Graduation: Navigating from school to the workforce
By JT Bicket
Our life is made up of many moments. Some are joyful, others are challenging. It’s moments of excitement and moments of uncertainty that radically shape who we are and who we are becoming. For young adults, the month of May often marks the end of the school year, and for many a significant moment, graduation. As young college grades begin to transition into the workforce they are filled with excitement but also face new challenges. Here are four recommendations for recent college grads to make the most of this next season:
- Find community in your local church
Beginning a new career often means relocating. If it’s not returning home or staying in your college town, this next season is going to introduce new routines and a new community. Being a part of a church family as a student is one of the best decisions that you can make. This is the same for you as you begin your career. Consider joining a young adult or young professionals ministry at a local church and begin tithing your time and finances as a way to live generously. The community you build outside of your work will be a great source of friendship and encouragement as you navigate your new job.
2. Stick to your financial principles
Just because your environment changes don’t mean solid biblical financial principles do. As your income, expenses, and routine change financial stewardship only becomes more important. As we’ve shared before, our finances should be viewed as three things: a tool, a test, and a testimony. One of the greatest challenges for new employees is to begin a rhythm of generosity if they haven’t already established a habit. Generosity not only impacts those around us but is an opportunity to take part in God’s redemptive work this side of eternity. To read more about living with hands wide open and what it looks like to view money as a tool, test, and testimony, check out https://www.liberty.edu/business/simply-money/money-squeeze-and-money-ease/.
3. Live within your means
Building smart money habits is so important to begin as early in your career as you can. As you begin to make the transition out of college into the workforce you’ll see a dramatic increase in your income and your expenses. This is one of the most important times to live below your means. In other words, don’t consume or spend at the level of income you are taking in. Consider this an opportunity to build on, or perhaps establish for the first time, habits of saving, investing, and giving. Being disciplined with your budget and resources will be one of the greatest investments early on in your career. What does it mean to live within your means? Read about some of the smart money habits you can begin establishing today – https://www.liberty.edu/business/simply-money/smart-money-habits/.
4. Spend time in Scripture & Prayer
Proverbs 3:5-6, states “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Look back on your journey and education – consider what may have led you to begin your career. It’s no question that God knew you would be where you are right now! As you navigate this next season filled with excitement and uncertainty, hold fast to what is true – that God loves you and that His Word never returns void.
Here at the Center for Financial Literacy, we equip students to take ownership of their finances and build a positive relationship with money that enables them to practice biblical stewardship now and into their careers. Consider setting up an appointment with one of our peer financial coaches returning Fall 2020!
