someone who followed that script and still ended up working at a low paying, dead end job. So, how do you avoid that? Here are a few tips that will separate you from the pack. I like to think of this process as a journey, so fly with me as we go through these tips.
- Pick your destination: Decide your streams of income. Most millionaires have at least seven sources of income. Decide what you love to do and find people to pay you to do it. If you love creating fashion and you are working as an office manager, you can have a Poshmark account where you sell your items. Since you are a great fashionista you should always show up dressed as your brand and make sure your social media reflects that. Offer fashion tips to the people who work with you. You can marry the things you love with the things you are good at. If love photography, make sure you always have your camera ready at the office functions.
- Board the plane: Take Action Now! You have acquired a level of education that someone else will find useful. Those people need to know that you have it. Take this time to meet and network with as many people as possible who are in your field of interest. Utilize Eventbrite and Meetup to find those groups of people who are doing what you want to do. Create a quality business card and hand them out after you have had a personal conversation with someone. Connect with people using social media platforms including LinkedIn. Offer your knowledge in exchange for theirs. Consider helping a business owner around his or her business while they teach you how they got started.
- Sit in first class with only first class people. You are destined to go somewhere and if your current circle of friends isn’t headed there, then be mindful of how much time and energy you offer them. You should surround yourself with people who are headed where you are headed. Leave the naysayers, negative Nancy and Complaining Chris, to their own demise. Spend 90% of your day with like-minded people who support your vision and who are working on theirs. There’s an old saying, “If you hang around four broke people you are bound to be the fifth!” Cliché number two: Birds of a feather flock together. So make sure you have the right team, squad, tribe, etc.
- Put your oxygen mask on first: Self -care. Whenever you take a plane ride, the flight attendants remind us to secure our oxygen mask first, and then assist children or people around you. You cannot be helpful to anyone if you are not healthy yourself. Make your medical appointments, exercise, eat well and do things that reduce stress. You should see a dentist at least twice a year and get a physical once a year. To maintain current weight, 30 minutes a day of exercise is required. Comfort food is fine every once in a while, but make sure you get your daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Enjoy your burger and fries but with a salad and water. There are a number of methods that reduce stress. Consider getting weekly massages, taking up a yoga class or meeting with a therapist.
These are a few things to consider now that you are entering a new part of your life. Make the important decisions, take action, tighten up your circle and care for yourself!
Be Well
Chantel Jackson, LMSW
