by Frank Shetland

Created on: February 12, 2007   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

A long, strange trip can't really encompass the college experience, but after it's finally over many of us feel like we're standing on the stage alone saying, "what now?"
From someone who recently went through the trauma of realizing that the next time I would be so closely knit with my immediate peers would be in a nursing home, there are a few things that can make your transition a bit easier. Let me give you a few pointers:

1. You might rather drown yourself than move back home, but the reality is often that college graduates need a little time to save before getting out on their own. If you have the opportunity to do so, and no other options for cheap living, give it a try for 6 months. You can always move after that.

2. A better option might be finding a camp or conference center that will provide housing while you work there. I did so at a YMCA conference center that recruits international students for short-term work. This is how I met my husband. Romantic, eh? These conference centers rarely turn into career options, but they are wonderful ways to make connections, possibly with people all over the world, while taking that first babystep towards a place of your own.

3. Join an organization. Or start one. Just like when you first arrived at college, this is one of the quickest ways to make friends with similar interests. You may also want to volunteer for an organization that you have always had an interest in, but never had time to devote to.

4. Read What Color is Your Parachute. You don't even have to read the whole thing. The important thing is that you are not going to find a job that you will be successful and happy at unless you do what you want to do, and prepare for it. The tips on landing a job are out of this world. I was hired for the first job I applied to after reading those tips and putting them into action.

5. Cut costs. This is a time to start saving. Make extra payments on your student loan. Buy an espresso maker-don't go to the coffee shop. Don't eat out-instead learn to cook gourmet dinners. Do not-DO NOT-pay for cable or satellite. You are better off making social connections. You might need professional attire-so when you have to buy, make sure you can mix and match most of your outfits, so repeating a pair of pants doesn't mean repeating an outfit. Try to find out if you can walk to more of your destinations.

6. Set up a checking and savings account and have your money direct deposited. Make sure you set up reasonable savings goals and have that amount automatically put in your savings account. Don't look at your savings as something that belongs to you. It belongs to future you.

Learning these tips has made my life a heckuva lot easier, and I hope you can benefit from them as well.

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