Maybe you pulled off a George Costanza and just started showing up for work, or your uncle called in a favor, but either way, you're officially a member of the workforce. Congratulations! No matter where you'll be hanging your hat, allow us to be of service.

Your First Job


How are you going to get there — on time?

Whatever the atmosphere at your new job, coming in late is usually not a celebrated practice. Get there on time by mapping directions to your new job. Nothing makes you look worse than being late.

Showing up at the right time is one of those implied job requirements that takes reliable transportation. If it's a new job, and you're fresh out of college, you might have a car that's ready to be put up on blocks. If you just got a promotion, and the odometer on your "vintage" Dodge Dart is pushing 200,000 miles, you might want to upgrade to a newer model. To help determine what's right for you, answer the following questions:

  • Should I get a new or used car? We can all agree that new-car smell is pretty intoxicating, but something a little more lived in (hopefully not literally) can have its cozy charm, too. Click Here to get help sorting through these options.
  • Should I lease or buy? Click Here to get to the bottom of this time-honored question.
  • Should I keep what I have? There's nothing like the elegance of simplicity, but if your budget allows a CD player or something a bit beyond bottom-of-the-line, you'll want to be aware of the opportunities. Click Here for a little enlightenment.
  • What'll give me the most bang for my buck? After all, those late nights delivering Domino's weren't just because you looked good in the uniform. Click Here to make sure you don't waste a cent.
  • Bottom line…what's it going to cost each month? If you Click Here, we'll give it to you straight.

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Once you've distinguished your gross from your net, will you be able to buy what you need?

If you're just starting out in a new position, you might need to be more careful about the way you pay for things. After all, you might realize that the job and you are simply not a match and you might move on sooner than planned.

If you've just relocated, you are discovering a gaggle of hidden costs that nobody seemed to mention in advance Moving costs alone can empty a wallet. After you've paid hook-up fees, your long-distance calls and cable bills alone could be larger than the GNP of a developing country. And what about furnishing your new space, stocking up on cookware and the fundamental breaking-in-your-house party?

Budgeting could actually turn out to be your best friend right now, allowing you to be master of your domain, king of your castle, and architect of your destiny. Our section on budgeting will help you determine and accomplish your monthly spending and savings goals. And if you discover you need a one, we can help you find a credit card that's tailored to your needs (can you say frequent flier mileage?), as well as a way to pay off your balance.


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Are you living somewhere that's convenient to your new life?

If you're finally getting settled into your job, you might want to consider moving out of your current home for something that's:

  • Closer — that three hour commute might be great if you want to spend the time learning German, but it can be maddening if you want time for a social life.
  • Nicer — a dishwasher really can change your entire quality of life — and no dishpan hands!
  • Cheaper — we'd rather spend our pocket change on new CDs, too.
  • Safer — it would be nice to lighten that chain of keys from five door locks to two.
  • Right for you, just because — not only does adulthood allow for the consumption of dessert first, but you get to make decisions, simply because you say so.

All good reasons. Now that you've switched jobs, you might feel like you're living on the edge with a whole new thirst for change. Or maybe living closer to work would just make life easier — less stress for you, more beauty sleep, more time for "Simpsons" reruns or just running through the park. A quick visit to Apartments.com will give you the most current listings across the U.S., and City Comparisons will dish the dirt on thousands of neighborhoods, with some pretty lofty standards. You may even want to travel to a few other cities to find out first hand where you want to live. We can help you. Your local welcome wagon will introduce you to what's happening in your area, where to shop and how to learn more about your new neighborhood, including crime, income and public school stats. As an added bonus, they'll give you all kinds of discounts and freebies.


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Do you know what will put you on the fast track to promotions?

Sure they like you, but do they LIKE you? People with the skills that pay the bills who can communicate without making their co-workers cry, usually get promoted. They're called "highly productive" and "low maintenance." If it doesn't come as naturally to you, more education to up your tax bracket and increase your value in the workplace is a great idea. Be pro-active, and find out from your supervisor what company policy is for employees looking to acquire more skills to help the business grow. If you grow, they'll grow, so some companies will pay for night school or a training course. If you're not sure whether you can afford more school, check out our section on financial aid for working people. If you're interested in getting in touch with a host of ways to work your way up the ladder, then you won't want to miss job success factors.

For more information

buy Writing That Works by Kenneth Roman and Joel Raphaelson

buy What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles

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