So, I am in the process of deciding between some job offers with good news to be announced publicly soon! However, I thought a list of things to consider when setting up a job and life for yourself after graduation may be super useful for some people. Keep in mind, this list is just what I have encountered thus far; I am still learning the process myself.

• Job Benefits & Pay
  • What will your job cover? Insurance, relocation stipend, etc.
  • How much are you paid (yearly, biweekly, taxes, etc.)
  • This is going to help you plan the rest of these bullet points.
• Housing
  • Start to research areas you like and reasonable price ranges for you
  • Make sure you know and are comfortable with your commute time
• Budget
  • Think about setting up a monthly budget. This will help you have enough money for things like rent, food, and savings but also allow you to have some guilt-free fun money.
  • Make sure that you have a budget plan for getting set up at your new location (moving money, transportation money, first deposit on a place, etc.).
• Moving
  • How/when are you getting to your new housing location? How are you moving all of your stuff and who is helping you?
• General Timeline
  • If you have some time between your graduation and job start date, how do you want to spend that time? Relaxing, vacation, family, friends, etc.
• Transportation
  • How are you getting around your new city/area and to/from work? Is the public transportation clean and safe enough at the times of days you may use it? Is your car going to fit in the majority of parking garages and spaces? Is there parking at your job?
• Get Excited!!
  • Start to plan some weekend adventures for when you get there! The beautiful thing about full-time work is that you will (hopefully) get some more work/life balance time for things like exploring your area with friends. Start researching things that you are looking forward to doing (state parks, bike paths, farmers markets, etc.).