5 Things I Learned When I Started Working

After high school, most of us go to college for a piece of paper that most big companies require before they hire. At least that's what our parents told us. Get a degree, find a job. 

Having to spend a year and a month in a huge multinational company, I learned that life is not as easy as you see it in the movies. There's no easy money, especially when you're just starting. Well, that's what most Millennials expect, am I right? Who doesn't want a high paying job the moment you step out of university? Sadly. not everyone gets that kind of luck (and connections). So let me share with you 5 things I learned when I started working.

Ayala Ave. Photo from Wikipedia.

1. It's okay to have close friends at work

As you might have heard from your other friends or family, having a close relationship with your colleagues is a don't. Well, I'm here to tell that you should--especially if it's one of the only things that's keeping you motivated to stay.

A post shared by Gerone Tolentino (@gerone_t) on Jul 16, 2016 at 11:37pm PDT

One of my managers used to say that there are four things you should consider before you resign. Money, workload, boss, and friends.

2. Being financially independent is almost impossible

Most of us think that being independent after college is like living the yuppie dream. Wrong. Being independent while earning a little above minimum wage is barely the "yuppie dream". Some have it easier with their parents paying for rent, etc. But there are hundreds out there who are barely making ends meet.

A post shared by Brenin And Hailey ❄️🐕🍻🍷🥂🍵 (@hails617) on Apr 18, 2017 at 12:10pm PDT

Throwback to the times when you don't have to think about bills and expenses. Sadly, we all have to move on and face this harsh reality we call life.

3. Quitting your job asap is probably not the best choice

I think we're all aware of what Millennials are in the work place: a bunch of job-hopping, entitled crybabies that can't even stay put in a firm for a year. Don't get me wrong, I've been in the same 'let's look for another job' boat because of reasons. I guess almost everyone talks about this once or twice (and by once or twice I mean maybe a couple of hundred times).

A post shared by 27 Project (@thecubicleconfessions) on Apr 8, 2015 at 8:04am PDT

But who doesn't want the idea of a high paying job in a new environment where you can have a fresh start? While job-hopping may seem to be today's trend, gathering solid foundation and enough experience in a single company for a year or two doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. It's not rocket science, my friends. As my mother used to tell me, resign now and stay as an associate forever.

4. Traveling is a luxury

Although a piso-fare flight to Siargao sounds good and almost too good to be true, what comes after that is the real problem. You have to think of your accommodation, food, activities, and other expenses. Sure there are millions of articles out there that proves this otherwise, but let's face it. Traveling is, and will be, a luxury. It's just something not everyone can afford.

A post shared by Traverse Philippines (@traversephilippines) on Apr 18, 2017 at 8:06am PDT

I'm not saying that you should stop traveling. Traveling is one of the best experiences I've made, and one of the most rewarding things I've done. But before clicking that 'book now' button, think carefully about how you'll budget, save, and spend your money. Check your liquidity. Can you pay for your credit card? Do you have enough money in your savings account? Or should you be even touching you savings? But if you have the money for that one week trip to Hong Kong, be my guest! Although, if you go broke, don't tell me I didn't warn you!

5. But these are all part of life that everyone will and had experienced

Sure you're barely saving money, commute to and from the South, bring baon everyday just to join that trip to Batangas, and all these tipid things you're doing because of what you found on the internet. But one day, you'll look back and laugh at your broke self and thank them; they made you become the person you are now.

A post shared by The Alpha (@seanxsebastian) on Apr 17, 2017 at 6:31pm PDT

Always stick to your goals and never give up. But don't overwork yourself just because of this. It's still nice to travel occasionally, drink beers on a Friday night, have overnights in a friend's condo and watch horror movies, play badminton late night with your officemates and question yourselves after why you guys did it. It's not wrong to have fun after all!

How's your experience as a yuppie so far? Tell us below!