Life is an epic journey, but are you ever really ready for the “real world”?
Here are a few important pointers you probably didn’t pick up at school.
When you go to varsity, you become your own person. That means you run the show. No more relying on your mom or dad to wake you. Are you really still doing this? If so, stop at once! While it can be liberating to manage your own time and make your own rules, it comes with a lot of responsibility. Yes, sleeping in is cool. Crippling anxiety because you aren’t properly prepared for an exam? Not so much fun. Figure out a routine, and try and stick to it. We’re not saying you need to become a stickler for the rules. Carve out time for fun, sure. But balance it with time for some of the serious stuff too. You know, like passing all your subjects every term. If you want to save time managing your money, move to SA’s leading digital bank, Capitec. Check your statements, transfer money or buy airtime using the Capitec app.
Deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life is scary. Just a few decades ago, people often opted for a job they didn’t necessarily like just so they could provide for their families. These days we have way more freedom. We no longer have to conform to gender stereotypes, and new roles are being created every day. An increasing number of people choose to steer clear of full-time employment and give freelance work a go. Use this time to broaden your horizons. And no, we don’t mean getting to know the bartender at your local dive. Applying for short courses in different industries is super easy and convenient. Discover what gets you excited, have fun and explore!
Your clique from high school might shift a little as you take different classes or attend different universities. Your interests may change, and some of you may even grow apart. This is okay. Your besties will always stick with you, so don’t be scared to branch out and meet some new faces. Some of the most solid friendships are formed during these years of study, as you get a better sense of what you want from life and who you want to be.
Reality check: you are an adult. Yes, a fully-fledged, responsibility-wielding adult. Being an adult is awesome, but it brings with it new challenges and a heavy dose of responsibility. Some aspects of making adult decisions are even quite scary. Feeling feverish? You’re going to have to call the doctor yourself. Need some extra cash? Get a part-time job or side hustle and start saving. No more excuses.
Your days of asking for a hand out are numbered. Sure your mom may spot you that new pair of jeans you’ve been eyeing. And your dad will probably slip you some petrol money next time you visit home. But the best person to manage your money and decisions affecting your finances is, well, you. Set some achievable long-term goals – a trip overseas, down-payment on a car – and start saving towards them. Ask about Capitec’s Global One solution, for instance, which gives you a transaction account and 4 free savings plans, which you can name after your goals and manage on the Capitec app.
