Sleepless nights are no longer practical
Sure, you did it through school just fine, but now the stakes are higher. Walking into class in your pajamas might have been acceptable then, but it won’t win you any points in the office now. Professionalism is key, as is recognizing your own limitations: Happy hour doesn’t work in your favor if you have a big meeting the next day, or are on deadline for an important project.
Treat every job interview like a term paper
You know all that time you spent studying and cramming? Think of it as an asset that will help set you apart from other applicants. It’s just as important to take some time to research your interviewer’s achievements and the corporate culture of a company before you talk to the recruiter or hiring manager. Ask intelligent questions, think about what you want to say ahead of time, and formulate a script of what you hope to highlight about your education and accomplishments so you don’t get stuck or come off as unprofessional.
Roommate issues remain the same
Navigating a new living space is the first step in developing great negotiation tactics. Be proactive and discuss your likes, dislikes, expectations and pet peeves with potential roommates prior to signing a new lease. Respect is a two-way street, and if you want to be treated like an adult, you have to demonstrate that you can follow the rules.
Your circle of friends will grow smaller
In college, friends are your everything, but in the real world, many will fall to the wayside as you grow older and become a product of your experiences. This demonstrates who you can really count on when the going gets tough. Don’t let yourself get caught up in the vicious cycle of trying to hit every birthday bash or group outing you’re invited to. Focus your energies on your core group of go-to pals and just make sure to check in with everyone else when time allows.
There’s no such thing as failure … only life lessons
You got laid off. Your boss chewed you out. Your boyfriend dumped you. Real life is like a classroom — only now you’re not being graded on your performance. Don’t get caught up in obsessing. Now is the time to apply what you’ve learned to the future and figure out ways and solutions as to how you can do it differently next time around. Everything happens for a reason, so focus your energies on how you can change and grow for the better.
