13 Things I Wish I'd Done Differently At 22 | The Financial Diet

Summary

Chelsea from The Financial Diet shares personal insights on the mistakes she wishes she hadn't made at 22. Her candid advice covers learning to say no, not letting early decisions define her, being selective with unpaid work, and the importance of negotiating salaries. She also emphasizes the value of maintaining friendships, managing living spaces, and balancing social media consumption. Chelsea encourages embracing change and understanding that identity is fluid, not fixed by career or status.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Learn to say 'no' to commitments you can't fulfill to avoid last-minute cancellations and stress.
• 🎓 Understand that early career decisions do not define you for life and it's okay to explore different paths.
• 💼 Be selective with unpaid work and ensure it benefits your career progression.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Be less confrontational with parents, as they often have your best interests at heart.
• 💰 Always negotiate your salary, as your initial pay sets the base for future earnings.
• 👔 Be smart about purchasing professional attire; one good interview outfit is often enough to start.
• 👭 Accept that not all friendships will transition from school to real life, and that's okay.
• 🙅‍♀️ Avoid taking jobs solely because they are available; wait for the right fit rather than settling.
• 🏠 Take pride in your living space; a well-organized home can positively impact your life and work.
• 📱 Reduce social media consumption to alleviate pressure from perceived success of others.
• 🛠️ Pursue side projects to diversify your skills and experiences beyond your primary job.
• 🎉 Cherish the time with school friends, as these relationships may naturally change post-graduation.
• 🆔 Recognize that your identity is fluid and does not need to be rigidly defined by labels or status.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Chelsea's video from The Financial Diet?

The main theme of Chelsea's video is sharing personal insights and advice on what she wishes she had done differently at the age of 22, particularly in relation to post-grad life and financial preparedness.

Why does Chelsea emphasize the importance of not overcommitting to things you can't follow through on?

Chelsea emphasizes this because overcommitting can lead to feelings of dread and stress when looking at a calendar full of undesired obligations, and it's better to save oneself from the guilt and headache of last-minute cancellations.

What is Chelsea's perspective on the decisions made at 22 in terms of long-term impact?

Chelsea believes that decisions made at 22, such as choosing a career path, should not be seen as defining one's entire life. She encourages the understanding that it's normal to explore different paths and make mistakes early in one's career.

Why does Chelsea suggest being more selective about unpaid work?

Chelsea advises being selective about unpaid work because it's common to feel obligated to take on such roles to gain experience. However, she points out the importance of evaluating whether the opportunity is truly beneficial and not just a means of exploitation.

What advice does Chelsea give regarding relationships with parents during the early professional years?

Chelsea advises being less confrontational with parents, acknowledging that they usually have the best intentions and that their advice is often valuable. She suggests listening to them and trusting their judgment in many cases.

How does Chelsea feel about salary negotiation and why is it important according to her?

Chelsea feels that salary negotiation is crucial and often overlooked. She regrets not starting to negotiate earlier, as it can significantly impact one's earnings and career growth over time.

What mistake did Chelsea make regarding the purchase of professional clothes and what is the suggested approach?

Chelsea made the mistake of overinvesting in professional clothes before securing a job, which was unnecessary and financially imprudent. The suggested approach is to have one good interview outfit and then buy more clothes as needed once the job is secured.

Why is it important to accept that not all friendships will transition from school to real life, according to Chelsea?

Chelsea believes it's important to accept this because many friendships are contextual and may not withstand changes in life circumstances. She advises not to take it personally and to focus on strengthening the friendships that do endure.

What is Chelsea's stance on taking jobs just for the sake of having a job after college?

Chelsea advises against taking a job just because it's available, especially if it's not a good fit. She suggests it's better to take time to find the right career path, even if it means working part-time jobs in the meantime.

How does Chelsea view the importance of maintaining and organizing one's living space?

Chelsea views maintaining and organizing one's living space as a reflection of one's life and work. She believes that taking care of one's home can set a positive tone for one's professional life and personal well-being.

What advice does Chelsea offer regarding social media consumption for recent graduates?

Chelsea advises recent graduates to reduce social media consumption to alleviate the pressure of comparing oneself to others who may appear to have their lives more figured out. She suggests focusing on one's own journey rather than the curated highlights of others.

Why does Chelsea recommend taking on side projects and how can they benefit one's career?

Chelsea recommends taking on side projects to diversify one's professional experiences and skills. This can help in discovering long-term career interests and building a well-rounded portfolio that adds value to one's professional self.

What does Chelsea suggest about embracing the time with school friends as one transitions into post-grad life?

Chelsea suggests cherishing and treasuring the time with school friends, as these relationships may naturally change or fade after graduation. She recommends creating shared experiences to strengthen these bonds before the transition.

How does Chelsea view the concept of identity and self-definition post-graduation?

Chelsea views identity as fluid and not something that needs to be rigidly defined immediately after graduation. She advises against the pressure of finding a label that fits and encourages embracing the fluidity and changeability of one's identity.