Here is a pretty useless (to the reader, probably) blog post that is really for my own nostalgia and edification... I was reflecting on some decisions I made post-college, as I tried to learn how to navigate my own life, without others' expectations, and what has worked for me:
- Keeping notebooks. In particular, a notebook I've kept for interview preparation has been super useful and I keep referring to it. I also keep notebooks for travel (from Il Papiro), for recipes (actually useful and I barely cook...), and for reading notes (because who remembers what they read...). And for poetry... because I don't buy many of those books
- I wish I had taken the GRE immediately after graduation. I had the time, and it would have been useful
- I should have felt less guilty about spending money on high quality clothing immediately after graduation. I hardly spent any money on clothing during college, and all the cheap stuff I bought for my first job I've since donated. I knew better alternatives and just put off buying them for some silly reason. I was lucky enough to have had the money, and I'm spending more money by buying the fancier thing now. If I ended up not using it I could have sold it
- I should have prioritized exercise and an exercise routine earlier on. I don't know why I thought exercise was almost solely for losing weight
- I should have bought a Chanel purse, because the price increases since are crazy and I could be selling it now for profit (and I was lucky enough to have had the liquidity)
- In general, I should have realized that expensive jewelry, handbags, and clothing--while they may have wear and tear--rather than being frivolous purchases are indeed luxury investments that can be resold for value, if ever needed (but in the meantime could be worn and actually enjoyed, unlike my unpredictable-in-the-short-term brokerage account)
- Should have put more money in my Roth IRA, don't know why I was so afraid to do so--it's been over five years since I've been working and I could withdraw the money now (I did put some, but not the full amount until a couple of years ago). Maybe this is situational, based on the fact that I did not in fact go to graduate school within five years
- I'm glad I bought the luxury makeup/hair products/skincare I wanted because I still use them today and know what works for me
- I'm glad I traveled and wish I had done so more, which I know everyone says... and I thought I had done enough for my age, but really I wish I did more
- I wish I printed out more photos before deleting them from my phone, because the memories are quite useful
- I am glad I purchased books, because even though it is hard to bring them with you during a move I am hoping they will be life-long relics
- Glad I developed a robust and conservative budget, and learned about investing and retirement funds early on (thank you, Wellesley)
- I am glad I went for umrah again, with my family. I thought it was silly because I've already been as a child, but it really was a personally valuable experience
