The Real World is Not Quite What I Imagined in College
When I was in college, I would always here professors and my parents in particular talk about the real world and how things would be different when I was actually there. I imagined this cut-throat world where only the absolutely shrewdest survived, and I hoped that I would be one of those people.
What I eventually found out about the real world, however, was that it is not as hard to live in as everyone makes it out to be, and in many ways, is actually quite simple. The most important thing to do is make plans.
When I graduated from college, I had already interned with a company that eventually gave me a job and I was working full time. I was not making a whole lot of money, but I was able to afford my own place. My car was already paid for, so that was not an issue.
My parents said that now I was out in the real world, I would get a taste of what life was really like, and that I had better be prepared for some setbacks. Now, I don't want to make it out like my life since college has been picture perfect, but I have gotten along fairly well.
The first thing I did when I moved into my apartment was to figure up all of my bills and make a budget for myself. I made sure that I covered everything that I owed and left money out for groceries, recreation, gas for my car and my weekly contributions to my church. I was also able to put some money back into savings that I could dip into for such things as clothes or a car repair.
I made sure that I stuck to my budget and saved, and pretty soon, I was in a fairly good position financially. I also made it a point to be respectful to people at work, do my job to the best of my ability and keep a good attitude, and I really never had any serious problem at my job.
The real world, which I had heard so much about as a place that would be really tough to get along in, was not difficult for me at all. I had a girlfriend and many friends and a loving family, as well.
Because I was saving so well, I was able to travel a little bit and do many culturally-enriching activities such as going to museums and the opera. I spent time with friends at ball games and local sports bars, and had a very fulfilling life at that particular time.
I often look back on my parents' and professors' warnings about the real world and wonder if they were saying those things to me about how tough it would be to help me make sure that I was prepared and ready for anything that life threw at me. If that is the case, it certainly worked.