What Is Wrong with Just Getting By?
I remember my early years, just out of high school. I was going to college and working part-time and staying at my parent’s home.
I was able to do things with my friends with very little planning. I was able to get by.
You may get away from your parent’s home by moving in with friends. Of course, not all your friends are as responsible as you and when the rent is due and there is not enough money to pay it, panic sets in! So much for that arrangement!
So, What Changed?
Getting by is only good when things are good. You can eat and have a place to sleep and a little cash in your pocket.
Your needs will change when you want others in your life, your own home/apartment, and your own bathroom! (I cannot promise that the last one will ever be!)
When Getting by Becomes a Struggle
Your life could take a few turns depending on your decisions about your future.
Perhaps, you might get a job paying a minimum wage that helps you to “get by”. However, your friends will invite you to activities, after all, they are your friends and like to see you on occasion. How will you afford those activities?
Your friends might be more focused than you, complete with goals and working on an education or an opportunity for a better job. Now, the pressure is on for you to do something positive with your life!
What Is Wrong with Getting Better?
As you observe your friends doing things to make their lives go better financially, you may start looking for your own path for better times in your life.
Making life-long career goals early in your life is difficult and not always doable. The best place to start is with your interests and what careers could incorporate your interests. At that point you could set some goals for the next year to gain some skills that will help you be more employable and look for courses to move you closer to better pay and opportunities.
It is my desire that you try to learn a better mindset for money. Starting with your income, you can start considering options for work opportunities, full-time or part-time.
Job Income Options
Working a full-time job allows for easier scheduling for days off, vacations, and holidays. However, if skill improvement through certification or other forms of education courses take up a lot of your time, you could wear yourself out in the short run.
Another option is working part-time with the potential of getting more hours with a second job. The scheduling is harder. And the benefits, like health insurance and paid vacations are few. Although, with the recent labor shortage in certain industries, some benefits are being offered to part-time workers.
Lucky you!
“Get a Job!”
When you are young, getting a job is both a pleasure and a pain. There is pleasure in getting a paycheck. And a pain because you must get up early, like going to school, and some work is not pleasant, like washing pots and pans.
Hey, Welcome to Adulthood!
Becoming an adult means you are taking on responsibilities!
You may stumble a little, at first. However, you can adjust and learn to do for yourself with less help from Mom and Dad!
Make the Best of Your Situation
As you experience the work force, you may have a crummy job, at least in your eyes. However, keep at it. Learn to endure. And use this situation to gain incentive to move on to better opportunities.
Learn about simple things that could make your job more efficient. Be polite to the boss. Be eager to do good work. Learn the right way to do things.
That may sound simple. Though you will observe others with a bad attitude about everything and notice that they will quit or get fired. They refuse to fit the job.
Note : I said do your best. I did not say stop looking for another, better paying and more interesting job. Just do your best, with a good attitude while you are there.
Aim High!
Regardless of where you are today, in your work life, your income source, you should remember that you have many years ahead to live. You will have many work opportunities come your way.
Get ready for them. Learn all you can on each job that will aid you on future jobs. Talk to others to help define what those future jobs may look like. Ask yourself, “What do I need to learn to be ready for that opportunity?”
As you accomplish small goals, you will gain some confidence to set bigger goals that require more effort over a longer period. You can grow into the person you need to be to reach those goals.
By regular reading, talking to friends and family and others that are doing what you might like to do, you will start to build confidence for your next move up in work responsibility.
If the opportunity needs more specific education look for ways to get that. Manage your current income so you will be able to save for your future. You may have to save over a given time to get the needed funds for education that can benefit you over the rest of your work life.
Now, you are starting to see the possibilities! You can do this!